Graphical User Interface Design

First impressions make a difference

Our sense of sight is typically the predominant source of information during first encounters with something. This is because we can usually see things before we can smell, hear, touch or taste them. Vision is so powerful that we are able to make very deep assumptions about what to expect when our other senses are engaged.

A graphical user interface is not exempt from this. If the interface looks complex or unappealing, there is an increased probability that users will be negatively biased on how usable it is and that will affect their actual use. In addition to creating bias, visual design has a direct effect on usability as users bring existing mental models they have developed in the past to new experiences. These need to be understood and reinforced in both visual and user experience designs where possible and beneficial.

The visual design is the ‘skin’ or ‘window dressing’ on the underlying framework defined in the wireframes. Color palette, shapes, styles, iconography and patterns are all carefully balanced to create a theme that when used consistently, supports predictability and user comprehension through visual stimulus.

Visual design is a highly subjective aspect that encounters competing personal preferences. As such, it is not uncommon to have several rounds of iteration on design concepts at each phase.

The Eclipse user interface design process includes fully documented interactive behavior, layout, typography, and branding. These artifacts, along with all visual design assets, are created to meet the specific needs of your product management and development teams.