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Many designers and business experts know that keeping a UI design simple is one of the best strategies for creating a good user experience and well-converting website. However even between creating wireframes and using mockup tools, we are often tempted to add more detail and features, which distract from the user experience. Here are some tips to help ensure this doesn’t happen. 1. List your requirements Balancing the requirements of stakeholders can mean that features creep into the design which are not necessary. Find out which features are the number one priority for your stakeholders and use your mockup tool to create designs with only the most necessary features. 2. Use your wireframe as a blueprint Your wireframe is often only made out of the bare bones of design. Keep your wireframes for the time when you move on to using a mockup tool. Throughout the design process, compare your current iteration to your original wireframe and ask yourself “do I really need this feature. 3. Test early and often User testing can often reveal if a product has become too complex. Show your creations from your mockup tool to others in your office and potential users. See what feedback they have. You may also want to perform task-based tests to see how long it takes for a user to perform a test. If it takes longer than expected, look at how you can break down these processes. It is never too soon to begin user testing. 4. Be open to criticism One of the most important parts of design is the ability to take criticism well. While you may not agree with what is being said, try to understand where the person is coming from. It is best to get feedback early on while you are still using your mockup tool, so that you can make changes quickly. 5. Design for mobile first With websites in particular, designing for the mobile version first is one of the best ways to ensure that you will not add features that will distract the user. Because of the limited space in a mobile UI, designers have to make the most of the space by including the most important interactions and information. One of the best things about creating wireframes and using mockup tools is that you can make changes quickly and at relatively little cost. This means you can plan your website with a mockup tool and get feedback from others early on. Using a mockup tool should put you in the frame of mind to keep things simple, and this is often enhanced by the sketched simulation modes offered by many tools. Showing others a mockup or wireframe is a good way to get feedback. It often helps to create alternatives to show others. If you are worried about too many features creeping into your application, show your stakeholders alternative mockups so that they feel like they have control of the overall outcome of the design. About the Author Pidoco.com – Wireframe, Interface Design, Wireframe Software, Interface Design Software and GUI Prototyping Tool. Pidoco's mockup tool enables real-time online collaboration.
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