How to Improve Your UI Designs

Unlock the secrets to elevating your UI designs with these game-changing tips and strategies!

Tips for UI Designs You Must Know

Effective UI (User Interface) design is essential for creating user-friendly and visually appealing applications. Whether you're designing for web or mobile, there are certain principles that can elevate the user experience. Below, we’ll explore some of the most important UI design tips you should be aware of to create polished and functional interfaces.

The Border Radius Trick

Using rounded corners is a popular trend in modern UI design. However, it’s important to maintain a balance between elements when using border radius. A common mistake is applying the same border radius to both an inner and outer element. This can result in a design that feels off balance.

Tip: Use the 1:2 rule. If the outer element has a border radius of 16px, then the inner element should have a radius of 8px. This creates a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing look.


    /* Example: */
    .outer-element {
        border-radius: 16px;
    }
    .inner-element {
        border-radius: 8px;
    }

Use Clear Language

Clarity in labeling is vital. When designing UI, users should never have to guess the outcome of an action. Vague labels like “Yes” and “No” can confuse users, especially when the context is unclear. Instead, provide specific action verbs that describe the exact behavior.

Tip: Use labels like “Confirm” and “Cancel” instead of “Yes” or “No”. This makes the user’s next step obvious, improving overall usability.


    
    <button>Confirm</button>
    <button>Cancel</button>

Make Selected Items Pop

It’s crucial to provide visual feedback when users select an item or interact with an element. Without clear feedback, users may not realize their action was successful. A simple way to achieve this is by making the selected item stand out from the rest.

Tip: Use contrasting colors, bold effects, or shadows to highlight selected items. This ensures the change in state is noticeable, reducing user uncertainty.


    /* Example: */
    .selected-item {
        background-color: #ffcc00;
        font-weight: bold;
        box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
    }

Touch Targets

Touch targets refer to the clickable or tappable area of an element, such as a button or icon. On mobile devices, it’s especially important to ensure these targets are large enough to be tapped easily. Even if the element looks small, the tappable area should be generous.

Tip: Aim for a minimum touch area of 44 x 44 pixels. This provides a comfortable user experience and reduces frustration when interacting with smaller elements.


    /* Example: */
    button {
        min-width: 44px;
        min-height: 44px;
    }

Don’t Use Thin and Light Fonts

While thin and light fonts can be visually appealing in some design contexts, they often sacrifice readability. This is especially true on smaller screens or for users with visual impairments. Avoid using overly light fonts for body text or critical information.

Tip: Stick to regular or bold font weights for text that needs to be easily readable. This will improve accessibility and make sure your design is clear for all users.


    /* Example: */
    body {
        font-weight: 400; /* Regular */
    }
    h1, h2, h3 {
        font-weight: 700; /* Bold */
    }

Use Proper Font Sizes

Typography is a key component of creating a clear content hierarchy. When text sizes are inconsistent or too small, it becomes difficult for users to navigate your content. It’s important to follow standard guidelines for font sizes on different platforms.

Tip: For web design, make sure the body text is at least 16px, and increase heading sizes incrementally by about 8px for each level. This ensures readability and a clear hierarchy of content.


    /* Example: */
    body {
        font-size: 16px;
    }
    h1 {
        font-size: 32px;
    }
    h2 {
        font-size: 24px;
    }

Provide Extra Information

Minimalism is a popular design trend, but leaving out too much information can lead to confusion. It’s important to balance simplicity with the user’s need for clarity. In certain cases, providing additional information can help users understand actions more clearly.

Tip: Use tooltips, help text, or icons to offer supplementary information where needed. This can guide users without cluttering the main design.

Conclusion

By following these UI design tips, you’ll be able to create interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and user-friendly. These small adjustments can significantly enhance the overall experience, making your design intuitive and easy to use.