“People ignore design that ignores people.” – Frank Chimero
“UI is the saddle, the stirrups, & the reins. UX is the feeling you get being able to ride the horse.” – Dain Miller
Is traditional and digital design connected?
How do you use print design trends in UI/UX design?
I come across exciting reads about the connection between UI/UX in print and digital design. It might be surprising for many how both ways are essential and overlap, especially for younger designers, who are more focused on digital. As a graphic artist who started in the print industry, I know from experience that ideas are fluid and can be used equally.
I was thinking about that and can't agree more; the print industry has been a main for centuries and has been used to express visual expression and artistic visions. People have used visual communication to sell, communicate and present their ideas in every culture. Attractive and well-designed products acquired faster interest and sold better. Man has used many media for visual communication, from stones, paper or material to modern forms. We now live in a global digital village where information reaches the recipient faster and needs a different technology. But together, whatever technology creators use, traditional design principles use grids and typography to shape the way they approach the design digitally.
User experience in print design example:
When I designed the layout for a product catalogue at a lighting company, I had to keep in mind that the font, blocks, and colours come across in the best graphic design practice. I designed the layout that shows the newest products collections to attract new customers, and that went to the other products category following the best sellers and place of installation. As you got through the pages, the combination of good quality lifestyle photography, product images and descriptions was planned in the best practice and experience. A nicely designed subcover with the lighting designer's hand draws divided a fluid transition between product subjects. The whole project was not only the mirror of the company values and contemporary look but also showed the collections of lighting in the best manner.
User experience in digital design example:
Another example was a website design for a construction company based in New York that showcases the projects, construction and brand with a simple pages navigation. The main focus was on the previous project gallery and primary services, which showed the engineer's way and construction process. All the ideas on using buttons and the hierarchy of all elements were based on how the users would approach all the information and what would be significant. The same thinking was applied to the brochure, not only to follow the brand values but also to combine the same message.
Simple conclusion.
In the end, I have an essential conclusion that being a graphic designer, you have to look at the future but be humble about the past because the whole art and design history gave us the privilege of what we have become now.
