Optimizing filter layout and interaction — Navigating a large-scape application without filters is like browsing a library without a catalog. It’s impossible to find what you’re looking for if you can’t narrow it down by criteria. Providing users with a set of criteria to choose from isn’t easy. The first challenge is figuring out the best…

The best way to display content — Should you use a vertical or horizontal card for your content? Many designers struggle to answer this question because they don’t understand the differences between the two card types beyond layout and orientation. Eye Fixations and Saccades The right card choice depends on several factors. If you’re using large images to communicate information, a…

Intuitive card design — Designing intuitive cards for easy data consumption is a challenge for most designers. They often don’t know of a better way to present the information other than to use a rudimentary list format. The downside to a list format is that users can’t find and distinguish specific data quickly enough…

Best practices to improve your tables — Most data tables are hard to decipher and dreadful to view. Spending hours looking at tables can feel like a burdensome chore. You can take the burden off users by putting more effort into the interface design. All it takes is following a few best design practices. As a result…

Removing the question in confirmation — There are a few bad practices designers often commit on modal confirmation dialogs. If you don’t correct them, you’ll leave your users bewildered to where they cannot act with certainty. Confirming data is essential when it involves monetary transactions and sensitive items. For instance, ordering a registration renewal sticker requires…

Making input selection easier — Selecting input on filters can often incur a high cognitive load on users. You can do a lot to improve the input selection experience. Here are some ideas that’ll help improve your filter UI. Data Graph Range Sliders When users select a range to filter, they usually aren’t sure what a good min and…

The right way to use drop shadows — All user interfaces are a collection of surfaces. You have the background, foreground, and the elements that float on top. To show users what screen elements are active, you have to use surface elevation. Some components that need elevation are toasts, cards, and menus. When you fail to use elevation…

Introduction to chip components Traditional checkboxes and radio buttons have become a thing of the past. They’re outdated and have lousy usability. Their tiny targets are hard to click with accuracy. The difference between a dot and checkmark cue can confuse non-tech-savvy users. The next evolution of checkboxes and radio…

Improving message forms — Getting high user engagement on messaging forms is quite the challenge. Sometimes users aren’t sure how to respond to a message. Thinking about what to say requires a high cognitive load that can cause mental strain. In one case, a classified ads app that allows users to sell their used…