5 ways UI/UX is like a Hallmark movie
I’m just going to come out and say it: Hallmark movies are a metaphor for UI/UX design. The plots are consistent from project to project. Somewhere down the line, a conflict will ensue, but if you write the script well, you’re most certainly going to have a happy ending. Here are five ways UI/UX is like a Hallmark movie.
1. There will be a conflict. In every project, you may have issues with your color scheme, font choices or elemental display. But in my experience, the biggest hiccups were found when users tested an app early on in a project. That’s why it’s best to test early and test often.
Listen to feedback. In one of my first UX assignments, I was tasked with creating a food truck app. Early in the design phase, I conducted user testing. My test subjects all agreed there was no need for a filter function since the search box was evident at the top of the page. So, if you discover similarities among your testers, be sure to address them prior to your next test (beta) or launch.
2. It can be romantic. There will be components you create that will build a beautiful relationship. Flow charts can help you determine if your approach is working, what additional steps are needed to make the application succeed and where gaps may lie—especially if a complex process is involved. Look at my Swift Gifts case study. When utilizing Swift Gifts, a user can find gift ideas for friends based on what they liked, shared or posted on social media. There are a lot of steps a user needs to take before someone can actually see a gift list. (Hint: Permission is required.) Without a successful flow, your app could fail. With it, your user will be in love.
3. It’s meant for a particular audience. Most projects will be geared to a specific audience. In my Small Change app, micro-philanthropists can choose where they want their spare change to go based on where they shop. Before designing this app, I did a competitive analysis to ensure it was one of a kind. (Hey, that rhymes!)
4. It’s formulaic. When building an app, there’s a set of steps one should always follow. Your steps may differ slightly from other designers, but ultimately, the same goal will be achieved. Here's my design process:
Step 1: Research.
Step 2: Define
Step 3: Ideate
Step 4: Prototype & Testing
5. It has a happy ending. This is a no-brainer: If you do everything well, your app will succeed. You’ll be proud at what you achieve. (Hey, another rhyme!) Better yet, you’ll have a product you can showcase your work in your portfolio.
