Most of the time, we are faced with completing a certain task, which will probably entail going through a number of steps. Some tasks are simpler and straightforward, while others present a higher level of complexity. No matter the case, it is always helpful to have these actions broken down into smaller steps. By doing this, it is more manageable for us to tackle a new challenge.
Let’s say that we were working with a team for the launch of a new product. It would be way more approachable to visualize the steps we will need to follow, from the research stage to budgeting, to the creative process, all the way to the launch, than just freestyling the entire task. Well, the same principle can be applied to much simpler processes in the digital world.
In order to create more accessible and helpful user interfaces, UI UX designers came up with inventive solutions that assist users’ needs for clear and concise steps during processes. This is how wizards came about. And no, we are not talking about those funny-looking men with tall pointy hats that wave magic wands around.
However, in UI UX design, wizards do bring an interesting and much-needed alternative to otherwise pretty mundane tasks! So let’s leave the spells behind and dive into the nitty gritty of this UI design element.
A wizard is used to showcase steps and conditions the users are required to follow in order to complete or even accomplish certain goals. Wizards can be introduced in forms or designs to guide the users and help them through the process. The wizard element offers the users insights into what is expected from them, as they can also know how many steps are ahead of them.
A wizard is a setup assistant that can be integrated in order to simplify difficult tasks and help users fulfill their mission.
As UI/UX designers, we should be familiar with the design principles that need to be followed when creating wizards for websites and apps.
1. Clarity
One of the most important properties of wizards in UI UX design is that they need to be straightforward and accessible. This has also became one of the most important web design principles. Making the purpose clear is a must during the design process. Be precise and make sure the users understand what is required of them. Every time the users fulfill one step, the UI UX designers need to be sure that the tasks can be easily understood by the merchants.
2. Labels
As UI UX designers, we are aware that assigning the right labels can make or break the user experience. Using concise labels improves the readability of the user interface and provides users with clear steps on what steps were completed and need to be completed. Labeling the steps clearly will help the users anticipate and form an idea about what they should fill in or what task they should do next.
3. Examples
One of the easiest ways to learn and understand processes is by analyzing examples. We can give examples in the wizard and explain. Some tasks might be more difficult than you would think, or maybe are not that counterintuitive.
So, in order to be sure that users understand the design, insert examples.
4. Quality over Quantity
In UI design, the saying less is more is often very applicable. Hence, we should only add what is necessary to the design. When completing multiple steps, users might lose focus if surrounded by external links and unnecessary elements that overcomplicate the user interface.
5. Numbered Steps.
Another good strategy that is implied in the design process of wizards is numbering. Make sure the users know at which step they are situated by numbering the steps or indicating in which direction the steps are going.
Another important feature that will help the users keep track of their journey is highlighting the current step they are at and receiving messages when the step is completed. For example, we could choose to enlarge the icon of the step they are currently performing or change its color.
6. Undo and Cancel
It is quite impossible to prevent all types of errors users might make, but that should not worry us, as we can give them the possibility to cancel and undo. The possibility of entering or completing a field with the wrong information is always on the table, so offer the user the ability to go back or undo what they have completed.
And in the case when the user changes their mind and decides that it won’t fulfill the wizard, the cancel button needs to be reachable.
We at uinkits understand the importance of great user experiences and creating amazing UI designs. That’s why we’ve developed a Figma UI Kit with design components that include these essential UI elements that enable you to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces effortlessly.
“You press the button, we do the rest.” – Kodak.
Inspired by this iconic tagline from Kodak, we believe in simplifying the design process for you. Our Figma UI Kit, uinkits, is a complete design system with UI components that allows you, as a UI UX designer, to create your products as quickly as pressing a button.
Our design system includes UI components, icons, variables, cards, buttons and everything you need for your design process. All you have to do is take your UI design component needed, and you’re ready to use it in your designs!
