The "Liquid Concept" in UX Product Design
Ponnam Sai Kiran
Product Designer | Crafting Seamless Experiences Across B2C & B2B Markets
Liquids like Water, Petrol, Medicine, and Wine all adapt effortlessly to different roles and environments.
— Each a unique, adaptable substance shaped by purpose and context.
Just as these liquids adapt to various roles and environments, user experiences (UX) in product design must be fluid, responsive, and purpose-driven. Designing with a "liquid concept" in mind helps create experiences that seamlessly adapt to users’ needs, preferences, and contexts, enriching their interaction with the product.
Let's dive into how this concept can reshape our approach to UX design.
Water flowing into a glass
Molding UX Like Water: Adapting to Fit Every Screen and Interaction
Imagine pouring water into a glass. The water naturally takes the exact shape of the glass, flowing effortlessly to fit every curve and corner. It’s flexible, yet still has purpose - it means crafting experiences that adjust smoothly to different devices, screen sizes, and user contexts.
Just like water, which can change shape without losing its function, a "water" UX design adapts perfectly to fit each context, delivering a consistent and intuitive experience no matter where or how the user interacts with it. Whether a person is using a mobile phone, desktop, or tablet, the design should intuitively adjust to fit each device’s layout and interaction style. This responsive approach helps users have a seamless, enjoyable experience that “flows” across platforms without any disruption.
CONSIDER AN ONLINE SHOPPING SITE
By adapting to each platform’s strengths, the design feels like a natural fit on any device, making the experience smoother and more engaging for users.
Petrol powers an engine
Powering UX with Purpose: Designing for Contextual Needs
Petrol fuels engines. Just as certain design choices fuel user engagement and interaction. Every UX element should be purpose-driven, tuned to what the user needs to achieve their goals effectively. Contextual design - a core part of the liquid concept, requires empathy and insight into the user’s environment.
CONSIDER A TASK-FOCUSED TOOL FOR BUSY PROFESSIONALS
Should prioritize minimal clicks and information overload to ensure speed and clarity.
"Just as we wouldn’t pour petrol into a glass to drink"
We shouldn't design without understanding the user's purpose in each context. The UX designer’s job is to understand and support users’ goals and motivations, so every interaction drives them forward, without unnecessary friction.
Medicine Dosage in UX
Layered Interactions: Tailoring UX Like Custom Doses
Medicine adjusts based on dosage, tailored to specific needs.
Similarly, UX design should provide layers of information and functionality to meet users at different points of interaction. Not every user will want the same "dose" of information, some may seek quick, surface-level interactions, while others prefer a deep dive.
领英推荐
CONSIDER A FINANCE APP
Users might need quick balance checks but also want options to analyze spending trends.
A versatile, layered design approach offers a seamless experience for both quick and detailed interactions.
This adaptability is vital for complex products, allowing users to control the depth of interaction according to their immediate needs.
Wine's Essence in UX
Fine Wine of UX: Creating Sensory-Rich, Delightful Experiences
Wine is appreciated for its flavor, and the experience it provides.
UX design similarly benefits from adding elements of delight that make users want to return. Crafting moments of delight means integrating subtle animations, intuitive transitions, and thoughtful microinteractions that enrich the experience. This sensory appeal transforms UX from merely functional to engaging and memorable.
CONSIDER A MEDITATION APP
"Something memorable that appeals to the senses".
Soothing animations and ambient sounds that greet the user. Just as wine enthusiasts appreciate the subtle notes of a good wine, users value experiences that feel crafted, intentional, and engaging, adding an emotional layer to their interaction.
Continuous Evolution
Flowing and Changing Like Liquid Over Time
Liquids change states
They evaporate, freeze, or mix with other elements, symbolizing evolution and transformation.
In UX, the design process should be iterative, reflecting user feedback, new technologies, and market trends. Products should evolve based on data insights, adapting to users’ changing needs.
An interface that felt fresh and engaging a few years ago might now feel outdated, emphasizing the need for regular updates to maintain relevance.
Embracing the Liquid Concept in UX
The "liquid concept" in UX product design is all about adaptability, purpose-driven interaction, layered versatility, sensory delight, and continuous evolution.
By designing experiences that flow like liquid, we create interfaces that feel
as natural as water, as powerful as fuel, as layered as medicine, and as memorable as fine wine.
When we design with a liquid mindset, we don’t just create products, we craft dynamic experiences that adapt, evolve, and resonate, deeply connecting with users at every interaction.
Let’s flow with purpose - like a true liquid. To shape experiences that are meaningful, memorable, and endlessly adaptable.