Screen Design

Definition

Screen design refers to the graphic design and layout of user interfaces on displays. It is a sub-area of user interface design but is limited to monitors and displays.

In screen design, the focus is on maximizing usability and user experience by making user interaction as simple and efficient as possible. Technical background functions do not matter in screen design. Web design, on the other hand, is the process of creating websites that implement the functions not considered in screen design. You could say that screen design thus makes the functionality specified in the context of web design applicable to users.

A central approach in screen design is orientation to the target group’s needs and abilities. This means that designers must know and understand the skills, habits and interpretations of users. Screen design will typically differ depending on whether it is designed for older people, children, or adults. Someone who deals with a particular device on a daily basis will have less difficulty using complicated screens than someone who is less familiar with them.

Screen design is about making interaction easier for users through a functional yet aesthetic arrangement of all screen elements, whether it is the display of a smartphone or the touch screen of a car navigation system.

Applications of screen design

Screen design is used in mobile and desktop versions of websites, apps, and any graphical user interface displayed on monitors or displays that enable users to interact with electronic devices. This includes computers, portable media players, gaming devices, smartphones, and household, office, or industrial controls.

What makes good screen design?

Focus on users

Good screen design always focuses on users and takes their needs and expectations into account when designing a user interface. All elements (text, images, icons, and buttons) are arranged and designed in a way that enables consumers to easily understand and interact with them.

User-oriented screen design is based on knowing users' preferences, skills, and goals and requires a designer who can empathize with their audience to create a simple and effective solution that is easy to interact with. Therefore, they must strike a careful balance between what is graphically appealing and what is practical for users.

Screen design doesn't reinvent the wheel

Good screen design takes into account that over the years users have become accustomed to certain elements and their function and appearance. People will accept and use new applications more quickly if their design is similar to applications they are already familiar with. Therefore, some companies are developing a library of standard screen templates that developers can use. This approach not only helps enforce design standards but also accelerates screen design development.

Less is more

Too many details can overload a screen and confuse viewers. Good screen design considers users’ eye movements and provides clarity with simple symmetries. An incoherent alignment of different sections, texts, and images can be overwhelming. There should be a comfortable distance both towards the screen edge and between different sections of the screen.

Dividing the screen into sections is useful when these sections clearly serve different purposes. Colors can be useful to highlight sections and required field entries or to improve the overall appearance. Use common fonts that are familiar to users. Unusual and artistic fonts may look impressive but are not supported by all devices accessing the screen. Headings help structure and guide users through the content. They should be placed in standard positions to allow easy identification. Once the screen design is complete, the display should be "clean" and consistent.

Example of screen design in action on the Seobility homepage, with lots of space between different sections, clear tap targets and an easy-to-understand layout.

Mobile Screen Design

With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices, mobile screen design has become a critical aspect of user interface design and mobile optimization. Unlike traditional desktop interfaces, mobile screen design must account for smaller screen sizes, touch-based interaction, and varying device capabilities. This requires a mobile-first approach, where designers prioritize the mobile experience to ensure usability and accessibility on smaller devices.

Key considerations in mobile screen design include:

Responsive layouts: Ensuring that the design adapts to different screen sizes and orientations.
Touch targets: Designing larger, easily tappable areas to accommodate finger-based navigation.
Simplified navigation: Streamlining menus and options to reduce clutter and improve usability on smaller screens.
Readability: Choosing appropriate font sizes and contrasts to enhance readability on mobile devices.

Importance of Screen Design for Usability

The importance of screen design in enhancing usability cannot be overstated. A well-designed screen not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also significantly improves the user experience. It involves a careful balance between visual elements and functionality, ensuring that users can navigate and interact with the interface effortlessly. Effective screen design leads to an intuitive user experience by logically and predictably organizing information, allowing users to navigate the interface with ease. Additionally, a well-structured design significantly reduces cognitive load, helping users process information without feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, good design streamlines user interaction by minimizing the steps required to perform tasks, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.

Screen Design and Accessibility

Accessibility also plays an important role in screen design to ensure interfaces are usable by all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This is an important aspect of design and is often mandated by legal requirements.

Key aspects of accessible screen design include:

Contrast and color: Using high-contrast color schemes and avoiding color combinations that are difficult for color-blind users to distinguish.
Text size and readability: Ensuring text is easily readable through appropriate sizing and spacing.
Keyboard navigation: Designing interfaces that can be navigated using a keyboard, which is essential for users who cannot use a mouse.
Screen reader compatibility: Ensuring that screen elements are properly labeled and structured for compatibility with screen reading software used by visually impaired users.

In Summary: Screen Design FAQs

What is screen design?

Screen design refers to the graphic design of user interfaces for monitors and displays of electronic devices.

What is the goal of screen design?

The goal of screen design is to make user interaction with a software or device as easy and efficient as possible.

What are the applications of screen design?

Screen design is relevant for all user interfaces that enable users to interact with devices or software, such as mobile and desktop versions of a website, apps or gaming devices.

What makes good screen design?

Good screen design is always focused on the needs and expectations of users and makes navigation and interaction as easy as possible.

Screen Design

Contents