Create user-interface style guides
The problem
We are awash in a sea of different user interfaces. As digital devices proliferate so does the number of different user interfaces. Variation can run rampant even within a range of products or within different elements of the same product. Different developers create different solutions to the same problem, and this in turn creates problems for user and developer alike. Inconsistencies in the interface make the product more difficult for the user to learn and use. For the product supplier, inconsistencies result in dilution of the product brand and a loss of corporate identity. Moreover, inconsistencies may lead to inefficiencies in the overall production process as developers try to “re-invent the wheel” and understand other’s “wheel design”. If much of the development of your product or product range is done by third parties, these problems are only magnified. Variety, as they say, is the “spice of life”, but uncontrolled variety can literally kill your business.
The solutions
Style guides provide a high level description of a user interface. They are a set of rules or guidelines for designing a user interface. By adhering to the guidelines set out in a style guide, product developers can be sure that their product is consistent with other products in the same family or running on the same platform. Products that follow a style guide are more coherent and possess a more reassuring and recognizable look and feel. With our extensive experience in user interface design, Namahn can work with you to create a style guide that meets your needs.
The approach
Development of a style guide is a project in its own right. We at Namahn have learned, however, that style guides can not be written in isolation about abstract products; creating a style guide is not an academic exercise. The first edition of the style guide must be written in parallel with the development of a specific product. It can then be maintained and evolve to reflect new products and changing needs.
To accelerate the style guide development process, we use a high level template that we have developed based on our extensive user interface design experience. Starting from the template we add the details that are appropriate to your product. Although use of our style guide template saves time, it is not a black box solution; our designers draw upon their expertise to make sure that the style guide fits your needs perfectly. Some of the issues that our designers address are:
- Written language
to define taxonomy and ensure consistency in the use of terminology - Visual language
to ensure consistency and suitability in the use of colours, icons and graphics - Syntactical considerations
to define how the user interface elements are positioned on the screen - User interface patterns
to employ established patterns, so that users will be presented with familiar interfaces with proven acceptability. It means that developers will not have to “reinvent the wheel” to do something for which a pattern already exists
The deliverables
You receive a style guide that is founded on good practice, that relates to a specific product of yours, and that can be maintained and developed to match your evolving needs.
The benefits
You benefit from Namahn’s extensive design and documentation experience to create a tailor made and adaptable tool that enhances your design process, product quality, and brand image.