My Design Principles Explained
The following are the six design principles I use when approaching any user experience project. This flow is utilized for all projects, both big and small. I carefully integrate each into any task.
Be Trusting
With each project, I try to understand key user needs. I seek communication and mutual understanding of their needs. From the simplest features like small confirmation notifications, I like to ease their mind. With trust, you can create change and encourage further interactions.
Always Optimistic
Sometimes the user doesn’t understand your goal and empathic communication is essential. With an error (even a user error) I seek to make the outcome a positive one. Assuming the user needs right off the starting line doesn’t always happen, so being an active listener is important.
Engage
The product must attract, capture and win over your user. Excite with visual design and make them curious to see more. I want to occupy the user’s mind with the intended message.
Clear & Understandable
Simplicity at it’s finest; I enjoy working to keep the language and visual design as clear as possible. Often in the UI, the user is looking for one task to complete. Keep out the 1% interactions and remove the fluff. I often ask myself, “Does the user really need this?”
User First
There will always be assumptions, but we must seek the user’s input directly. I do this by conducting user tests, walking the streets, bugging friends, gaining as much feedback as possible for the timeline and project scope.
Make It Better Everyday*
*Change is good!! Sometimes my first, second or third attempt isn’t the right one even before it gets to the engineers. I always refer to the critique of colleagues, user research and, then during implementation, the users. My primary goal is to always look at my output as if it needs to grow and change. We all know that good design refines itself and as your user changes, your design needs change as well. My goal is to take everything I’ve learned, apply the knowledge, and then do it all over again.
If you have any feedback on the six principles, feel free to leave them in the comments. Critique is welcomed!
