Mobile UI/UX Basics

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1. What is Mobile UI and UX?

  • UI (User Interface):
    The visual part of the app that users interact with: buttons, colors, typography, images, icons, and layout. UI focuses on look and feel.
  • UX (User Experience):
    How a user feels when using the app: ease of use, satisfaction, flow, and efficiency. UX focuses on user satisfaction and usability.

Key idea:

UI is about how the app looks. UX is about how the app works and feels.


2. Differences Between Mobile UI and UX

FeatureUIUX
FocusVisual designUser experience
ComponentsButtons, icons, colors, fontsNavigation, flow, accessibility
GoalAttractive interfaceEasy and enjoyable interaction
ToolsFigma, Sketch, Adobe XDUser testing, wireframing, prototyping

3. Principles of Mobile UI/UX

A. Usability

  • Simple navigation, minimal taps, clear instructions.
  • Buttons and touch targets should be large enough for fingers.

B. Consistency

  • Same fonts, colors, and button styles throughout the app.
  • Predictable UI improves user trust.

C. Feedback

  • Provide visual, auditory, or haptic feedback when a user performs an action.
  • Example: Button changes color when tapped, loading spinner when fetching data.

D. Efficiency

  • Reduce the number of steps to perform a task.
  • Avoid unnecessary pop-ups or inputs.

E. Accessibility

  • Make sure your app is usable by all people, including those with disabilities.
  • Use readable fonts, high contrast colors, and voice-over support.

4. Mobile UI Design Elements

  1. Typography
    • Use readable font sizes (usually 14–18px for body text on mobile).
    • Headings should be larger and bold.
  2. Color Scheme
    • Use 2–3 primary colors + 1–2 secondary colors.
    • Ensure contrast for readability.
  3. Icons and Buttons
    • Use clear, understandable icons.
    • Buttons should be distinguishable and large enough to tap.
  4. Layout & Spacing
    • Follow a grid system (e.g., 8pt grid).
    • Maintain consistent padding and margin to improve readability.
  5. Images & Graphics
    • Use high-quality images but optimize for mobile size.
    • Avoid clutter; focus on meaningful visuals.

5. Mobile UX Design Process

Step 1: Research

  • Understand target users and their pain points.
  • Use surveys, interviews, and analytics to gather data.

Step 2: Wireframing

  • Create low-fidelity sketches of the app screens.
  • Focus on placement of UI elements and navigation flow.

Step 3: Prototyping

  • Build interactive prototypes to simulate app experience.
  • Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision.

Step 4: User Testing

  • Test prototypes with real users.
  • Collect feedback and observe usability issues.

Step 5: Visual Design

  • Apply colors, typography, and branding.
  • Ensure visual consistency and hierarchy.

Step 6: Iteration

  • Refine design based on feedback.
  • Repeat testing and improving until UX is smooth.

6. Mobile UX Patterns

Some common patterns used in mobile apps:

  • Navigation:
    • Bottom navigation bar for primary actions.
    • Hamburger menu for secondary actions.
  • Forms & Input:
    • Minimal fields, use dropdowns, toggles, auto-fill.
  • Loading States:
    • Use skeleton screens, spinners, or progress bars.
  • Gestures:
    • Swipe, pinch, tap. Always indicate gestures clearly.
  • Onboarding:
    • First-time user tutorials, tooltips, or walkthroughs.