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Introduction to UI Design Facts & Worksheets

Whenever we use our gadgets, we might not be aware how important user interfaces are in the process. Accomplishing tasks on our devices is only possible because of user interfaces.

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Whenever we use our gadgets, we might not be aware how important user interfaces are in the process. Accomplishing tasks on our devices is only possible because of user interfaces. They act as the bridge between the user and the digital product.

See the fact file below for more information on the Introduction to UI Design or alternatively, you can download our 27-page Introduction to UI Design worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Defining User Interface Design

  • UI stands for user interface.
  • Interfaces are designed to help users interact or communicate with their digital devices.
  • Examples include touchscreens, keyboards, and microphones on devices like laptops, smartphones, tablets and more.
  • With the help of interfaces, users can enter commands and accomplish different tasks on their devices.
  • UI designers create the visual design of digital products like websites and mobile applications.
  • UI designers are not just concerned with the aesthetics, but also about how the users will find the experience of using digital products.
  • UI designers prioritize the users and their experience. If the digital product is visually pleasing but hard to use, users will not be encouraged to keep using it.
  • The goal of UI design is to support user experience and encourage them to keep using the digital product.

Commonly Used User Interfaces

  • GUI – User interacts with visual elements on screen. These visual elements may represent different information or controls. Your computer desktop is one example of GUI. It shows you different icons that you can interact with using your mouse pointer. Almost every digital product out there makes use of GUI.
  • VUI – Users interact with the digital product with only his/her voice. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa are well known voice user interfaces.
  • The interaction feels more natural, since humans use their voice to communicate with one another. Users can easily input commands by just speaking. No need to tap, swipe, or type.
  • NUI – Users use natural body movements to interact with the digital product. Touch screen is a great example of NUIs. Users can input commands to smartphones or tablets with a simple tap or swipe. There are also applications that allow users to create digital drawings or paintings using a stylus; this process is very similar to how people would naturally draw or paint off-screen. Motion sensor technology used in game consoles like Kinect is also another great example of NUIs. Players do not need a controller to participate in the game. All they need to do is move like how they would want their character to move in the game.

Principles of User Interface Design

  • Most digital products are made for users so it is understandable to prioritize the user’s needs when designing UI.
  • When users feel confident and comfortable using a digital product, it shows how well the UI is designed. The user interface design should empower them to successfully navigate their way through a digital product and support them in achieving their goal.
  • A well-designed user interface has visual cues that help users find their way inside a digital product. For example, a home icon may be used to inform the user that he/she is currently in the home page.
  • Users should put in minimal to no effort learning the ropes of using a digital product. Using it should feel natural or intuitive.
  • A well-designed user interface does not confuse or overwhelm users. It should not have any visual clutter or display excessive information.
  • The overall visual design of the UI should look consistent and well put together. This will make users feel a sense of familiarity and increases the usability of the digital product. Using random mix of colors, typography, shapes and other UI elements will make the interface look chaotic and may drive users away.

Basic User Interface Elements

  • Input controls receive information or commands from users.
  • Navigational components help users move inside a digital product like apps and websites.
  • Informational components share information with users.
  • Containers are used to group similar elements together.
  • Emphasis. Elements or information presented in the user interface of a digital product are not of equal importance. UI designers should put emphasis on important elements to attract attention to these.
  • For example, the UI designers of YouTube seem to want users to focus on the site’s video recommendations (the catalog is at the front and center of the site).
  • Designers may emphasize certain elements in different ways – through the use of size, contrast, shadow, thickness, depth and more.
  • UI designers need to make sure users will not have a hard time reading information displayed on the interface. They need to provide the right amount of contrast to certain elements to make these stand out from the rest.
  • Proximity and Layout. UI designers make sure to group elements that are “in the same family” or those who belong together. In the same way, keep unrelated elements away from each other.
  • Borders and Spacing. Borders help keep things organized in a UI. It helps group similar/related items together. Make borders light and simple. Using harsh outlines are not visually pleasing to users. Another way is to make use of negative space to organize elements on a user interface. This also increases the design readability. Negative space gives users “room” to breathe so they are not overwhelmed with the content.

Introduction to UI Design Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Introduction to UI Design across 27 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Introduction to UI Design worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about that whenever we use our gadgets, we might not be aware how important user interfaces are in the process. Accomplishing tasks on our devices is only possible because of user interfaces. They act as the bridge between the user and the digital product.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Draw A UI Metaphor
  • Types Of UI
  • Name That UI Component
  • Does It Follow UI Principles?
  • Adding Emphasis
  • Organize Information
  • Inspiration Board
  • Design Challenge: Sketch It!
  • Create A Mockup
  • Importance of Good UI Design

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Link will appear as Introduction to UI Design Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, March 29, 2021

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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