As I embark upon the task of converting several of my websites over to WordPress, I cant help but finding myself craving a reminder of some of the dynamic needs of design. It can be a lot to take in, which is why it is helpful to refresh upon some of the basics of the user experience (UX).
The laws of UX design, also known as heuristics or principles, provide guidance for creating user-friendly experiences. Here are some key principles to keep in mind:
Hick’s Law 🕒: The time it takes to make a decision increases with the number of choices. Keep things simple and minimize decision fatigue for users. 💡
Fitts’s Law 🎯: The time to reach a target is a function of its size and distance. Design interfaces with easily clickable elements. 🖱️
Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics 📋: Developed by Jakob Nielsen, these heuristics cover various aspects of usability, including visibility of system status, user control, and consistency. 🤝
Gestalt Principles 🌀: These principles, like proximity, similarity, and closure, help designers understand how users perceive and group visual elements. 🌈
Jakob’s Law 🏡: Users prefer designs that are familiar to them. Stick to well-established design patterns for a more intuitive experience. 👥
Aesthetic-Usability Effect 🎨: Users often perceive aesthetically pleasing designs as more usable, so aesthetics matter. 🌟
Law of Prägnanz 🧩: People tend to perceive complex shapes as a combination of simpler shapes. Simplicity and clarity are key. 🧩
KISS Principle 💋: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Simplicity in design often leads to better user experiences. 🤔
Miller’s Law 🧠: The average person can only keep 7 (plus or minus 2) items in their working memory. Keep this limit in mind when designing interfaces. 🧠
Vanishing Point 🚶♂️: Users tend to follow lines and paths, so use this to guide their attention and actions. 🚀
Remember that these principles are guidelines, not strict rules, and should be adapted to your specific project and audience. UX design is also influenced by trends and technology, so staying updated is important. 🌐📱
Remember that these principles are guidelines, not strict rules, and should be adapted to your specific project and audience. UX design is also influenced by trends and technology, so staying updated is important.
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