Does UI/UX Matter for Custom Software Development
Yes, UI/UX does matter in custom software development. But will you be convinced by this one-line statement? No, right? So, in this article, let’s explore the in-and-out of this statement.
UI/UX in custom software development involves the creation of software. It not only focuses on the software’s performance but ensures that it offers an exceptional user experience. With an effective UI/UX practice, software gets interesting and interactive. So, a software development company maintains the UI/UX standard when developing custom software.
What is UI/UX?
UI or User Interface is the interactive and visual segment of websites. It focuses on the visual elements of a product—its overall look. A designer, while handling the UI segment, creates an aesthetically pleasing environment that resonates with the brand identity. They incorporate suitable color schemes, layout designs, button shapes, and font selections.
Web user interface designs encompass every point of interaction between a user and a website. Such UIs are possible in three categories.
- Gesture-based Interfaces
- VUIs or Voice-Controlled Interfaces
- GUIs or Graphical User Interfaces
User Experience, abbreviated as UX, is the experience a user has while browsing through a website. It involves factors like ease of use, the customer’s journey, and the emotions invoked.
Most people confuse the UX factor with the process of adding elements. However, this is completely wrong. UX comprises the planning process. When a custom software development company is asked to improve the UX of a website, they think from a user perspective. Rather, they consider a user-centric and systematic approach, spending most of their time researching and assessing the user persona.
Thus the approach of a team in handling UI-based and UX-based tasks is entirely different. However, a developer working on a custom project integrates UI design in a way to improve the UX of the build.
Principles of UX and UI in Custom Software Design
How can you make the UI and UX in custom software design perfect? Let’s learn about its principles.
UI in Website Design
To get the UI design right, custom software development companies in the USA follow the 4Cs.
- Control: Users should always feel like they are in command of the interface. The interaction with the interface should not involve effort. Users must clearly understand how their actions will impact the system.
- Consistency: Incorporating familiar elements in your design makes the UI simple. Use common symbols, colors, and layouts that even new users can use effortlessly.
- Comfortability: The interaction with the build should be smooth. Place the design elements logically. Make sure that visitors don’t need to put in extra effort.
- Cognitive Load: Do not overwhelm users with too much information or options. Clarity and conciseness are essential. Use simple language. Split tasks into manageable steps.
Moreover, a successful UI design puts the user in control.
UX in Website Design
Let’s check what principles custom software development companies in the USA follow for a perfect UX.
Visual Aspects
In terms of visual aspects, a UX designer considers three sub elements, namely contrast, balance, layout and typography. A balanced layout contributes to the stability and harmony of the design.
Moreover, the principle of visual aspects is meant to create a pleasing, user experience. It is more than just aesthetics. It influences how a user perceives a product.
Textual Parameters
Text is the most critical component in a custom software design. Together with visual elements, textual elements communicate the intended message to the target audience. Although designers are not responsible for content development, they should be accountable for its placement and overall look.
Accessibility Standard
A product will be of no use if it is not accessible to everyone, regardless of their disabilities. So, while building custom software, the hired software development company ensures the design maintains accessibility guidelines. Acknowledging that users interact with products uniquely, influenced by their physical abilities, is necessary.
Hierarchy
A design, whether it is for custom software or a website, should always signify a clear hierarchy. This structure or hierarchy aids in product navigation. For a structured hierarchy, custom software development companies in the USA employ an information architecture (IA) approach. This helps them to outline the information flow and establishes relations between related segments.
User-Centered Approach
Users should always be at the heart of any design methodology. The product becomes useless if a design doesn’t meet user needs or help them achieve their purpose. A user-centered design approach is thus necessary. The UX design field revolves around user requirements, feedback, and preferences.
Are there any Differences Between UX and UI?
Consider UI and UX as fundamental design aspects. However, both aspects function differently.
| Factors | User experience | User interface |
| What Does Each Focus at? | UX design focuses on the product’s functionality, usability, and users’ journey through the application. | UI design focuses on correctly designing visual elements like colors, typography, and buttons. |
| What are the Underlying Processes? | The underlying process involves user research, framing personas, outlining user journeys, developing wireframes and performing usability tests. | It follows the structure laid out by the UX design. |
| What is the End-Result? | The outcome is a product with a simple user journey and fine usability. | A product or software with a consistent and visually appealing interface. |
What If You Don’t Integrate UI/UX in your Custom Software?
Poor User Satisfaction
Without well-thought-out UX principles, the custom software may not be user-friendly. It would end up frustrating users.
Reduced Efficiency
Users may struggle to perform tasks without the UI/UX factor, wasting time and resources.
Decreased Adoption Rates
If the custom build is difficult to use or understand, users may be reluctant to use it.
Increased Training Costs
Additional resources are needed to train users without an intuitive UI/UX factor, leading to higher costs.
Negative Impact on Brand Perception
Poor UX/UI can inculcate a negative perception of your brand.
Final Thoughts: Should You Implement UI/UX Factor in Your Custom Software?
The answer would be: you cannot miss out on this UI and UX factor. Before implementing the best practices in your custom software, you should learn what factors differentiate the UI and UX. To guide your way, this article will be the best for you. Since custom software is built with the intention of specific business requirements, a software development company follows the UI/UX standard so that it aligns with the business needs.
