User Interface and User Experience (UI & UX)

Oct 29, 20203 min read

Updated: Dec 16, 2020

For the creation of the augmented reality experience for Unexpected Joy (TMA1402), The Virtual Market, I've conducted visual research on user interface and user experience (UI & UX) to inform and inspire my design experimentation for the "cards" that will be displayed to the visitor when a SnapCode is scanned.

One factor commonly found amongst almost all of the examples of UI and UX design was the use of curved edges. This feature seems to be the most stylish and "go-to" option for designers and from a personal point of view, I do feel it is aesthetically pleasing and fits the modern theme that appears to flow from one design project to another. Two projects that stood out was E.reader by Mehvish Iqbal and Sports Nutrition Delivery App by Vlada Strelka.

E.reader by Iqbal is potentially one of the most stylish application designs I've come across not only for this project but for others also. Using minimal circles and a muted yet contrasting colour palette makes the design feel more like an art piece rather than an application for the average member of the public to download. However, is this the downside to this design? The application is for readers, however, the section of the design that allows the user to read the text is relatively small compared to the screen. Could this have been improved so that the grey text card fills more of the screen with the menu bar, timer and other functions being integrated into the text card? Meaning the design is more user conscious.

Strelka's design for the Sports Nutrition Delivery App shows a deeper understanding of how their customer will interact with the application and dedicates more of the available screen to the functionality for the user. This, however, is not at the detriment of good design. Thanks to the use of colourful illustrations and gradients, the application design still feels playful and seems to have the aim of making the process of paying a more pleasant experience by using colour. This pleasant style, however, does not seem to follow through into the product choosing experience, where the design is all white with hints of a mustard yellow. Could more have been done with this? Potentially, I believe the use of illustrations for products that are key for the brand or sponsored products, allowing them to appear more attractive to customers would have helped this design.

User interface and user experience design are all about balance. A balance between functionality and appealing design. Or does one always have to overpower the other, even if ever so slightly? At what point do the capabilities of the hardware come into play for the application design? As mobile phones and tablets become more intelligent and with the launch of the 5G network, will we see applications become more advanced in their functionality and how will they further affect our daily lives? Both of these designs have influenced the design of the augmented reality cards for Unexpected Joy, both for different reasons.