How can you use patterns and templates to improve interaction design?

1 What are patterns?

Patterns are general solutions for recurring design problems that are based on best practices, user research, and usability testing. They are not specific to any platform, device, or context, but rather describe the underlying principles and logic behind a design decision. For example, a pattern could be a navigation menu, a search box, a form, or a button. Patterns help you create consistent and familiar interfaces that users can easily understand and use.

2 What are templates?

Templates are specific implementations of patterns that are tailored to a specific platform, device, or context. They are more concrete and detailed than patterns, and often include visual elements, layout, and code. For example, a template could be a web page, a mobile app screen, or a dashboard. Templates help you save time and effort by providing ready-made and customizable solutions that follow the standards and guidelines of a platform or device.

3 How to use patterns and templates?

Patterns and templates are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. You can use patterns as a starting point for your interaction design, and then adapt them to your specific needs and goals using templates. Alternatively, you can use templates as a source of inspiration and reference for your interaction design, and then modify them according to your own style and preferences using patterns. The key is to balance between following the established conventions and creating your own unique solutions.

5 How to evaluate patterns and templates?

When evaluating patterns and templates for your interaction design, it’s important to consider several criteria, such as relevance to user needs, goals, and context; usability principles and heuristics; compliance with accessibility standards; fit with your brand identity; and innovation. For example, does the pattern or template provide visibility, feedback, consistency, and simplicity? Does it comply with contrast, color, font, and keyboard navigation standards? Does it offer any new or improved features that enhance the user experience? All of these factors should be taken into account when selecting the best pattern or template for your project.

6 How to create your own patterns and templates?

Patterns and templates are not fixed or final, but rather dynamic and evolving. You can create your own patterns and templates by combining, modifying, or extending existing ones, or by inventing new ones from scratch. To do this successfully, you must follow a design process that includes research to identify user needs, goals, pain points, and expectations; ideation to generate and sketch design ideas; prototyping to create and test prototypes; evaluation to measure usability, accessibility, aesthetics, and innovation; and iteration to refine and improve your design ideas based on the evaluation results and user feedback.