Page 1: TOPIC 10: GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS

Page 2: Overview

Guidelines and Standards

• Guidelines and standards are crucial tools in design.

• Purpose: Ensure products are consistent, user-friendly, and aligned with brand identity.

• Content Covered:

  • Importance of consistency.

  • Role of design standards.

  • Steps for achieving and maintaining these standards.

Page 3: Key Areas in Design

Essential Components

• UX (User Experience): Enhancing usability.

• UI (User Interface): Visual elements that users interact with.

• App Structure: Framework of app layout.

• Functionality: Ensuring features work effectively.

• User Research: Understanding user needs.

• Discovery: Identifying user opportunities and preferences.

• Layout & Interaction: Arranging elements for optimal user engagement.

• Design: Overall aesthetic and functional aspects.

• User Journey: Mapping user experiences.

• Empathy Maps: Insights into user feelings, thoughts, and needs.

• User Testing: Assessing user interaction with products.

• Icons & Visual Style: Design consistency in visual elements.

• Design System: A collection of reusable components.

• Production: The process of creating a finished product.

Page 4: User Interface Design Guidelines

10 Rules of Thumb

1. Visibility of System Status: Users should be informed about system operations promptly.

2. Match Between System and Real World: Use familiar language and logical order.

3. User Control and Freedom: Allow users to undo or redo actions easily.

Page 5: Continued Guidelines

4. Consistency and Standards: Maintain graphic elements and terminology across platforms.

5. Error Prevention: Design systems to minimize user errors.

6. Recognition Rather Than Recall: Keep task-related information displayed to reduce memory load.

Page 6: Additional Guidelines

7. Flexibility and Efficiency of Use: Support advanced users through shortcuts and hidden commands.

8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design: Minimize display clutter to focus on essential components.

9. Help Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors: Use plain language for error messages.

10. Help and Documentation: Provide adequate documentation when necessary.

Page 7: The Significance of Consistency

Importance of Consistency

• Definition: Consistent use of elements across products improves user experience.

1. Improved Usability: Products become intuitive due to familiar design patterns.

   • Impact: Users can quickly learn interface interactions.

   • Example: Uniform buttons and navigation improve usability.

Page 8: Brand Identity Reinforcement

2. Brand Identity Reinforcement: Consistency creates a recognizable brand look.

   • Impact: Users associate specific elements with the brand.

   • Example: Using a unique color palette enhances brand recognition.

Page 9: Reduced Learning Curve

3. Reduced Learning Curve: Familiar designs help users navigate easily.

   • Impact: Users learn systems faster, especially beneficial for complex apps.

   • Example: Established patterns make new features easier to understand.

Page 10: Enhanced Trustworthiness

4. Enhanced Trustworthiness: Consistent design reflects professionalism.

   • Impact: Users feel more secure with stable and reliable products.

   • Example: Smooth navigation enhances user trust.

Page 11: The Role of Standards

Design Standards

• Definition: Guidelines ensuring uniformity in design elements like typography and layouts.

1. Typography: Establish standards for fonts and spacing to enhance readability.

   • Importance: Consistent typography reinforces brand identity.

   • Example: Using specific fonts across interfaces creates cohesion.

Page 12: Color Palette

2. Color Palette: Defines primary and secondary colors for products.

   • Importance: Reinforces brand identity and visual consistency.

   • Example: A healthcare app's calming color scheme promotes trust.

Page 13: Iconography

3. Iconography: Ensures uniform styles and meanings of icons.

   • Importance: Helps users recognize functions easily.

   • Example: Consistent icons reduce user confusion.

Page 14: Layouts and Grids

4. Layouts and Grids: Define the arrangement of elements.

   • Importance: Simplifies navigation and enhances readability.

   • Example: E-commerce sites with consistent layouts improve user experience.

Page 15: Achieving Consistency

Best Practices for Consistency

• Approach: Implement best practices through regular reviews.

• Goal: Maintain a unified experience across updates.

Page 16: Conduct a Design Audit

1. Design Audit: Review existing elements to identify inconsistencies.

   • Purpose: Improve and update design standards.

   • Process: Examine typography, colors, and layouts for alignment.

Page 17: Create Design Guidelines

2. Create Guidelines: Develop documents outlining standards for design.

   • Purpose: Serve as a reference for designers.

   • Content: Include instructions, examples, and usage rules.

Page 18: Train Your Team

3. Team Training: Ensures understanding of standards among all team members.

   • Purpose: Improves adherence to guidelines.

   • Method: Conduct training sessions and provide materials.

Page 19: Regularly Review and Update

4. Review and Update: Adapt standards as needed to remain relevant.

   • Purpose: Align with evolving trends and user needs.

   • Process: Schedule periodic reviews and seek team feedback.

Page 20: Summary

Standards in Design

• Elements like typography, color, and layout create a unified experience.

Consistency Benefits

• Enhances usability, strengthens brand identity, and builds trust.

Ongoing Process

• Conduct audits, establish guidelines, train teams, and continually review standards.