Tag: Quora

  • Are UI and UX design the same for websites, apps, and physical flyers?

    If it stemmed from the same campaign, they all could have the same objectives.

    Only at the Structure level—specifically, Information Architecture—they could be the same.

    For the interface (UI), the differences are obvious—that as of this moment, physical flyers can’t handle HTML yet.


    Originally published in Quora

  • When should I use a single-column and multi-column timeline feed?

    What kind of content are you presenting?

    Take a look at Facebook feed and Pinterest feed.

    Facebook feed presents a variety of content—text, images, videos whose purpose are to update the users of current events and happenings in their friends’ lives.

    Pinterest feed, on the other hand, presents content heavy on images—eye candy if you may.

    So for timely content like news, it’s best to present it linearly (single–column) beginning from the most relevant and recent.

    For content meant to be browsed or scanned, it’s best to present it all at the same time (multi–column), of course also beginning from the most relevant to the user.

    Relevance is key.


    Originally published in Quora

  • Are tabs as a pattern good for mobile design? How do they affect an app’s usability?

    What kind of app are you working on?

    Let’s set two facets in this answer:

    1. Trend – are tabs being used in Android and iOS mobile apps?

      Yes, as evidenced in popular mobile apps (Quora, for example).

    2. Nature – can tabs function well in limited spaces?

      Yes, it is implemented in a single row which can also accommodate an overflow of tab items within a horizontal scrollable container or a sub–menu of overflown items.

    Tabs perfectly facilitate the navigability of a mobile app’s sections.


    Originally published in Quora

  • How can designers leverage audio to enhance user experience?

    What kind of experience do you want for your users?

    Here’s a checklist:

    1. Business and User Objectives
    2. Features and Requirements
    3. Information Architecture and Interaction Design
    4. Navigation and User Interface Design
    5. Accessibility and Visual Design
      • Visual
        • Layout
        • Colors
        • Typography
        • Animation
      • Audial
        • Text–to–Speech
        • Sound (cues and effects)
        • Music (background and foreground)

    While one of sound’s purpose is enhancing the user experience, it’s primary goal is to provide accessibility to non–visual users.

    And in cases video games and devices that only has VUI, sound is one of the primary elements.


    If you’re working on a site or app, prioritize the checklist before leveraging audio to enhance the user experience (along with animations).

    Think of a chat app wherein there are sound cues and animations when someone is composing a reply, when you successfully sent a message, and when you receive a message.

    One can still use the app and accomplish the task at hand even without those sound cues and animations—but they are important aspects in enhancing the usability and user experience.


    Originally published in Quora

  • If you are a UI/UX designer, what would you choose, to be an all-around with average skills (design + programming) or be a champ in UI/UX only?

    Be a jack of all trades and a master of none or a master of one (and more)? It is an age-old question.

    It depends on the environment where you want to focus on:

    • in a one-man band freelancing: jack of all trades
    • in a company with team members with specializations: specialize
    • in a company with “all-around” team members: jack of all trades

    In general, be the best at one thing and not so best or at least familiar with other things.


    Originally published in Quora

  • Why don’t many professional web designers disable the outline (blue glow) around input fields, even if it clashes with the design and color scheme?

    There are many default usability styles designed by the browser.

    Sometimes it is best to leave it alone because it covers a lot of area that you might not be able to cover if you nitpick it.

    Now if the color of the outline clashes with your branding like “blue is really banned from your UI” then change it.

    Or if the outline color is the same as the background color, it won’t be seen, of course, so change it.

    It’s important to note that styles whose main purpose is usability must be left alone especially if your purpose is to simply comply with color schemes.


    Originally published in Quora

  • How do I know which CSS attributes work on each HTML tags?

    There are initial points to take into consideration in order to make sense of the connection between HTML elements (<p>, <a>, <div>, etc.) and CSS properties (display, font-size, background-color, etc.).

    1. The nature of the HTML element
    2. The purpose of the HTML element

    You might notice that it is all about HTML elements. This is because HTML elements already have implicit CSS rules in them thru the browser. It is called the User Agent Styles or browser default styles.

    Now your question borders around creating your own styles, thus, overriding the default styles.

    (more…)
  • What is a good “test project” to prove one’s skills as a UI designer (to work with a UX person) for a website development company, e.g, if one’s portfolio is out-of-date, but they have prerequisite talent & skills?

    Let’s frame your question in the following:

    • You’re applying for a web development company
    • Your portfolio currently would not demonstrate your superpowers
    • But a Test Project will
    • You are applying for a User Interface Designer position
    • In the company, they have a UX Researcher and a UX Designer in the team
    • You would like to foresee the Test Project that they will give you to be able to prepare for it
    (more…)
  • Why does experimenting with CSS feel so overwhelming?

    One might categorize CSS experimentation into two:

    • Static experimentation (visual design – layout colors, typography)
    • Interactive experimentation (animations, interactivity)

    Now, both could be overwhelming especially if you’ve already gotten past the visual design properties.

    But yeah, that’s the way it is – whatever you’re building, you just have to take it one block at a time to be able to manage it – and lessen the overwhelmingness.


    Originally published in Quora

  • In UI design, where is the line between copying someone and getting inspiration?

    I could see this question in two aspects: the designer’s POV and the audience’s POV

    • The designer’s personal POV about replicating and modifying depends on her philosophy.
    • Is it OK to copy just to get it done? Is it OK to spend time to reinvent the wheel? What will the designer learn from it?
    • What will the designer’s audience think about the practice of copying visual designs? What will the audience feel about a familiar experience in the design?

    There are many different considerations when someone seems to have a similar UI design. I could see the thin transparent line all over the spectrum.


    Originally published in Quora