If you want your site to be successful, an intuitive user interface (UI) must be your key objective. Without it, your target audience will get frustrated, and abandon the site - even if it is highly functional and chock full of good content. End users have little patience with a convoluted or difficult to use UI.
Good site design involves a harmony of many individual design elements all of which create a usability experience (UX). Each element plays a role and all must support the site harmony. A solid, well-designed UI is a perfect marriage of form and function that addresses the users and what they are trying to accomplish at your site. It should present functionality in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.
Page layout is an obvious element for web or print. As artists we illustrate with images. As writers we motivate with words. However, as UI designers, we lead the mind's eye. If your user can "see" it, they can't select it.
Information architecture is the organization of website content into a structure that enables the user to navigate intuitively and easily. It defines how batches of information (pages or sections) relate to one another. Unfortunately the term gets more use in conversation than application; but good information architecture supports the user's tasks and the way they think about your content - so it supports usability.
Navigation is another important element of site design, both for the site as a whole and each individual page. The correct combination of site structure, menus, search and other means of navigating the site must guide and support your user's ability to find information, use a form, or buy a product. It's simple: If users aren't comfortable with the user interface and results, they will abandon your site to find one that meets their needs.
Corti Designworks achieves harmony of design by insisting on a balanced team with diverse and complimentary skills. This combination of artistic, design, technical, and business perspectives produces web and print projects that contribute to your success.
The web is constantly evolving, and design must adapt over time. Users have more and more control over what they see. What annoyed them a few years ago like video and sound, is now expected, albeit with on/off controls. Most ads are now blocked - less than one-third of those that do display are viewed.
To reach and please a wider audience and attract new users the complete UX must be considered when designing a UI. If your users are not happy with their overall experience they will not use your site or buy your products and services.
- About Us
- Web & Print Design
- Approach to Web Design
- Information Architecture
and Usability Experience - Text & Copy
- Applications vs. Websites
- Keep the user's goals foremost in mind. Carefully analyze the target user and what they require from your site.
- The human brain processes visuals first, then content. Fact: most instructions are never read.
- If it isn't simple and useful, drop it. Your users certainly will.
- The better your usability design, the more effective the user, and the more successful your site will be.
- Information architecture is not about products and technology, it's about well organized content.
- Keep navigation consistent across the site. Users should not have to relearn how to use the site as they move from one section to another.
- There is no such thing as too much testing.