Designing the World

Tag: Design

  • What is Design UX/UI? A Complete Guide To

    In today’s digital world, user experience and user interface play key roles in the creation of products and services online. In this article, we will explore what is the UX design/UI, its origin, approach, benefits and the most effective tools for designing interfaces amazing.

    What is Design UX/UI?

    UX design (User Experience)

    UX, or User Experiencerefers to how a user interacts with a product or service, especially in the digital realm. The UX design is focused on improving the user experience by making the interaction to be efficient, pleasant and free of frustrations. This covers the whole process from the research of the user until the prototyping and the final testing of the product.

    Example: Imagine a shopping app online. A good UX design will ensure that users can find and buy products with ease, without facing problems such as buttons, hard to find or a payment process confusing.

    Design UI (User Interface)

    UI, or User Interface, refers to the visual appearance and the interaction the user has with the product. The design UI focuses on the arrangement of the elements on the screen, the colors, the fonts and buttons. The goal is to create an interface that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and coherent.

    Example: Following the example of the shopping app, design UI would be that the buttons are visible, the images of the products are clear and the color scheme is attractive and easy to read.

    Origin and Approach to Design UX/UI

    How was Born the Design UX/UI

    The concept of User Experience Design (UX) was coined by Don Norman in the early 1990s. Norman, a researcher in design and cognition, introduced the term to describe how product design affects the way in which users interact with and perceive those products. In this sense, UX focuses on creating a smooth experience and the satisfaction of the user.

    On the other hand, the Design UI has evolved over time along with the technology. Initially, it focused on the basic visual elements. However, with the arrival of mobile devices and the rise of the web, it has become a discipline complex that combines both aesthetics and functionality. In fact, today, the design IU encompasses a wide range of aspects that go beyond the merely visual, integrating interactive elements that enhance the overall user experience.

    Approach to Design UX/UI

    The approach to design UX/UI is to create products that are intuitive and easy to use, while also being visually appealing. The design process includes:

    1. Research of the User: Understanding the needs and behaviors of the user.
    2. Wireframing and Prototyping: Creating sketches and models of the interface to test ideas.
    3. Visual design: Apply elements graphics to make the interface attractive.
    4. Testing and Feedback: to Assess the product with real users and make adjustments based on your comments.

    Benefits of implementing the Design UX/UI

    Improving the User Experience

    A good design UX/UI ensures that users have a seamless experience and without problems when interacting with a product. This can increase user satisfaction, reduce the rate of abandonment and foster customer loyalty.

    Increases the Efficiency and Usability

    Design UX/UI well executed makes it easy for users to complete their tasks efficiently. An intuitive design reduces the time required to perform actions and minimizes errors.

    Strengthens the Brand Identity

    A design UI is consistent and aesthetically pleasing reinforces the brand identity and creates a positive impression on the users. The consistency in the design helps to build a brand image with professional and reliable.

    Tools for Designers, UX/UI

    Tools for UX Design

    1. Figma: a Tool for collaborative design in the cloud that allows you to create prototypes interactive and collaborate in real-time.
    2. Sketch: Popular with designers of interfaces for prototyping and designing UI elements.
    3. Adobe XD: Provides tools for designing and prototyping interfaces with a seamless integration with other products of Adobe.

    Tools to Design UI

    1. Adobe Illustrator: Ideal for creating vector graphics and visuals of high quality.
    2. InVision: Allows for the creation of prototypes, interactive, and collaborative design.
    3. Balsamiq: Excellent for wireframing, offering a rapid and simple approach to create sketches of the interface.

    Responsibilities of a UX Designer/UI

    Main Tasks

    1. Research of the User: Conduct studies to understand the needs, behaviors and frustrations of the users.
    2. Development of People and Scenarios: Create user profiles (people) and scenarios to guide the design.
    3. Wireframing and Prototyping: Developing wireframes and prototypes to view and test the interfaces.
    4. Visual design: Design the graphic elements like buttons, icons, and layouts.
    5. Conducting Usability Tests: Run tests with users to identify and solve design problems.
    6. Collaboration with cross Functional Teams: Working with developers, researchers, and other designers to ensure the consistency of the product.

    Skills Needed to Designers, UX/UI

    Techniques

    1. Research and Analysis of Users: the Ability to perform research and analysis of data for the user to understand.
    2. Prototyping and Wireframing: the Ability to create wireframes and prototypes for interactive representing design ideas.
    3. Visual design: Knowledge of principles of graphic design, such as color theory, typography, and composition.
    4. Design tools: Domain tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD and tools prototyping.

    Soft Skills

    1. Critical thinking and problem solving: Ability to identify problems and develop creative solutions.
    2. Communication: Ability to communicate design ideas effectively to different stakeholders.
    3. Collaboration: Ability to work well in a team with developers and other designers.
    4. Empathy: Understand and anticipate the needs and emotions of the users for designing meaningful experiences.

    How does the design UX/UI in the success of a digital product?

    Design UX/UI can determine the success of a product by improving the usability, accessibility and user satisfaction. A well-executed design facilitates interaction and may increase the retention and loyalty of users.

    The Conclusion about the design UX/UI

    Design UX/UI is a discipline that is crucial for developing digital products that are both functional and visually attractive. To understand the responsibilities and necessary skills, and to use the right tools, you can create digital experiences that not only meet the users ‘ expectations, but exceeds them.

  • Infographics or Personal About Me: What is it and how to make it?

    Infographics or Personal About Me: What is it and how to make it?

    As we talk about in this other article on the infographic, it is a representative form of information where its format allows us to give a more visual and detailed for the people who read it. It is especially useful in situations where you want to convey your professional trajectory of a striking, without resorting to long texts that can be overwhelming.

    Where Does It Work Well?

    The infographics personal are ideal for various applications, such as:

    • Resume: instead of an endless list of experiences, you can present your skills and accomplishments in a way more visually attractive.
    • Section ‘About Me’: If you have a website or a professional profile, an infographic can summarize your career so eye-catching.
    • Portfolio: When you show your previous work, an infographic can complement the images and descriptions of your projects, which is very important to seek to stand out when you apply it.

    What are importance of Having one?

    Have an infographic personnel is essential in the competitive world of work today. It will Help you stand out from other candidates, as it captures the attention of the recruiter immediately and directly. You are going to allow your message to be understood more easily, which can be crucial in environments where the first impression counts a lot. In a world where attention is a limited resource, a presentation visually attractive can make all the difference.

    Where do you Create your Infographic Personal?

    In 2024, create an infographic personnel is relatively easy thanks to the numerous tools available online. Here I leave some platforms where you can design your infographic:

    Canva:

    It offers a variety of customisable templates that are great for infographics personal.

    Visme:

    This tool allows you to create infographics, interactive and static, perfect for a professional profile.

    Piktochart:

    With a user-friendly interface, you can design infographics that suit your style.

    Adobe Express:

    For those looking for something more advanced, Adobe offers templates and customization options.

    With these tools, you just need to change some elements or, if you prefer to customize the template in its entirety. The layout that they offer is usually intuitive and facilitates the design process.

    Key elements of an Infographic Personal

    To make sure your infographics personnel to be effective, it must include certain essential elements:

    Name and Professional Title: Your name should be highlighted, along with your profession or area of specialization.

    Professional photo: A quality picture can humanize your presentation and make it more memorable.

    Summary of Skills: Highlight your core competencies in a clear way.

    Work experience: Include your previous work, but in a summary format and visual.

    Contact details: makes it Easier for interested parties to communicate with you.

    This was a clearer vision of what is infographics staff. Now you can take into account what it is that gives you to create one for you and where you can get templates for free.

  • Mockups. what it is, tips and advice for a designer

    If you want to know what a mockup is and how you can make them, you are in the right place. You should know what options you have to make mockups and the importance of creating one. It is important that you don’t believe that only by creating, this is a powerful tool visually to see the final creation, but must also conform to optimal function, that adds value, that you follow the design guidelines and the customer, as well as the implementation makes sense in the project in which this work.

    It is a visual representation of a design in a realistic context. This model, often in a digital format, shows how to see a finished product, whether it be a logo on a business card, an application on a mobile device, or a container in a shop. They are essential in the design process because they allow you to visualize the design in its final form before the production, making adjustments and prior approval.

    How can I Make the Mockups?

    Create a mockup can vary in complexity depending on the approach and the tools used. In general, follow these steps:

    1. Choose a Template: typically, designers start with templates, pre-made that mimic the format of the final product.

    2. To incorporate the Design: Is added to the design (such as a logo or graphic) on the template using design programs.

    3. Set Details: adjustments Are made so that the design looks natural in the context of the mockup.

    4 Review and Finalize: We review the mockup to ensure that all elements are properly represented.

    Key advice for Designers: Choose the Mockup Suitable

    As a designer, you know that the first impression can make or break a presentation. Opt for a mockup professional, preferably bright, and with a little color, it is critical to convey a positive image consistent with your proposal, remember to consider the color palette, and maintain visual consistency, this will not only help your message resonate with the audience, but also reinforces your professionalism to deliver a work that is viewed with quality.

    While the mockups free of charge are accessible, invest in payment options can make all the difference in the originality and quality of your work will affect the budget but well worth it. Prioritizes always an approach that reflects your creativity and vision, and you will be on the right way to impress your customers and give good results.

    How did it come about in the design?

    The concept of mockup emerged at the end of the NINETEENTH century, when designers began to create visual representations of products and designs to facilitate communication with customers and partners. Although not attributed its creation to a single person, its use was popularized with the advent of printing and the graphic design modern.

    Programs to Create Mockups

    The mockups can be created with various tools, each with its own level of difficulty:

    • Adobe Photoshop: Ideal for creating mockups detailed with a wide range of tools. It is more complex and requires previous experience.
    • Adobe Illustrator: Useful for mockups based on vectors. Has a learning curve similar to Photoshop.
    • Figma: Perfect for mockups, interactive and collaborative. Relatively easy to use, especially for designers of interfaces.
    • Sketch: Popular with designers of interfaces for creating mockups and prototypes. Easy to learn and use.
    • Placeit: online Platform that offers a wide variety of templates mockups. Very easy to use, ideal for beginners.
    • Mockup World: Another online resource with downloadable templates. Useful for those who are looking for options fast and simple.

    These are some programs that eh used and are very efficient to create mockups, that’s why we recommend it.

    Examples of Mockups in Real Life

    • Packaging: How to see a design of packaging in the shelf of a store.
    • Advertising: Presentations of how an ad will look on different media.
    • Applications: Simulation of how an app will look on different devices.

    As you can appreciate its use is focused on different areas in which you may require.

    Why is it Important to have a Good Design Mockup?

    A good mockup has a significant impact on the design process and in the perception of the product in its final phase. We add value as designers or to the general equipment, it is crucial for the following:

    Display the Final Product:

    Allows you to see how to see the design in its final form before the production.

    Facilitates the Approval:

    Helps to get the approval of the client or team to show a design in a realistic context.

    Improving the Presentation:

    A mockup well designed can make the work look more professional and attractive.

    What Should I Include in a Mockup Finished?

    A mockup is finalized should be a clear representation and attractive design that will you want to display. Here I detail the key elements that can’t miss:

    Design Principal: This is the central element of the mockup, as a logo, a graphic, or a user interface. Must be well-integrated and be easily recognizable.

    Realistic context: The mockup you must submit the design in an environment that simulates actual use. For example, a container on a coffee table, or an application on a smartphone.

    Visual quality: The images must be high resolution and the finish should be professional. This includes shadows, reflections, and textures that enhance the design.

    Descriptive text: to Add a brief description of the design and your purpose helps contextualising it. This is especially useful in presentations.

    Interactivity (if applicable): For mockups, digital, include interactive elements, such as buttons that can be pressed, can show how it will actually work the design.

    Learn how you can give life to your ideas with your own mockups.

  • What is color theory? And how to use it

    What is color theory? Color theory is an essential tool for communicating ideas and emotions through the use of colors. Instead of being only an artistic technique, it is a guide that helps designers and artists to combine colours so that the transmission of messages clear and evocative.

    From the graphic design, to the cinematography, to apply the theory of the color allows you to create images that not only attract attention, but also generate an emotional impact on the viewer. In essence, to understand and make good use of this theory can transform any visual project in an experience more effective and engaging.

    So, what is color theory?

    Well, it works to acclimate properly a scene in a film for example, a bustling scene or any deep feeling that the artist or production, you want to convey to the audience. This helps it all makes sense and coherence.

    Application of the Theory of Colour

    Color theory helps that everything in the art and design you see harmonious and communicate what they want to express. Here we tell you how to use it in different areas:

    • Graphic Design:
    • Brand identity: The colours help a brand to stand out and be easily recognized.
    • Visual hierarchy: The colors guide the eye to the most important elements.
    • Art:
    • Emotion and Atmosphere: artists use colors to convey feelings and create the desired atmosphere.
    • Contrast and Depth: The colors help give depth and highlight details in a work.
    • Cinematography:
    • Environment: The colours set the tone and the atmosphere of a scene.
    • Characterization: The colors in the locker room and decorated to reflect the characteristics of the characters and their environment.
    • Advertising:
    • Attraction: attractive colors capture the attention of the public.
    • Persuasion: Different colors can influence purchasing decisions and the perception of products.

    A practical example of how to use it

    One of the examples I like to use color theory is a scene inspired by the medieval era, with characters vikings, where the colors make the scene come to life in a spectacular way and are present at every decision in a constant manner.

    Used colors based on color theory

    Dark blue: Cold, sadness, hardness. Gray: Neutrality, hardness, coldness. Dark green: Nature, mystery, hardness. Brown: Earth, hardiness, stability. Dark red: Intensity, danger, or passion. Off-white: Coldness, purity, despair.

    Implemented in the scene

    Then, you have in which objects in a scene viking apply these colors to highlight and convey that atmosphere.

    • Dark blue: night Skies or winter landscapes to convey cold and sadness.
    • Gray: Rocks, buildings or armor to reflect hardness and coldness.Dark green: Forest or garments of characters to evoke nature and mystery.
    • Brown: Floors, houses, or clothes of the characters to denote hardiness and stability.
    • Dark red: Banners, decorations, or wounds to show intensity and danger.
    • Off-white: Snow, fields, waste places or clothes to suggest coldness and desolation.

    Authors of color theory

    Aristotle (384-322 a.C.):

    • Contribution: Although not developed a theory of color formal, Aristotle made observations about the perception of colour and light in his work ‘On the colors.’

    Isaac Newton (1643-1727):

    • Contribution: Newton is one of the pioneers in the theory of color. In 1666, he made experiments with prisms and discovered that white light decomposes into a spectrum of colors. His work ‘Opticks’ (1704) is critical for understanding moderna color.

    Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832):

    • Contribution: Goethe offered an alternative vision to the theory of Newton, with his ‘Theory of colours’ (1810), focusing on the perception of color and its emotional effects in place of the optical system.

    Philipp Otto Runge (1777-1810):

    • Contribution: In 1810, Runge published his ‘Theory of colors’, which introduced the model of the circle of colors, a precursor of the modern chromatic circle.

    Moses Harris (1730-1788):

    • Contribution: Harris, in his ‘The Natural System of Colours’ (1766), has developed a first-structured model of the circle of colors, influencing the systematic study of color.

    Josef Albers (1888-1976):

    • Contribution: Albers was an important theorist of the color of the TWENTIETH century. His book ‘Interaction of Color’ (1963) explores how the colors interact with each other and how their perception changes in different contexts.

  • How much Does a Graphic Designer Earn in the U.S.?

    If you’re wondering how much a graphic designer can earn as a professional, it’s important to consider factors like location, industry, and experience. In the U.S., salaries vary depending on whether you work for an agency, a tech company, or as a freelancer.

    Freelance Graphic Designer Salaries in the U.S.

    Freelance graphic designers have flexibility in setting their rates. Some charge competitive prices, while others set premium rates based on experience and specialization. Below are the average earnings for freelance designers in the U.S.:

    • Monthly salary: $3,000 – $7,000 USD
    • Hourly rate: $25 – $100 USD

    Salaries for Graphic Designers in Different Industries

    Graphic designers working in advertising agencies, technology, entertainment, or digital media often earn more than those in education or nonprofit organizations. Here’s how salaries differ across industries:

    • Technology & Software Development: Higher salaries, especially for those with UX/UI skills.
    • Marketing & Advertising: Competitive wages, particularly in branding and campaign design.
    • Publishing & Editorial Design: Moderate salaries, depending on the company size.
    • Corporate Branding & Identity: Higher salaries for experienced designers.
    • Gaming & Motion Graphics: Lucrative opportunities, especially in animation and 3D design.

    Average Salaries for Different Graphic Design Roles

    Here’s an overview of average salaries for graphic designers across various specializations in the U.S.:

    General Graphic Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,500 – $6,000 USD

    UX/UI Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $4,500 – $8,000 USD

    Web Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $4,000 – $7,500 USD

    Logo Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,200 – $6,000 USD

    Editorial & Publication Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,000 – $5,500 USD

    Advertising & Marketing Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,500 – $6,500 USD

    Corporate Identity & Branding Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,800 – $7,000 USD

    Packaging Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,400 – $6,200 USD

    Product & Industrial Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $4,000 – $7,500 USD

    AR/VR Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $4,500 – $8,500 USD

    Motion Graphics Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,800 – $7,200 USD

    Presentation Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,000 – $5,500 USD

    Social Media & Content Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $3,200 – $6,000 USD

    Game Artist & Video Game Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $4,500 – $8,500 USD

    Interactive Experience Designer

    • Average Monthly Salary: $4,200 – $7,700 USD

    Final Thoughts

    Graphic design salaries in the U.S. vary widely based on specialization, industry, and experience. While these figures represent average earnings, designers with strong portfolios and in-demand skills can command even higher salaries.

    If you’re looking to grow in the field, consider expanding your expertise in UX/UI, motion graphics, and branding to maximize your earning potential.