One of the fundamental principles in user interface (UI) design is consistency.
A consistent interface makes easier for users to understand your service or product. And determine the best way to solve their problems. But how do you ensure your design remains consistent? And why does it matter?
Let’s break it down.
Key takeaways
- With an intuitive user interface, users learn about the product easily.
- Users are less confused and fewer errors happen.
- Users become aware of the problem they want to solve.
- When designers follow UI best practices, they reduce cognitive load and save users’ time.
What is design consistency?
Consistency in UI design means ensuring uniformity in visual elements, layout, and interaction patterns across your product.
In order to get more visitors from organic searches, designers must follow best practices in UI design.
That way, users can understand how everything functions and feel at ease while navigating the interface.
Consistent structure and layout can enhance the look and feel of any website. And make it easier for users to deal with any type of content.
Well-structured and organized content helps define a visual hierarchy of elements. And guide users in order to help them focus on what matters.
What are the UI elements?
User interface (UI) elements add interactivity to a user interface to build apps or websites. The UI elements provide touchpoints for the user as they navigate through the apps or websites.
Think of buttons, dropdows, checkboxes and icons.
There are different types of UI elements, such as informational, navigational and input controls.
Informational
Informational UI components simply share information with users.
Examples here include text, images, buttons or videos.
For example, buttons, as one of the most common UI design elements, are located on every app and site.
Users perform an action with one simple click.
Navigational
Navigational UI components guide users through design.
Examples of navigational components are icons or text.
Input
Input UI elements enable users to directly enter information into design. Examples include user input components like onboarding sections or checkout forms.
Input fields, input dropdowns, sliders, checkboxes, radio buttons, and toggles/switches.
Types of design consistency
Achieving consistency revolves around four main types: visual, functional, internal, and external.
Visual consistency
All visual elements, such as colors, spacing and typography, must be uniformed throughout the design.
To achieve that, align your design with what users are trying to accomplish.
Use tools like customer journey maps to visualize how user goals and business objectives intersect.
If you need help, choose our brand identity and design services.
Why do we need design consistency?
Imagine how frustrating it can be for users to make lots of steps to find something they are interested in on your website.
In this process, task flow and user flow can help.
You can also clarify your design decisions by delving into the design cycle process.
There are two main reasons why we need design consistency:
1. Reduces the number of actions
The consistency of elements reduces the number of actions that a user has to make to achieve his goal.
So the user doesn’t need to learn how to use your website.
2. Reduces misunderstandings
People tend to act the way they’ve already acted using other websites.
That being said, when we deny the consistency and standards principle, it may cause confusion for users. Because they have already gotten used to acting a certain way.
The bottom line is that UI/UX designers can reduce misunderstandings when users interact with products by following the best practices UI design.
Why consistency matters
Consistency plays a vital role in enhancing usability and brand recognition. And familiar designs make navigation easier for users.
A well-designed interface below guides users through the sales funnel (e.g. subscribe) with ease.
Like this:
Also consistent UI minimizes the time it takes for users to get accustomed to the site.
On top of that, predictable interfaces reduce the risk of user error and lend a polished look to the overall design.
How to eliminate confusion in UI design
Confusion causes frustration. It occurs when users are unable to understand information. And frustration leads to poor user experience.
When users are not able to finish their actions, they can feel frustrated.
And you don’t want that.
Here is how to eliminate confusion and follow UI design best practices:
1. Ensure a design system that is recognizable
Establish a system or style guide that outlines color and specifies fonts. Define UI patterns (e.g. buttons, forms etc) so that users know how to use them.
2. Maintain a uniform look and feel across the website (product)
Specify tone, and content hierarchy to increase usability of products.
3. Conduct research and regular UI testing
Test your interface with users to ensure everything works as expected and is intuitive.
4. Provide clear documentation
Clear guidelines help new team members align with design principles, fostering collaboration.
Conclusion
Design consistency enhances usability, supports brand identity, and reduces errors.
By following best practices and leveraging tools like design systems and prototyping platforms, you can ensure your product remains reliable and intuitive.
Whether you need a revamp or redesign, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
