Top 9 UX Design Practices to Consider In 2022

When a user interacts with the brand’s product or service, the subsequent emotions or perceptions they generate define User Experience (UX). User Experience (UX) in web design translates to delivering user satisfaction by enhancing website usability, accessibility, and efficiency. UXD or UX is reasonably standard terms in website design and yet millions of sites leave the customers confused, and frustrated.

UXD is the most critical part of the website. A good design goes a long way in building long-lasting customer relations. Professional digital marketing companies like Adaptify play an essential role in delivering user satisfaction. A great UX adds value to the brand, builds customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. UX does not confine itself to a great visual design or information architecture it also plays a distinctive role in product development.

While working on a design concept it is crucial to consider both the User Interface (UI) as well as the User Experience (UX). While UX covers the entire digital interaction with the customer, UI deals with a specific program or application. Both UI and UX need to be consistent with each other. Departments like marketing, product design, logo design, service delivery, and customer service work in tandem with each other to deliver a great user experience. If you are an aspiring UX designer, earning a design certificate online from Uxcel is a great idea to enhance your knowledge of user experience interfaces.

Let us detail the top nine practices to keep in mind for enhancing user experience.

1. The User Perspective and Their Context should be clearly understood

It is essential to understand the user context in terms of their location, emotional state, cultural influences, and the hardware they use. The user context defines their behavior to a large extent; a website design sensitive to the user context will go a long way in delivering an excellent experience for the user. It also pays to understand the user’s pain points and motivations; scenario mapping is an excellent way to understand the same.

2. The Users should beAble to Move from One Section to The Other Seamlessly

A website should help the users move seamlessly from one section to the other based on the goals they wish to achieve. A smooth flow ensures that the clients can move seamlessly from one interface to the other without losing focus on the content. As far as possible, stick to conventional website patterns and interfaces; newer patterns force the users to learn new patterns and disrupt their user experience.

3. The Website should be Designed for The Colour Blind

Quite a few users could find it difficult to distinguish between colors; select the colors and contrast for the color-blind users. An excellent way to achieve that is by converting the design to greyscale and ensure all information is readable. Few more points worth considering are—avoid using blue color for text so that the links are distinctly visible; all CTAs should be in a single color.

4. The Websites Should Load Within Few Seconds

The primary goal of the user is to visit the website make sure it loads fast. Delays more than a few seconds will drive the users away. Ensure that the skeleton loads first to get an idea of the layout, followed by the textual content so the users can start reading the content; this keeps the users engaged while the images are loading.

5. The Website Should Be Easy to Use on The Mobile

The size of the mobile screen is small. The font size should be readable without having to zoom. All links, buttons, and icons should be distinct and designed for big finger size. In tablets, the sides of the screen are better accessible with the thumb. The user should be able to read the content without using the horizontal bar. Double taps on the mobile screens are inconvenient and should be avoided.

6. The Navigation Bar Is Easily Accessible and Functional

The Navigation bar should be conventional and evident to the user; use sticky menus for longer webpages. Navigation should be consistent and should not come in the way. Navigation labels should be short and specific; frequently used options should be on the top to hide others in the hamburger menu. The navigation bar should guide the user throughout their journey; their presence should be subtle and user-friendly.

7. The Links and Buttons and Icons Should Be Well Placed and Distinct

All links, icons, buttons should be easily identifiable by the user, should be explicit and easily clickable. The user should not have to hover on the links to know where it will lead them. Product images are expected to be clickable. Use different link colors for already clicked links; URL anywhere on the website should take them to that website. Buttons should be in contrast and easily visible to the user.

8. The Content Is the Most Prominent Feature of The Website

The most crucial information on the website should stand out and should be placed first. The users scan the content in a “Z” and then read what they find helpful; hence most important content should be placed in the top left. Use simplified terms instead of jargon. For Mobile users, information like location, events, contact number, emergency info should be accessible. Differentiate primary information by using contrasts.

9. The Text Should Be Appealing and Readable

The content should be presented in a way that compels the readers to read it. Spacing between bullets, numbered lists, lines, and paragraphs increases readability. Website font should be chosen for considering legibility, readability, weights, and styles. Avoid tiny fonts across all devices and condensed fonts.

Conclusion

The north star of a great UX is the user itself; every design idea has to be made keeping the user in mind. Detailed customer personas, empathy maps, and journey maps go a long way in delivering a website that is focused on the user. When it comes to an end-user, it is best to refrain from making assumptions. It is best to conduct a usability test to get accurate feedback regarding the users.