UI Patterns vs UX Pattern & Design Examples | Full Guide
When it comes to user interface (UI) patterns, there are two main types: those that affect how the user interacts with the interface, and those that affect how the interface looks. UX patterns, on the other hand, are methods for improving the user experience.
Table of contents:
Part I:
- What are UI patterns
- What are the four phases of UI design
- 5 Examples of pattern libraries
- UI Design mistakes to avoid
- 5 Good examples of user interface
- Frequently asked questions about UI
Part II:
- What are UX patterns?
- What are the 5 phases of UX design
- UX Design mistakes to avoid
- 5 Examples of user experience
- Frequently asked questions about UX
- Conclusion
What Are UI Patterns?
UI patterns are the building blocks of a user interface. They can include things like buttons, menus, and text fields, as well as the layout and organization of those elements. Designers use them to create a consistent look and feel across different platforms and devices. Also, because they are well-tested and easy to implement, UI patterns can save designers a lot of time and effort.
There are three main types of UI patterns:
- Layout patterns: These patterns determine how the various UI components on a page are arranged.
- Interaction patterns: These patterns determine how users interact with the elements on a page.
- Visual design patterns: These patterns determine how the elements on a page look.
Examples of UI Design patterns:
1. Buttons:
Buttons are one of the most basic elements of a user interface design patterns. They can be used to activate actions, such as submitting a form or clicking a link. There are many different types of buttons, such as primary buttons, secondary buttons, and tertiary buttons. Each type has a different purpose, so it's important to choose the right button for the task at hand.
2. Menus:
Menus provide a way for users to navigate through a website or application. They can contain links to pages or sections within the site, as well as options for performing tasks like editing text or adding new items. Menus can be displayed in a variety of ways, such as drop-down menus, context menus, and hamburger menus.
3. Text Fields:
Text fields allow users to enter information into a website or application. They typically have a name field and a text area where the user can enter their information. There are many different types of text fields, such as single-line fields, multi-line fields, and password fields.
4. Layout:
The layout of a website or application plays an important role in how users interact with it. A good layout will be easy to use and understand, while a bad one can be confusing and difficult to navigate. There are many different types of layouts, such as grid layouts, flow layouts, and responsive layouts.
5. Navigation:
Navigation is another important component of web design. Good navigation makes it easy for users to find what they're looking for on a website, while bad navigation can lead to frustration and confusion. There are many different types of navigation, such as breadcrumbs, pagination, and links.
What Are The 4 Phases Of UI Design?
1. Conceptualization:
This is the phase where the designer comes up with ideas for the user interface design patterns. They may brainstorm different layouts, designs, and interactions.
2. Prototyping:
In this phase, the designer creates a rough prototype of the user interface. This can involve creating mockups or using a prototyping tool.
3. Testing:
This is where the website designer tests the prototype with real users to see how they interact with it. They may also collect feedback to help improve the user experience.
4. Implementation:
Once the structure has been approved, the designer will work with the design and development team to implement it in the final product.
What are mockups?
Mockups are representations of what a user interface will look like. They can be used to give developers an idea of how the interface should look and function, as well as get feedback from users. Mockups can be created using a variety of tools, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch.
What are prototyping tools?
Prototyping tools are programs that allow designers to create mockups of user interfaces. They can be used to create images, videos, or interactive prototypes. Some popular prototyping tools include InVision and Axure.
What are the benefits of UI patterns?
- Improved the user experience:
UI patterns can help to improve the user experience by making it easier to use and navigate a website or application.
- Reduced design and development time:
Using UI patterns can save time during the development process, as they can be reused for different projects.
- Improved consistency:
Patterns can help to keep the design of a website or application consistent, which can make it more user-friendly.
5 Examples Of Pattern Libraries
1. Google's Material Design Pattern Library
Google's Material Design Pattern Library is a great starting point for designers who are looking for UI inspiration. The library includes guidelines for using material design elements, as well as templates and code snippets that can be used to create your own material design-inspired interfaces.
https://material.io/
2. Apple's Human Interface Guidelines
Apple's Human Interface Guidelines are a great resource for designers who want to create interfaces that are both beautiful and user-friendly. The guidelines include information on how to use Apple's design language, as well as specific recommendations for designing iOS and macOS apps.
https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/guidelines/overview/
3. Microsoft's Fluent Design Systems
Microsoft's Fluent Design System is a set of principles for creating user interfaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The system includes guidelines on using light, depth, motion, and material design elements to create interfaces that are easy to use and visually appealing.
https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/fluentui#/
4. Amazon's Kindle Fire UX Guidelines
Amazon's Kindle Fire UX Guidelines provide designers with everything they need to know to create effective user experiences for the Kindle Fire line of devices. The guidelines cover topics such as navigation, content layout, and typography, and include code snippets and design templates that can be used to create custom interfaces.
https://developer.amazon.com/docs/fire-tablets/ft-ux-specifications.html
5. Adobe's Creative Cloud Design Standards
Adobe's Creative Cloud Design Standards are a set of guidelines for designing user interfaces that are both creative and user-friendly. The standards cover topics such as layout, typography, and colour, and include code snippets and design templates that can be used to create custom interfaces.
https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/support.html
UI Design Mistakes To Avoid
1. Making users work too hard: One of the biggest mistakes that designers can make is making users work too hard to use their interface. This can involve requiring users to navigate through a lot of menus or making them enter information into multiple fields.
2. Not taking user feedback into account: Designers should always take user feedback into account when designing their interfaces. This can help improve the user experience and make it more user-friendly.
3. Not using standard controls: When designing an interface, it's important to use standard controls whenever possible. This will make it easier for users to navigate and use the interface.
4. Making designs too complex: It's important to keep designs simple and easy to understand. This will make it easier for users to navigate and use the interface.
5. Not testing the design: Before launching a design, it's important to test it with real users to make sure it's user-friendly. This will help improve the user experience and make sure the interface is easy to use.
5 Good Examples Of User Interface
1. Cognito
The use of custom illustrations on the Cognito website not only makes it stand out from generic competitor sites but also creates an engaging environment for users. The fun animation captures their attention and illustrates what brand offerings they have to offer at first glance with just one quick motion!
2. Dropbox
Dropbox's interface is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-understand around. You'll be able to get right into your files without any problems because they're organized in a familiar way for anyone who has ever used another computer before! It doesn't matter if it’s new or old, there won't really ever come across anything too complicated with this program thanks largely due to its simple design which makes the learning curve minimal at best.
3. Delassus Group
A tomato grower from Morocco with plans to expand into other products. They have videos on their website that explain the story behind its founding and what they offer, as well as an easy way for visitors who want more information without watching all 60 seconds (or not) can simply click through straight away!
4. Clip
Want to be more creative? Clip is the app for you that uses best practices! This innovative drawing program lets users create anything they can imagine. With its simple interface and intuitive tools, it's never been easier or more fun than with this amazing new tool on your phone or tablet device today.
5. MailChimp
Mailchimp’s landing page is well-designed and easy to navigate. The hero title, subtitle, and CTA are all clear about what the user can do with their service—they even have an option for new users who might not be sure if this platform fits into old design methods!
Frequently Asked Questions - UI Designs
- What is the difference between UX and UI?
UX stands for user experience, while UI stands for user interface. UX is the overall experience that a user has when using a product, while UI is the specific elements that make up the product's interface. UX includes things like how easy it is to use the product, while UI includes things like the layout of the interface and the buttons used to interact with the product.
- What is a pattern library?
A digital pattern library is a collection of graphical UI components—such as images, icons, and buttons—that can be used in a user interface. They can be used to create mockups or interactive prototypes. Pattern libraries can be used to create a consistent look and feel across a product, or to speed up the design process.
- How do you make a pattern library?
One way to make a pattern library is to use a program like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Sketch. You can create a document that contains all of your design patterns, and then import it into a prototyping tool like InVision or Axure. This will allow you to create mockups or interactive prototypes that use your patterns.
- What is the difference between a design pattern and a library?
A design pattern is a reusable solution to a common design problem, while a library is a collection of classes that can be used in a program. Design patterns are usually created to solve specific problems, while libraries typically contain a variety of different classes that can be used for different purposes.
- How do you create a design pattern in a library?
To create a design pattern in a library, you first need to come up with recurring solutions that solve a common problem. Once you have a working solution, you can then create a pattern for it and add it to your library. To do this, you'll need to create a class that represents the pattern and add it to your library.
- How to become a UI designer?
In order to become a UI designer, you'll need to have some experience in graphic design and web design. You'll also need to be familiar with the basics of user-friendly design. A good way to learn these skills is to take a course in user experience design or graphic design.
- What is the salary of UI designers in the UK?
It depends on the skills and experience level, but UI designers in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £55,000 per year.
What Are UX Patterns?
UX patterns are methods to improve experience. They take into account how users interact with a product or service and aim to make that experience more efficient, effective, and satisfying. They can include things like providing clear labels or using typography to make the text easier to read.
There are three main types of UX patterns:
- Navigation patterns: These patterns help users move around a product or service easily and efficiently.
- Search patterns: These patterns help users find the information they need quickly and easily.
- Content patterns: These patterns help users understand and use the content of a product or service effectively.
Examples of UX Design patterns:
1. Card sort:
This is a method of organizing information that allows users to group items together based on their similarity. This can be used to help design navigation menus or content hierarchies.
2. Affordance:
This is the principle that the design of an object should make its purpose and function clear to the user. For example, a button should look like a button and be labelled as such for best practices.
3. Fitts's law:
Design principles that state the time it takes to move to an object and a function of the distance to the object and the size of the object. This can be used to design user interfaces that are easy and efficient to use.
4. Hick's law:
This is a principle that states that the more choices there are, the longer it will take for a person to make a decision. This can be used to design user interfaces with fewer options and simpler designs.
5. Gestalt principles:
These are principles of visual perception that state that people tend to see objects as being grouped together if they share certain characteristics. These can be used to design user interfaces that are easy to understand and use.
What Are The 5 Phases Of UX Design?
1. Research:
This is the phase where you learn about your users and their needs. This can be done through interviews, surveys, and user testing.
2. Design:
This is the phase where you create the designs for your product or service. This includes creating wireframes and prototypes.
3. Testing:
This is the phase where you test your designs with users to see if they meet their needs. This can be done through usability testing and user feedback.
4. Implementation:
This is the phase where you take your designs and turn them into a real product or service. This includes coding and launch.
5. Analysis:
This is the phase where you evaluate your product or service to see how it is performing. This can be done through analytics and user feedback.
What are the benefits of UX patterns?
- Improve the user experience:
By taking into account how users interact with a product or service, UX patterns can help to make that experience [social media browsing] more efficient, effective, and satisfying.
- Save time and money:
By making a product or service easier to use, UX patterns can help to reduce the amount of time and money that is spent on training and support.
- Increase sales:
By making a product or service more enjoyable to use, UX patterns can help to increase sales.
- Improve customer satisfaction:
By making a product or service more user-friendly, UX patterns can help to improve customer satisfaction.
- Reduce support costs:
By making a product or service easier to use, UX patterns can help to reduce the amount of time and money that is spent on support.
UX Design Mistakes To Avoid
- Navigation: Users can have difficulty finding their way around a product or service if the navigation is not well created.
- Search: Users could have difficulty finding the information/article they need if the search function is not well designed.
- Content: Users can have difficulty understanding or using the content if it is not well organised.
- Forms: Users can have difficulty completing forms if they are not well designed.
- Checkout: Users can have difficulty completing a purchase if the checkout process is not well set up.
5 Good Examples Of User Experience
1. PayPal
PayPal has been in the process of simplifying its website and mobile app experience since it rolled out a redesigned site back in 2014. This is because several laws from John Maeda’s book “The Laws Of Simplicity" are being applied: reducing, organizing, and positioning with meaning added to save time!
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is a fantastic tool for language learners due to its well-designed user interface and interactive lessons. Duology has created an easy way of learning languages, with the use of simple graphics that make it easier on your eyes as you progress through each level.
3. Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor has become the go-to website for travellers to find detailed information about hotels, vacation rentals and more. The site's UX design makes it easy with a smart vertical system that allows users to add all their preferences into one search bar making customizing your trip easier than ever before!
4. Glovo
The app does a good job, offering quick and easy access to a variety of services. The app’s interface is clear and concise, with big buttons that are logical and easy to find. The map is also very user-friendly, and the overall design makes it easy to navigate.
5. Nike
Nike’s mobile app is one of the best-designed apps on the market. The app is easy to use and navigate, with a sleek interface that is pleasing to look at. The app also offers a great user experience, with features that are easy to find and use.
Frequently Asked Questions - UX Designs
- What is the purpose of UX design?
The purpose of UX design is to improve the experience by making products and services more efficient, effective, and satisfying to use. This can be done through commonly used UI patterns, which are the elements of design that make up a user interface. By taking into account how users interact with a product or service, UX patterns can help to make that experience more enjoyable and satisfying.
- How do you improve user experience?
There are a number of ways including using UX patterns. By taking into account how users interact with a product or service, UX patterns can help to make that experience more enjoyable and satisfying. Additionally, designers can use other methods such as research and testing to improve user experience.
- What are the best tools to use for UX design?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the tools you use for UX design will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, some popular tools for UX design include wireframing tools, prototyping tools, and user testing tools.
Tools:
1. Sketch: A vector drawing and animation software that can be used for UX design.
2. Adobe Photoshop: A raster graphics editor that can be used for UX design.
3. InVision: A digital product design platform that can be used for prototyping and user testing.
4. UserZoom: A user research platform that can be used for user testing.
5. Optimal Workshop: A UX research platform that offers a variety of tools for user testing and research.
- What skills do you need to become a UX designer?
To become a UX designer, you need to have strong design skills and be able to think from the user's perspective. You also need to be able to research and understand user needs and then translate those needs into effective designs. In addition, it is helpful to have experience with user research methods, usability testing, and prototyping.
- How much do UX designers earn in the UK?
According to recent research, the average salary for a UX designer in the UK is £40,000. However, this can vary depending on experience and skill set.
Conclusion
Designers often use the terms "UI patterns" and "UX patterns" interchangeably, but they are actually two different things. UI patterns are the components of design that make up a user interface, while UX patterns are methods for improving the user experience.
While UI patterns can help to improve usability, they should not be used at the expense of the user experience. By taking into account how users interact with a product or service, UX patterns can help to make that experience more enjoyable and satisfying.
