When developing custom software or apps, UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) is one of, if not the most, important things. A well-designed UI/UX will make all the difference – it can differentiate between products that users absolutely love and those that they find frustrating and unusable. So, in this article, we will take a deeper look at what UI/UX design is, how it works, as well as highlight some of the best companies that specialise in these services in the USA.
What is UI/UX design?
UI/UX design is the process of creating products that are not just good value, but also easy to use and enjoyable for the user. UI (User Interface) design focuses on the visual aspects of that particular product or service. It could be anything, from the layout of the app to the colours used in the design. The UX (User Experience) side of things focuses more on the overall efficiency of the product and, therefore, the experience a user has when interacting with it. It’s all about the navigation and the feel of the design.
There are quite a few reasons why a company should care about the UI/UX design of their products. First and foremost, it has a direct impact on customer satisfaction – a well-designed product is more likely to result in a happy and satisfied customer, who is willing to come back and stay loyal to your brand. Moreover, it is a way to give your product a considerable competitive edge in the market. There are thousands of apps and software to choose from today, so to gain any attention, you must truly stand out with an excellent solution. As a result, high-quality UI/UX design means that you have higher chances of growing your profitability and customer base.
The UI/UX design process
The UI/UX design process involves several different steps. Let’s have a look at these:
- Research: First and foremost, companies must conduct thorough research to understand their target audience and their needs. This may involve analysing existing data or even doing surveys / interviews with your potential users.
- Wireframing: Once the research is complete, the next step is to create wireframes. These are basic sketches of the digital product’s layout, to help visualise it and understand the flow of the final product.
- Prototyping: Prototypes are the next stage, as they are usually more detailed than wireframes and can be interactive. These are typically used to test the usability of the product.
- Testing: User testing is a key phase. This is where real users get to interact with the prototype and identify any issues early on.
- Design: After testing is complete, the designing of the product can be started. At this point, visual elements and other UI components will be added to complete the design of the product.
- Development: The complete design is then handed over to the development team to start building it.
- Iteration: The UI/UX design is by no means linear – it involves continuous improvements based on the feedback from users and stakeholders.
Best UI/UX design companies
UxDivers
UxDivers Product Design Studio is a leader in the UI/UX design industry, known for their expertise in creating beautiful and functional cross-platform applications. Trusted by well-known brands, like Siemens, Microsoft, AON, and University of Utah, they specialise in developing user interfaces that are both visually appealing and interactive.
IDEO
IDEO is a design consultancy that has been working with UI/UX design solutions for decades now. They have a human-entered approach to design, focusing on empathy and understanding the needs of the users. IDEO has worked with a wide range of clients, from startups to large corporations.
Frog Design
Headquartered in the US, Frog Design is another leading design firm that specialises in UI/UX. They have a global client network and work with companies across different industries, from healthcare to finance. Frog Design are known for their holistic way of designing products, with a combination of strategy, creativity, and technology.
Designit
Designit is a global strategic design firm that helps organisations create transformative user experiences. With a focus on digital products and services, Designit combines design thinking with business strategy to create solutions that are not just innovative, but highly practical too.
Latest trends in UI/UX design
One of the latest trends you will notice is minimalism. Users have developed an appreciation for simple and clean designs, as they find them less overwhelming and cluttering. Accessibility features are another key trend, as business are putting the much-needed effort to make their digital products friendly to those with disabilities.
Of course, with the development of AI technologies, they are also quickly making their way into different apps and software. Users want ultimate convenience and simplicity, so using AI allows companies to create highly personalised experiences, such as smart voice assistants, for instance.
Conclusion
UI/UX design is absolutely critical in digital products and can be the main reason behind its success or, likewise, flop. Companies like UxDivers, IDEO, Frog Design, and Designit are all specialising in helping you achieve the best customer experience.
