UI/UX Articles and Interesting Tidbits of the Week
September//21//2018
Here are some interesting finds on UI/UX of the week!
1.https://icons8.com/articles/interface-illustrations-enhance-ui-design/
Illustrations Enhancing UI Design. As I have previously alluded to, “Aesthetic” is one of the key design principles. This article focuses/showcases the importance of effective illustrations to highlight core components of the messaging and therefore create more engaging product experiences. Highlight of the article includes:
“An illustration is an element supporting the piece of writing (story, article, book, etc). It reveals the author’s thought by referring to sensory perception. The illustration can be made by means of a picture but also something different such as a table, a chart, and even a text example. The main thing is that it should disclose and clarify the idea.”
2.https://uxstudioteam.com/ux-blog/design-sprint/
Design Sprint. With the continuous onset of Design Thinking processes and Design Sprints, this article appropriately places the focus on when it’s applicable to go through this formal process. It’s an interesting insight into a practice that can take many different paths in reality, but nonetheless, worth understanding the complexities, team challenges and usefulness of running this type of engagement. Highlight of the article includes:
“We have 5 questions for you that could guide your way to the answer (based on Xander Pollock and Richard Banfield). We also included them in a quiz format. You need to think about your current product, team and problem: 1. Do you have a specific problem that needs a solution? 2. Is the problem complex with no obvious solution? 3. Do you need a cross-functional team to solve your problem? 4. Is your problem worth investing 5 days? 5. Do you need full-on innovation for a changing or a new market? If you have answered yes to all 5 questions, you might benefit from a design sprint now with your product team.”
3.https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2018/06/story-structure-for-better-engagement/
Storytelling and User Engagement. Another great article from Smashing Magazine, and specifically from author John Rhea. Product Design and Customer Engagement is anchored on defining experiences that are memorable and effective. For users to embark on such a journey, that narrative has to be compelling and ultimately rewarding. This article focuses on showcasing how storytelling can make that experience definition more successful. Highlight:
“Journeying with your users can take many forms, only one of which is content marketing. You could also build training programs that help them move from beginner to expert in using your app or site. You could add high touch parts to your sales process or specific technical support that will help you come alongside your user and their needs. In contexts of quick visits to a website you might use visuals or wording that’s down-to-earth, warm, welcoming, and feels personable to your main audience. You want to show the user they can count on you when they have a problem.”
