UI design principles explained

What are design principles exactly and how to use them effectively

There are a lot of articles out there on design principles, usually with a title like “7 design principles” or “16 important UX design principles”. I could just insert the links to these articles and stop writing. So why would I write another post about design principles?

I think that design principles are taken for granted!

A lot of new and experienced designers overlook them completely and use them subconsciously. Including myself. If it wasn’t for these micro-courses I would have forgotten about design principles.

So if you want to build great products, let’s dive into the subject.

What are UI design principles exactly?

UI design principles provide a foundation for creating interfaces that are user-friendly, visually appealing, and effective in achieving their intended goals.

— ChatGPT

They provide a framework for creating user-friendly and engaging experiences. It’s the root of all good and great designs. So how could we forget about them? We use them daily mindlessly.

Here are the most important ones you should definitely keep in mind:

User-centered design

Always design around your users. If you’re building a product no one wants, you might be wasting your time. How can you build a user-centered product that your users will love? Let them use the product early. Interview potential users. Involve them in your research process asap. This is how you empathize and design interfaces that align with users’ mental models and expectations.

If you have an app idea for restaurants, for example, talk to restaurant owners or managers and see if they are facing the problem you are trying to solve. Prioritize their needs, goals, and expectations to create experiences that meet their requirements.

Consistency

Consistency is bliss. Buttons should look the same across your app. Text fields should be the same across your app. Colors are well-defined and used consistently. Your app or website should…