Innovating in design is not a simple task. Navigating the established UX rules requires a delicate balance between creativity and consistency. These UX principles form the backbone of user-centric design, guiding designers toward creating user interfaces that are efficient, accessible, and user-friendly. Yet, the scope for innovation exists within these confines. In addition, understanding and incorporating user research outcomes is paramount. These outcomes can help designers anticipate user needs, preferences, and pain points, which in turn can inspire innovative solutions.
There are several tips you can use to fuel innovation in your design process. The first strategy involves adding elements or features. On the surface, this appears as the most straightforward approach. Many designers, in their pursuit to create a comprehensive and appealing interface, tend to include as many elements as possible. By doing so, they hope to add depth to the product and cater to diverse user needs. However, the risk of overcomplication is inherent in this approach. While additional features may initially attract some users, the complexity that comes along can be off-putting for others. For instance, the Logitech MX Master mouse, initially lauded for its extra function keys, ended up frustrating users who struggled to remember the purpose of each key.
Contrastingly, the Apple Magic Mouse soared in popularity, owing largely to its simplicity. The lack of additional keys allowed users to focus on the primary functions, making it easier and more enjoyable to use. This stark comparison between the two products underscores the importance of striking a balance between function and simplicity in design.
This introduces us to the second principle: subtraction. Although it may seem counterintuitive to remove elements or features, this approach can often enhance user experience. Simplifying the interface and eliminating unnecessary complexity can make a product more accessible and user-friendly. A brilliant demonstration of this principle is Apple’s ‘Unlock with Face ID while wearing a mask’ feature. Introduced during the pandemic, this feature saved iPhone users the inconvenience of removing their masks to unlock their phones or use Apple Pay, thereby simplifying the user experience significantly.
Lastly, drawing inspiration from real life can also spark innovation in design. This principle relies on the idea that familiar, real-world experiences can guide the design of user interfaces. Jony Ive, when designing the first iMac, decided to incorporate a handle into the iMac enclosure. The rationale behind this was simple: handles are common in our everyday lives and provoke a natural inclination to touch and interact. This invited users to engage more closely with the technology. Another example of this principle at work is the design of the first iPhone calculator app, which was modeled after the Braun ET66 calculator. The familiar look and feel made the app more intuitive and user-friendly, demonstrating the effectiveness of grounding digital experiences in real-world analogs.
