Design your way

Thursday, January 22, 2015

User Interface (UI) has two parts: technological and aesthetic. The technological half is the logic and scientific method used to make not just a program work, but to ensure that users find access to the program simple to navigate. The aesthetic half provides users with an interface that is attractive visually and draws the user into the software program the way a good movie draws an audience into the story.

In some ways, getting the UI technological aspect is simpler. The program either works or it doesn’t. The aesthetic aspect is responsible for making the experience pleasant and to bring the user back to the program for additional sales or whatever the end goal may be.

Since the primary way users interface with their devices and software programs is visual, the emphasis must be on visual cues. When it comes to designing the visual cues of the aesthetic portion of the interface, color is the first thing to consider.

The correct use of color, as well as shading and contrast, will enhance any software product. Certain colors are associated with situations or positions and can influence accordingly. For example, purple has been a color reserved for royalty in many cultures. The right use of it can bring out a sense of importance to the user.

All color within the aesthetic portion of the interface must be coordinated and consistent within the program. This not only serves the purpose of supporting the UI, but a consistent use of color can also help to ‘brand’ the experience, pushing the company name and logo without jarring the user out of the experience of using their product.

In this article you will see colorful UI designs from mobile apps or mobile app designs that haven’t made the cut yet.