UI is your books cover
We've all heard the common expression "don't judge a book by it's cover", but people still do.
As humans it can help to recognise how visually influenced we are by the things around us. Every day we do exactly what we are told not to and judge a book by it's cover. Ask yourself when you're in public have you ever decided someone is, gay or poor just because of how they're dressed?
Why do we make these conclusions? Well in some ways they can help. By asserting that a hooded man approaching you on the path is more likely to cause trouble you can take action sooner. Maybe you'll cross the road, or enter the pub you're just walking past.
The problem is these conclusions we make based on first impressions are often wrong. This is why your websites user interface is incredibly important.
Picture this... You're new in town and you're walking down the local highstreet. You see a computer shop, in the window. There is an old CRT monitor on display for £5. The window is a little dirty and it doesn't look like it's very well lit inside. Next to that shop is another computer shop. This time it has new laptops, monitors and other gear in the window. It looks colourful, bright and they even have an offer on in the window. Naturally if you were in the market for a new laptop you would likely choose the second shop to get it from. Guess what though? That first shop has the same laptops as the second shop, but they're a quarter of the price.
What I'm trying to explain is that new customers are less likely to care what your website offers and more likely to care about how it looks and how it feels.
So ask yourself, is your website the first shop or the second?
Author
Hello, I'm Lee.I'm a developer from the UK who writes about technology and startups. Here you'll find articles and tutorials about things that interest me. If you want to hire me or know more about me head over to my about me page
Social Links
