In my first article, I attempted to explain the importance of graphic design for the user experience (UX). In a nutshell: I think there are still many people, in the field and outside it, who do not understand the importance of graphic design. Of course, this is not a black and white issue. In my opinion, the myths and misunderstandings about graphic design add shades of grey to this situation.

To highlight the importance of graphic design for UX, I tried to identify the main principles underlying the practice.

First, I would like to emphasize the most important principle, which seems to be forgotten all too often: user interface (UI) design is an integral part of UX. User interface design is a means that we have at our disposal to solve UX problems. The following image, from Dan Willis, illustrates this well:

Since graphic design is a component of UX, we have to master and understand certain aspects of UX before undertaking graphic design. Patrick Williams, accredited graphic designer and Creative Director at the digital agency TP1, explains:

“For me, graphic design and UX have a common goal: to draw the users in and to assist them. Both practices rely on different means but serve the same purpose. Even with the best UX, if the UI is not aligned, this common goal cannot be reached and vice versa.”

Beckii Adel, who is in charge of user interface design as well of everything UX-related at Dynamo, also shares this view:

“Since I do not agree with the idea that ‘form follows function’, I think that design should be developed hand in hand with other aspects of UX. The idea is to work together to ultimately create a product. “

To demonstrate how graphic design plays a key role in UX, let’s consider the eight principles I have identified:

•  Graphic design creates visual languages
•  It connects the experience to the brand
•  It infuses the product with emotion
•  It improves the acceptability of interfaces
•  It emphasizes simplicity
•  It allows users to skim pages
•  It supports the information architecture
•  It supports interface usability and accessibility

1  Graphic design creates visual languages

According to Luke Wroblewski, graphic design creates visual languages that help users to quickly understand what is offered, how they can use it and why it is useful for them.

Airbnb excels in this area with its home page. The visual language is efficient, since the three main types of users can find their way very quickly. These three types of users are identified according to the task they want to perform:

•  It’s the first time I use this site and I want to know how it works.
•  I am looking to rent an apartment for a trip.
•  I want to publish an ad for an apartment.

Of course, the decision to remain focused on users and their tasks is not made by graphic designers, but their work can really support this idea. Typographic treatments and colours help users find their way because they create a visual language and delineated zones.

Full article