What UX/UI Design Looks Like in the Real World

UX/UI Terms

• Mental models are what users expect based on past experiences (Norman, 2013).

• Signifiers are visual cues that indicate possible actions (Norman, 2013).

• Affordances are what an object is expected to do (Norman, 2013).

• Intuitive is when users can understand what to do next without instruction or confusion (Norman, 2013).

A relevant example of UX/UI design in real life occurred when I visited a newly opened clothing store and attempted to use the self-checkout. I found a jacket I liked and proceeded to the checkout, only to be confused about how to ring up my item. A rectangular sink opening was cut into the countertop surface, with a monitor and a scanner. I automatically scanned my item, but nothing happened. I searched for instructions on the monitor until an employee explained that I should place the item in the sink-like cutout, and it would ring up automatically. My prior experience with self-checkout created a mental model that did not match this new system. Signifiers, such as the presence of a scanner, were misleading because the common practice is to scan items at checkout. I assumed the sink was for discarding hangers after purchase. This demonstrates how mismatched mental models and signifiers can impact user experience (Norman, 2013).

Additionally, I wanted to purchase a bag, but the user interface was very minimal. An easy-to-miss 16-pixel ‘plus’ icon made it difficult to add a bag to my purchase. Affordances play a key role in user experience by helping users understand possible actions. In this example, the tray or bin did not clearly indicate where to place items for scanning. Although the interface was visually clean, the user experience was not fully intuitive and relied heavily on users’ familiarity with the system. This illustrates the challenges first-time users face with unfamiliar checkout methods. Norman (2013) discusses these UX/UI design concepts in his book, The Design of Everyday Things.

“Good design is actually a lot harder to notice than poor design, in part because good designs fit our needs so well that the design is invisible” (Norman, 2013, p. xx).

This is where UX/UI designers can come in and

• Conduct user research and interviews, and define painpoints for the customers
• Create Wireframes and prototypes based on user research
• Design layout and components
• Collaborate with developers and stakeholders
• Iterate designs based on user feedback

This may not apply to this particular clothing store, but in real-world products, UX/UI design directly impacts engagement, acessibility and business success. A confusing checkout flow can cause users to abandon a purchase, while clear navigation and thoughtful visuals from research and user feedback can build trust and improve the user experience.

References

Norman, D. A. (2013). The design of everyday things (Revised and expanded edition). Basic Books.