Designs need to respect its users

When I look around the web I often, if not nearly always, come across designs that do not respect the user. What I mean by that is, they present themselves differently from the goals that the application has and hide away their motive from the user. And in some occasions, remove utility from the user in favour of a streamlined process that does not inform the user well and requests more from the user than initially expected. Neither does it seem that the application facilitates ease of use for users who require more accommodation than others. This dishonesty and hostility in the interactions that a user has with the content create an unfair relationship and take autonomy away in favour of value for those who build and control the application. Users are then left confused and frustrated because they are unable to achieve their goal.

In contrast, I have always preferred the principles of form follows function and truth to material, well known in modern architecture, which can be prominently seen in Functionalism, Bauhaus, and Brutalist designs. Form follows function refers to the idea that the purpose of an object should be the starting point of the design. In other words, the designer starts with what the use cases will be, not what has come before it, and implements the required functions inside of this predetermined form. Truth to materials is about using materials where appropriate and not hiding the materials away by covering them up with another material; instead, showing the innate quality of the materials used. In other words, where timber is used, the wood is shown; concrete is exposed and not panelled or painted over, often leaving the texture from the wood used to pour the concrete still visible. Also, the usage and aging of the material are not covered or hidden at a later moment; instead, the patina on copper is left as it develops.

I like these principles because they request honesty from the object and allow the observer to determine what the goals of the design were, making experiencing and interacting with it easier. In particular terms, it helps the user reason about the object and infer information that would otherwise need to be communicated in another manner. Meaning the object explains itself through its design without misleading someone. And I want to explore what these ideas mean when applied to the things I encounter and develop in my daily life.

What to strive for

First, I want to pin down what is important to strive for in order to create a design that respects the user. To ensure this respect is developed, I have identified the following key tenets:

• Readability: Content is easy to read and follow.
• Usability: Possible actions are clearly presented and easily executable.
• Accessibility: A wide range of access and usage methods are supported.

With these principles, I believe a good foundation can be built. Let us delve into what each idea means and examine some practical aspects of each so that these ideas can be put into practice.

Readability

These days, everyone is bombarded with information, making readability more crucial than ever. Whether users are browsing a website, reading an article, or interacting with an application, the ability to easily consume and understand content is paramount to their overall experience. Readability plays a fundamental role in facilitating effective communication between the creator and the consumer of content. It encompasses various design elements that impact how text is perceived and processed by users, ultimately influencing their comprehension, engagement, and satisfaction.

Readability has a massive impact on user engagement and retention. When content is presented in a clear and accessible manner, users are more likely to stay engaged and absorb the information being conveyed. On the other hand, poor readability can lead to frustration, confusion, and ultimately, abandonment of the content or application. Furthermore, in an era where attention spans are limited, readability serves as a powerful tool for capturing and retaining users' attention. By making content easy to scan and digest, designers can effectively communicate key messages and facilitate decision-making processes.

A design that prioritises readability makes an effort for users so they can absorb information without putting unnecessary strain on them. Users should not have to put in tremendous effort to understand your design if it can be made easier for them to consume. Important aspects of readability include:

• Language: Is the vocabulary used clear and concise and does not prevent the target audience from understanding what is meant. For instance, using complex terminology or not providing enough context can be detrimental to a reader's ability to comprehend what is meant.
• Structure: Is the structure of the text easy to follow and does it not confuse the reader by jumping between different talking points.
• Contrast: Is there enough contrast between the colours in order to distinguish the elements from one another? For example, is the text readable on all the backgrounds it is presented on?
• Fonts: Is the right font used at the appropriate place? In other words, are elements that should be emphasised presented as such, or is there a clash between this which could deteriorate how easy the content is to comprehend? Does the style of text support the content, or are they signalling differing messages to the user? For instance, a playful font is not used for a serious message.
• Layout: Is the content presented in a layout that is easy to follow along with? Is the appropriate amount of space used to distinguish one section from another?

By prioritising readability in design, respect is demonstrated for the user's time and cognition, making it easier for them to engage with the content and systems in order to achieve their goals effectively.

Usability

In the realm of design, usability stands as a cornerstone principle that shapes the user experience and determines the success of a product or interface. At its core, usability revolves around the seamless interaction between humans and technology, with a focus on making systems intuitive and user-friendly. However, beyond its surface-level definition lies a deeper significance, one that speaks to the fundamental respect owed to users in the digital landscape. Usability transcends mere functionality; it embodies a commitment to clarity, transparency, and empowerment. When speaking of usability in the context of respecting the user, the agency of the users should be acknowledged in our designs. It is not enough for a product to merely fulfil the intended purpose; it must do so in a manner that honours the user's autonomy and facilitates their interactions with clarity and ease.

In a world inundated with complex systems, users benefit from coherency and reliability in their interactions. A design that prioritises usability recognises these needs and strives to meet them with unwavering dedication. By ensuring that possible actions are clearly presented and easily taken, users are empowered to navigate our designs with confidence and efficiency. Barriers to understanding are eliminated, empowering users to make informed decisions that align with their goals. In doing so, satisfaction and confidence are fostered among the audience. Key principles of usability include:

• Clarity: Is the presentation of the possible actions straightforward and easily discernible? This involves using intuitive interface elements, such as buttons, menus, and links, that clearly indicate their purpose and function. Ambiguity or confusion in the presentation of actions can lead to frustration and distrust among users.
• Transparency: Is it clear what the available actions are that the users can take within the design? This means that all functionalities and features should be transparently communicated without hidden deceptive tactics. Users should not feel manipulated or misled into taking actions that do not align with their intentions.
• Consistency: Is the presentation of actions across different parts of the design the same or similar to what the user has come to expect? Ambiguity of what is meant or can be done is eliminated. Users should be able to rely on familiar patterns and conventions to navigate the interface effortlessly.
• Convention: Is the design utilising conventions above uniqueness? While innovation is encouraged, the design should carefully consider whether deviating from established conventions enhances or detracts from the user experience. Striving for a balance between innovation and convention ensures that users are not overwhelmed by unfamiliar interactions. After all, the result of the interaction is what should differentiate the design from another, not the interaction in itself.
• Predictability: Are users able to predict the outcome of an action before they initiate the action? Predictable interactions foster a sense of trust and confidence and allow the user to feel comfortable when interacting with the system.
• Simplicity: Is the required number of actions that the user needs to take the least amount possible? Or does the user have to provide more information or perform additional steps that could be reduced?
• Empowerment: Is the design empowering the user to make informed decisions and take actions based on their goals? Users should feel in control of their interactions with the design, with the ability to easily navigate, explore, and customise their experience without encountering barriers or obstacles.

By ensuring the usability of the design, a user can start to build up confidence and trust that their goals will be met when interacting with the object.

Accessibility

Accessibility in design is paramount to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities or limitations, can fully participate in and benefit from the world around them. It is about embracing inclusivity and empathy to create a more equitable environment for all. When talking about accessibility, the diverse range of needs users might have needs to be addressed.

This includes, but is not limited to: those with visual impairments who may rely on screen readers or alternative text to navigate and understand content; it encompasses individuals with motor disabilities who may require keyboard shortcuts or voice commands to interact with interfaces effectively, and it includes those with cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia or sensitivity to overstimulation. Cognitive impairments are already addressed by the previously mentioned points, but you can still go above and beyond that and help with more issues users can come across.

Another often overlooked group is those who do not have a disability, but have access to limited resources. For instance, those with limited access to the internet or devices that are not as performant as the ones you might be used to.

• Adaptability: Is the design adapting to accommodate the diverse needs of users? This includes considerations for users with disabilities, such as visual impairments, motor disabilities, or cognitive challenges. Design solutions should support and provide alternative means of interaction and presentation to ensure that all users can access the content comfortably.
• Customizability: Are users able to customise their experience based on their preferences and accessibility needs? Provide support for adjusting text size, colour contrast, keyboard shortcuts, and other elements to enhance usability for individuals with different requirements. Customisable features empower users to tailor the design to their specific needs and preferences.
• Compatibility: Is the content compatible with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, and voice recognition software, to support users with disabilities in accessing and interacting with the content? Are semantic markup, ARIA roles, and other accessibility features used to enhance compatibility and interoperability with assistive technologies?
• Keyboard access: Can the content be operated using only keyboard shortcuts for navigation, without relying on a mouse or touch input? This enables users with motor disabilities or dexterity impairments to navigate and interact with the content effectively. Ensure that keyboard focus is clearly visible and follows a logical sequence through interactive elements.
• Performance: Is the design efficient enough across different devices, networks, and environments? Optimise loading times, responsiveness, and resource usage to accommodate users with limited bandwidth or older devices. A fast and responsive design enhances accessibility by reducing barriers to accessing and interacting with the content.

By prioritising accessibility in design, it acknowledges that users are diverse and face differing barriers that need to be addressed to ensure people from all walks of life can access and engage with the content. This not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also improves the overall user experience for everyone. For instance, captions and transcripts not only aid users with hearing impairments but also benefit users in noisy environments or those who prefer to consume content silently.

Ultimately, accessibility is about promoting inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital landscape. It's about recognising the inherent value of every individual and designing with empathy and consideration for their unique needs and perspectives. In embracing accessibility, we not only create better experiences but also contribute to a more equitable and inclusive online community.

Following the tenets

When constructing this blog and focusing on its simple design, I endeavoured to adhere to the key tenets as closely as possible. This is a relatively small project, so not all tenets result in significant changes, but I still enjoyed contemplating how to optimise this website. For example, the site does not necessitate scripting to function; after all, its contents primarily consist of simple pages containing mostly text. Nonetheless, I believe it's important to ensure that users who do not prefer motion aren't subjected to a jarring scrolling animation, and so forth.

However, this doesn't imply that ornamentation must be entirely avoided, leaving the user with nothing but a blank page with some content. Decorative elements can serve a purpose as well but should not detrimentally impact the user's experience. What is essential is that the foundation of a design considers these points and builds upon them. This way, when working with the limited resources available, at least the fundamentals are being met, and users can utilise and trust the system while feeling respected. Through this respect for the user, a more harmonious and meaningful relationship between the technology and its users can be established.

Written by Ron Dekker on the 25th of February 2024.

Further reading

• Guidelines for Brutalist Web Design written by David Bryant Copeland. The article got me thinking about the principles I would like to see and follow.