Be a Better UI Designer in 5 minutes

Summary

In this video, you’ll learn five practical UI design tips that will elevate your skills quickly. The first tip is to remove excess borders and boxes, creating cleaner, more organized designs with white space. Next, avoid using pure black and white, opting for softer tones to reduce eye strain. The third tip focuses on improving UX copywriting to provide users with clear, helpful instructions. Start with ample white space and refine it for better design flow. Finally, limit your color palette using the 60-30-10 rule to keep designs professional and cohesive. These tips are simple yet powerful for any UI designer.

Takeaways

• 😀 Remove excess borders and boxes from your designs to reduce clutter and make them visually appealing. Use white space and neutral background colors instead.
• 😀 Avoid using pure black on pure white or vice versa as it can strain the eyes. Use neutral shades instead for better readability.
• 😀 Improve UX copywriting by providing clear and specific user feedback. For example, instead of just saying 'form error,' explain the issue, like 'The email address must contain an @ symbol.'
• 😀 Start your design with plenty of white space and then reduce it as needed, rather than cramming everything together at the beginning.
• 😀 Minimize the number of colors you use in your designs to avoid overwhelming the user. Stick to a controlled color scheme with the 60-30-10 rule.
• 😀 The 60-30-10 rule for colors in UI design: 60% neutral colors, 30% base colors, and 10% accent or call-to-action colors.
• 😀 Avoid using too many colors in your designs, as it can make your design look chaotic and immature.
• 😀 Use subtle background colors instead of heavy borders and outlines to create a more cohesive and elegant look.
• 😀 Design with the user in mind by ensuring your interfaces are clear, intuitive, and easy to navigate.
• 😀 Better UI designs result from focusing on details such as spacing, color usage, and clear messaging rather than overloading designs with elements.

Q & A

Why is it important to remove excess borders and boxes in UI design?

Excess borders and boxes clutter the design, making it feel too busy and overwhelming. By removing unnecessary boxes and using more white space and subtle background colors, the design becomes cleaner and more visually appealing.

What is the issue with using pure black and pure white in UI design?

Pure black on pure white, or vice versa, creates a harsh contrast that can strain the eyes, making it uncomfortable for users to read for extended periods. Softer shades of gray or reducing the opacity of text can make the design more readable and easier on the eyes.

How can poor UX copywriting affect a design?

Poor UX copywriting, such as vague error messages like 'form error,' can confuse users and make it harder for them to understand how to resolve issues. Clear, actionable feedback, such as 'This email is missing the @ symbol,' helps users quickly identify and correct their mistakes.

Why is it better to start a design with more white space?

Starting with more white space allows you to visualize the design in a balanced way. It’s easier to reduce the space later than to add it in. This approach helps you avoid cluttered designs and ensures elements are well-spaced and easy to read.

What is the '60-30-10 rule' for color usage in UI design?

The '60-30-10 rule' suggests using 60% neutral colors (like white or light grays), 30% of a primary color, and 10% for accent colors (like call-to-action buttons). This approach prevents the design from feeling chaotic and ensures a balanced, professional look.

How can using too many colors negatively impact a UI design?

Using too many colors without a clear structure can make the design feel cluttered and unprofessional, similar to a 'yard sale.' It can make the interface look immature and distracting, which negatively impacts the user experience.

What should you consider when designing the text color and background?

When choosing text and background colors, consider reducing harsh contrasts. Instead of using pure black on white or white on black, opt for softer, neutral shades for text to make it more readable without straining the eyes.

How can minimalistic design help improve user experience?

A minimalistic design with fewer elements, such as reduced borders and excess boxes, allows the user to focus on essential content. It provides clarity and a more intuitive experience, making the interface easier to navigate.

What role does user feedback play in UI design?

User feedback in the form of clear, informative messages helps users understand how to correct errors and engage more effectively with the interface. Providing specific guidance (like 'emails need an @ symbol') leads to better user satisfaction and fewer frustrations.

Why is it important to limit color usage in UI design?

Limiting color usage to a well-thought-out palette prevents the design from feeling chaotic and overwhelming. By following color guidelines like the 60-30-10 rule, designers can create a harmonious, balanced look that guides the user’s attention effectively.