Design pattern consistency
Design patterns form the language of user interaction. When products mix different patterns for similar actions, users face unnecessary cognitive load.
Key areas to examine:
- Action patterns: How similar actions work across features
- Layout patterns: Consistent organization of similar content types
- Form patterns: How input and validation work across forms
- Selection patterns: Consistency in how users choose options
- Feedback patterns: How the system communicates outcomes
- Disclosure patterns: Methods for showing additional content
- Filter patterns: Ways users narrow down information
Finding pattern inconsistencies helps reduce user confusion and improves learning curves for new features.
Pro Tip: Start with high-visibility pages. Inconsistencies there have the biggest impact on brand perception.
