“A picture is worth a thousand words”
It holds no doubt that humans are programmed to learn faster through visual means than type. Humans get more pleasure by looking at visual images of different colour, shapes and designs than to read paragraphs upon paragraphs of written word. This is specially import for me in UX/UI design as I need to explore and explain myself through visual functions rather than relying on written word.
Important contextual knowledge to remember is that according to Merrriam-Webster’s dictionary, the verb “illustrate” is “To clarify” or in my terms, “To visually explain yourself”.
Illustrations in a interface should be efficient element of a layout, as Marina Yalanska lists it:
- meaningful
- recognizable
- preferably straightforward and unambiguous
- clarifying
- attractive
- harmonic and corresponding with general stylistic concept of the interface
- improving usability and user experience in general
- not overloading the screen or page.
Mascots
A more efficient way to apply illustrations in a interface is to create mascots. These can be humans, or anthropomorphic beings that guide you around their interface. For example, a happy flower that guides you around their app would be considered a mascot. Repeated use of communicatiocation and interactions with the customer creates a deep emotional impact and even when it’s not typographically speaking you understand that it’s there for support or help. A less defined example would be Amazons packaging with an arrow that mimics a smile. Whilst it doesn’t talk verbally it communicates itself visually with other brand elements and experiences so people see it as a mascot for the company.
What do mascots do?
- Catches user attention
- Makes the interface more interactable and playful
- Communicate and interact with the user
- Minimalizes written copy
- Provides an emotional connection
- Brand identifier
Tips
Illustration can also be navigational through the elements of the interface by using ‘tips’ when opening the app. This is great to create clarity and explanation. In the present day more apps are using this type of style as it is a good way to boost usability and minimizing the use of written word. This makes the app overall more user friendly.
Rewards
To make their interface more interactive and accomplishing, many apps add badges and rewards to their apps creating a sense of accomplishment and achievement from the user. These come in all forms such as stickers, medals, signs and coins. This style makes users feel more endured to constantly use the app and gain positive user experience.
Themes
Themes are applied to user interfaces to provide visual support, consistency and interactable. Some themes can be interactive such as fish swimming in the background or clouds slowly going past. They provide consistency through the artistic style that is presented and can showcases events, seasonal features, etc. Most apps use this as it is seen as ‘modern’ and attractive. These themes provide an overall aesthetic and key to the application.
What did I learn?
In this article by Marina Yalanska I really enjoyed all the interactive elements that can be added to provide user experience. It has allowed me to explore their functionalities and artistic expression. This has inspired me to look at making some interactive features for my apps such as tips and badges which I can use to promote a positive user experience.