Basics Theory

Learn About User Interface (UI) And User Experience (UX)

First of all you should understand what UI and what UX actually means. Both of these terms will be intertwined as you design websites, but it is important for you as a designer to understand the difference.

UI and UX is all about the little details in web design, that matter. Little things matter.

In simple terms:

• UI – in simple words, user interface is actually the system through which users will interact with the machine. There is hardware and software included in the user interface, hardware in the physical form and software in the logical form.
• UX – also known as user experience or user usability is the way most basic users feel about using an application, a program, a website or anything. User Experience is based on the reactions and responses the user performs and provides. While it can seem related to gaining feedback, it is actually not the same. User Experience is meant to understand and make the user reach the “final goal” which is defined by the owner of the product.

Learn about UX most important factors, which influence a user’s experience with your system/product here. Once you have learned these factors transform this understanding into tangible and perceivable changes you can do in your website.

Since we are on the topic about what elements matter in a good website design, let’s keep going deeper:

• Why UX Design is like Your Clothes – this fun article uses interesting comparison with clothing and UX, must read
• How to Use Images Successfully, Web Design Usability Guide – this study explores how much images affect your design user experience and how to use images in your favor
• Guide to User Flow – The “Foolishly Ignored” Backbone of Website Design
• Essential Factors to Consider When Designing a Website – learn how to design for your target website user to ensure better user experience
• The Elements of Design in Modern Web Design – use these elements like grid, line, form to create a harmonious website that feels and looks good
• How to Make the Best Out of the Fold – as a web designer you will hear the term “above the fold”, it’s important that you learn about it. And while you are on it, make sure you are not making these header mistakes that drive visitors away
• Introduction To Defensive Web Design – what does it mean? The defensive design is also called contingency design and refers to the idea that the interface has to be designed in such a way that potential failures will not force the user away from your webpage, but will keep him there.
• 5 Web Design Colours that Encourage Visitors to Click that Subscribe Button – I know I included this article already in the color section, but this is so important study, that you need to get it right and ensure you are using good colors
• How To Design For The Right Audience – this article talk about the importance to know what age and social group will be visiting website, so you can adjust design to elements they will enjoy. For example medical websites have their specific guidelines, the same way as for kids you would design a different website than for grownup

That was a lot of learning, you now know most than many amateur designers! You deserve some inspiration with web designs across the globe! Enjoy!

Now, since you have learned the good way of creating websites, let’s look at the common mistakes beginner designers make. These two articles are great case studies showing terrible examples and then contrasting good solutions:

• 20 Reasons Why Your Website Design Sucks Part 1
• 20 Reasons Why Your Website Design Sucks Part 2