Evaluating Design Quality: Key Criteria for Success

Designing a great user interface is about more than just aesthetics. From a confused newbie to a purposeful designer, I have evolved to create designs that meet user needs & business goals. A design isn't complete until it does both!

When I first started learning design, I would create whatever came to mind, often without solving any real problems. I could remember my first design ever using Figma was a CARROT ??. My designs lacked meaning, and I couldn't justify my choices. Over time, I learned the importance of a structured approach, and here are the key criteria I now use to evaluate design quality, ensuring it meets both functional and visual standards:

1. Understanding of the Brief

? i. Relevance: Does the design align with the project requirements and objectives? It’s essential that the design addresses the client’s goals and the problem at hand. Clear communication with stakeholders at the beginning helps ensure that the design remains relevant throughout the project.

???ii. Comprehension: Has the designer understood the problem they are trying to solve? A clear grasp of the problem ensures that the design is on point. Creating user personas and scenarios can help designers fully understand the problems they need to solve.

2. User Experience

i. Research: Has the designer conducted user research or competitive analysis? This helps in creating a design that truly resonates with the target audience. User surveys and usability testing provide invaluable feedback for refining the design to meet user needs.

? ii. Usability: Is the design easy to use and navigate? Key functions should be easily accessible to ensure a seamless user experience. Good information architecture is crucial here. Organising content in a logical manner helps users find what they need quickly and efficiently.

? iii. Accessibility: Does the design consider accessibility standards (e.g., contrast, font size)? Inclusive design is crucial for reaching a broader audience. Implementing WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) ensures that your design is usable by people with diverse abilities.

3. Visual Design

? i. Aesthetics: Is the design visually appealing? Effective use of colours, fonts, and styles is key to creating an attractive interface. Utilising design principles such as balance, contrast, and harmony can significantly enhance the visual appeal.

? ii. Consistency: Are design elements consistent throughout (e.g., alignments, spacing, buttons, icons)? Consistency enhances the user’s experience and trust in the product. A well-maintained style guide or design system helps maintain consistency across different parts of the project. Using the 4x4 or 8x8 spacing technique can help ensure uniform spacing and alignment, making the design cleaner and more organised.

? iii. Typography: Is typography readable and appropriately styled? Good typography ensures that the content is easily digestible. Choosing the right typeface and size and maintaining adequate line spacing enhances readability and user experience.

4. Creativity and Innovation

? i. Originality: Does the design demonstrate creative thinking and originality? Innovative designs stand out and leave a lasting impression. Encouraging brainstorming sessions and exploring unconventional ideas can lead to unique and original designs.

? ii. Problem Solving: Has the designer provided innovative solutions to design challenges? Effective problem-solving is a hallmark of great design. Early in my career, I realised I was designing without purpose. Now, I use design thinking methods to identify innovative solutions that address user pain points effectively, ensuring each design choice is purposeful and justified.

5. Technical Skills

? i. Tool Proficiency: Has the designer demonstrated proficiency in design tools? Mastery of design tools is essential for executing ideas effectively. Keeping up to date with the latest features and best practices of design tools can improve efficiency and output quality.

? ii. File organisation: Are design files well organised and labelled correctly? Organised files ensure smooth collaboration and easy handoff to developers. Adopting a standardised file naming and organisation convention can prevent confusion and streamline the workflow.

Evaluating these criteria helps in crafting designs that are not only beautiful but also functional and user-friendly. How do you assess the quality of a design? Share your thoughts!