2.3 KiB
2.3 KiB
UI/UX Best Practices
UI/UX Dos
- Prioritize Accessibility: Ensure text has a high contrast ratio and include alternative text for all images.
- Maintain Consistency: Use uniform typography, spacing systems (e.g., 8-pixel grids), and color palettes across all pages to reduce user cognitive load.
- Design Clear Visual Hierarchy: Use size, weight, and strategic whitespace to make the primary action (CTA) stand out clearly.
- Implement Single-Column Forms: Keep form fields stacked in a single column for an easier, seamless input flow.
- Optimize for Touch (Fitts's Law): Ensure all buttons and clickable elements have a minimum hit target of 44 × 44 pixels so they are easy to tap on mobile.
- Apply Hick's Law: Limit user choices to prevent decision paralysis. Simplify navigation and form inputs.
- Chunk Information (Miller's Law): Break down complex content into smaller, readable chunks (groups of 5-7 items max).
- Structure via Boundaries (Law of Common Region): Group related content within clear visible containers (like cards or border divisions).
- Leverage F-Shaped Scanning: Position critical branding and primary CTA paths at the top and left of layouts where human eyes naturally scan first.
UI/UX Don'ts
- Don't Let Aesthetics Compromise Usability: Avoid choosing fancy fonts, hidden navigation menus, or complex animations if they make it difficult for users to find information.
- Don't Use Color Alone to Convey Meaning: Always pair colors with labels or icons (e.g., in error states) to accommodate color-blind users.
- Don't Auto-Play Videos with Sound: This is highly disruptive; give users full control over media.
- Don't Overcrowd the Interface (Whitespace mastery): Over-emphasizing every element dilutes the page's purpose. Leave ample whitespace around sections and text to reduce cognitive load.
- Don't Open Internal Links in New Tabs: Let users control their own browsing journey instead of hijacking their back button.
- Don't Use Text Gradients: Avoid using gradient colors on text elements to maintain maximum readability, high contrast, and a clean, non-AI-generated look.
- Don't Violate Familiarity (Jakob's Law): Adhere to common design patterns (e.g. logo top-left redirects home) so users do not have to relearn basic navigation.