UX Design Principles

Learn how to differentiate your product with the UX Honeycomb of 7 principles for irresistible user experiences
UX Design Principles Lesson

Peter Morville, known as the founding father of information architecture, proposed the UX Honeycomb, consisting of 7 principles: usefulness, desirability, accessibility, credibility, findability, usability, and value-impact.[1] Mastering these principles will differentiate your product from others and make it more attractive to users.

Usefulness

Usefulness is a fundamental principle in UX design. It means that your product should meet user needs and solve their problems effectively. For instance, a calculator simplifies math operations, providing practical value. If users can't immediately understand your product's purpose, it indicates poor UX.

In complex interfaces, it's crucial to prioritize essential features. Employ progressive disclosure, a method that introduces advanced functionalities gradually. This approach prevents users from feeling overwhelmed and allows them to grasp the product's functionality in manageable increments.

Pro Tip! Each time you doubt a design decision, ask yourself the question, "What purpose does this serve?" It'll help you keep your designs aligned with your product goals.

Usability Bad Practice
Usability Best Practice

Usability is a critical aspect of good UX design that should never be compromised. It entails creating products or websites that are easy to use and navigate. For instance, if your product aims to assist users in booking accommodations, but the interface is convoluted and confusing, it defeats its own purpose. Even small issues like the absence of a Back button or a Sign Up button can hurt usability.

Desirability Bad Practice
Desirability Best Practice

Desirability in UX is the quality that makes a product fun, engaging, and appealing to its users. It transcends mere functionality or aesthetics, tapping into the emotional experience and connection that users forge with the product.

A desirable product pleases users in interaction, sparks positive emotions, and encourages repeated use. This can be achieved through intuitive design, satisfying interactions, or by simply making users' tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Consider Microsoft Excel or Word, for instance. Though not flashy, they are favored for their reliability and effectiveness in meeting user needs.

Findability Bad Practice
Findability Best Practice

The principle of findability in UX design emphasizes the importance of intuitive navigation, well-structured information, and an effective search system. Prioritize placing content where users naturally expect to find it.

Here are some ways to enhance findability in your designs:

  • Practice intuitive design based on user research to make interactions more predictable for users
  • Keep the interface clear and free from clutter, avoiding unnecessary distractions
  • Maintain consistency in designs and element placement across different pages
  • Establish a clear hierarchy of items on each page, making it easier for users to locate and prioritize information[2]
Accessibility

Accessibility in design ensures that everyone, irrespective of their disabilities, is able to enjoy good user experiences. Technically, accessibility is a key component of a broader term — inclusive design. It goes beyond just meeting the needs of people with disabilities and aims to create experiences that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, culture, or other characteristics.

Contrary to popular belief, designing for people with disabilities does not make designs boring or uninteresting. In fact, it makes design more usable and enjoyable for all users.[3]

Credibility Bad Practice
Credibility Best Practice

According to the Baymard Institute, 25% of users abandon their cart because they don't want to share their credit card information with a website they don't trust.[4] Credibility is what makes your audience trust and believe in what you offer them.

You can make sure your product appears credible to users by:

  • Being transparent about how you use users' data
  • Including testimonials and reviews
  • Highlighting your expertise in the field
  • Introducing your team like the real humans that they are
  • Including your company’s address and contact information
  • Using trust badges and seals on payment pages
  • Updating your website's content regularly
Value-impact Bad Practice
Value-impact Best Practice

Good products are designed to deliver value to both users and the business. However, the primary focus should always be on addressing the needs and goals of users. Placing user needs first ensures that the product serves its intended purpose and brings value to users. Neglecting user needs and prioritizing company profits can lead to wasted resources and creating a beautiful but ultimately useless product. For example, consider YouTube, which offers free content streaming to users while generating revenue through advertisements and premium ad-free subscriptions. This approach ensures that users can access the desired content without financial barriers, while the company still benefits from ad and subscription-based monetization.

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