How can you design effective user interfaces for all skill levels?

In one of our projects, our objective was to establish a platform that would facilitate collaboration and engagement among a variety of stakeholders in addressing particular issues. To kickstart the project, we initiated the UX design phase using Figma as our tool of choice. We organized multiple sessions for gathering requirements to gain insights into the workflow and familiarize ourselves with the various user personas involved. Given the presence of numerous personas, our efforts were directed toward comprehending the unique traits and profiles of each one. I found it valuable to create a comprehensive set of personas, including details such as their age, demographics, and job requirements.

"Simplify your UI" could be the best customer acquisition strategy as well. I recently had a discussion with a digital bank user, and he mentioned that there are multiple other good service providers, but he uses the services of 'XYZ' because it has the simplest UI, even though others have more features and options. Hence, at the end of the day, applications with a simple-to-use interface WIN customer loyalty.

The UI design phase comes after completing the UX design and is a critical step in the project. Effective communication with both the customer and stakeholders is essential during this phase. It involves breaking down the UI design process into detailed steps. In our project, we focused on designing menus, submenus, and icons for each menu, while also working closely with the customer to maintain consistency across the entire project. This consistency included using the same colors and fonts for each page. I found it beneficial to blend UX and UI design considerations during the discovery sessions.

In the context of this project, there were demands to provide valuable links, frequently asked questions (FAQs), step-by-step tips, policy documents, articles, and guidance for the approval process. Additionally, we incorporated error messages for specific fields. All of these resources were designed to cater to the needs of both internal and external users accessing the online platform. I found it beneficial to include a progress bar in the user interface to visually indicate their progress through the process.

We introduced distinct record types and page layouts for individual users, enabling them to personalize their user interfaces. Additionally, we incorporated customized reporting and dashboard features, allowing different users to tailor their report lists and searches to align with their specific requirements. Furthermore, we established picklist field dependencies to streamline the user experience by displaying only relevant values based on the user's progress. Field dependencies act as filters, dynamically altering the contents of a picklist based on the selected value in another field.

When formulating a test strategy, the test plan takes a more proactive stance by providing an elaborate description of what needs to be tested, the testing methodologies, the timing of tests, and the individuals responsible for carrying out the tests. In our case, we crafted test scripts specifically designed to evaluate the developed and customized user interface. Both Business Analysts and the Quality Assurance team collaborated to conduct comprehensive end-to-end testing, verifying that the processes functioned as intended. The presence of test scripts and well-documented testing procedures holds significant importance in concluding and signing off on the project.