By Saber
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5
min Reads
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UI UX Design
Rive? What’s that then?
Around 2022, we started hearing whispers of a magical tool that would solve all these problems.
This tool was Rive.
Initially I was reluctant to try it, After Effects had everything, so why change? It could kick out 99% of the file formats required, and Rive was going to be another fad, lost to time like dubstep and prawn cocktails. But when I finally took the plunge, I realised how much of a stubborn primadonna I was being.
The rumours were mostly true. Rive really seemed to solve all our problems and provide a path forward. And mastering it turned out to be pretty easy.
The big thing about Rive is that unlike MP4s or Lotties, it’s not a file type. It’s more like an interactive game engine. An isolated mini-product or even an application within a site.
Instead of having one linear timeline, motion designers can use Rive to create multiple timelines and artboards which they can then connect in various ways. These are controlled via conditions you specify, giving you ultimate control of what’s going on and when.
Want an object to follow the mouse? Go for it! Want a click on something to trigger another timeline? Ye, let’s do it! Add a hover animation to a button? Be my guest!
Everybody will love you. The designers because it’s vector-based and therefore crispier than Gary Lineker. The developers because the resulting file is smaller than a mouse’s handkerchief.
All this, plus it runs incredibly smoothly, in real-time — even with the final boss, Safari.
Consistency is Key
Consistency breeds familiarity, and familiarity ensures ease of use. When designing, make sure elements across your product follow a unified style and pattern.
Typography: Stick to a limited set of fonts and font sizes.
Colors: Create a color palette and use it consistently throughout your design.
Buttons and Icons: Design interactive elements that behave the same way across your product.
Simplify Navigation
Good navigation is like a GPS for your product—users should always know where they are and how to get to where they want to be.
Clear Labels: Use descriptive and unambiguous labels for menus and buttons.
Hierarchy: Prioritize content and actions with visual weight (e.g., bigger, bolder elements for primary actions).
Breadcrumbs: Offer users a clear trail of how they’ve navigated through your product.
Prioritize Accessibility
Designing for everyone means including users with disabilities. Accessible design isn’t just ethical—it’s essential.
Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background for readability.
Keyboard Navigation: Make sure all interactive elements are accessible via the keyboard.
Alt Text: Provide descriptive alt text for images and icons.
Resource: Check out the WCAG Guidelines to ensure your design meets accessibility standards.
Microinteractions for Delight
Microinteractions are subtle animations or visual cues that guide users and enhance the overall experience.
Button Hover Effects: Let users know their action is being registered.
Loading Indicators: Show progress during waiting times.
Feedback Messages: Inform users when they complete an action, like submitting a form.
Inspiration: Explore Dribbble and Behance for microinteraction examples.
Test, Iterate, Repeat
Design is never "finished." It evolves with user needs and feedback.
Usability Testing: Watch real users interact with your product and take notes.
A/B Testing: Experiment with different design elements to see what works best.
Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar to gather data on user behavior.
Key Takeaway: Iteration based on user feedback is the heart of an intuitive design process.
Conclusion
An intuitive UI is more than just good looks—it’s about understanding your users, simplifying interactions, and creating an experience that feels seamless. By focusing on user research, consistency, accessibility, and continuous improvement, you can craft a design that not only meets but exceeds user expectations.
Happy designing!
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