User Interface Design is the design of websites, computers, appliances, machines, mobile communication devices, and software applications with the focus on the user’s experience and interaction.
User interfaces are everywhere, not just on our mobiles or laptops but in almost every aspect of our lives. Your car dashboard, a TV remote – even a door handle is a user interface. The goal of user interface design (UI) is to make the user’s interaction as simple and efficient as possible, in terms of accomplishing user goals (user-centered design).
User interfaces existed since long before we’ve had tablets and software programs and have posed a challenge to all sorts of web designers and graphic designers for centuries. The UI is the part of a computer, machine or software application that the user interacts with and should often be invisible, allowing the user to complete a task or process without distraction. Interface design is involved in a wide range of projects from computer systems, to cars, to commercial planes; all of these projects involve much of the same basic human interactions yet also require some unique skills and knowledge. As a result, designers tend to specialize in certain types of projects and have skills centered on their expertise, whether that be software design, user research, web design, or industrial design.
User interfaces exist in many different forms and in countless environments, the same principles always apply to UI design. To achieve the goal as efficient and simple an interaction as possible for users, designers should be able to carry out the desired process with as little friction as possible.
The first rule in user interface design is understanding the user’s needs… then you can design to meet their requirements
Why is the User Interface Design so important?
User interface design is very important because it defines how users can act along with your website or application and the way they feel once using it. how the UI feels is termed user expertise (UX) and therefore the quality of your ux will aeffect how comfortable and intuitive it’s, which in turn can aeffect how usually people use your app and in what ways that they use it.
All this may ultimately effect how successful your app or website design or UI is, whatever the platform, as users will continuously gravitate towards those apps that give them with a more seamless and enjoyable experience.
Once you understand who your user is, you’ll want to make your web or mobile app as easy to use for them as possible.
What is the function of your application?
What is the user trying to achieve?
These are the questions you need to ask before you start creating your interface. There shouldn’t be complicated, hard to master gestures, menus should be well thought out and easy to navigate, and the user should never feel lost. Warning and error messages should be helpful — not just a declaration that the user has done something wrong. If your audience doesn’t like the experience of actually using your app they simply won’t use it at all.
Achieving a good user experience depends on a number of factors. Function is important, it’s not only how the UI works that matters but how it looks as well.
Even if your app works perfectly, most people will not enjoy looking at ugly interfaces.