What are the principles and laws of UX design? Why do they matter? We’ve prepared a short guide that will help you understand why knowing them is important and how to use them to make better digital products for your users. Let’s jump right in!
Law #1: Law of Efficiency
Efficiency is the idea that a user, once oriented in the interface, will be able to quickly accomplish their desired task without any confusion or unnecessary steps. Simplicity is key for this law. This does not mean that you need to give up functionality to make things easier for your users, but rather streamline the interface so it is intuitive enough for most people to use. Think about how many steps a user needs in order to complete their goal, and then try to reduce that number.
Law #2: Law of Clarity
One of the most important principles in UX design is the law of clarity. When people are confused, they don't know what to do next. If people don't understand where to go or what to do, they will get frustrated and leave your site. To avoid this, make sure you label navigation elements clearly so that people can find their way around your site without confusion.
Law #3: Law of Consistency
UX Designers are always looking for ways to make their designs feel more natural. For example, a common practice is to create a consistent visual style throughout the interface. If a user sees the same button used in multiple places, it will be easier for them to remember how it works. This is known as consistency. It helps users become accustomed to your product’s layout and makes them more confident with their use of the site. As they navigate through your site or app, they won’t have to think about where they need to go next because they already know where those buttons are located on-screen.
Law #4: Law of Successive Appeal
This law states that when a person comes to the interface for the first time, they will be drawn to items that are new or interesting. They will also go towards items that are similar to what they have already seen. As the person's experience with the interface increases, their attention will shift from items in high demand to those of less demand. This is important as you don't want your most valuable features being ignored because they're too hard to find!
Law #5: Rule of Optimization
Users are not always able to predict their needs in advance, so it is up to the user experience designer to anticipate the needs that a user may have, or at least make sure there are options available when they do arise. In order to do this, the user experience designer must understand what it is they are designing for.
Final Note
UX Design is a relatively new field. As the popularity of digital products continues to rise, so does the importance of UX Design. If you're planning on releasing a product or service digitally, it's important to hire an agency that specializes in UI/UX Design. They will be able to help you create digital experiences your customers will love!
