UI and UX are two distinct aspects of website architecture, yet they work inseparably. UI describes how the user interacts with the interface. At the same time, the term UX actually stands for a particular experience the client will have while using the services or products.
Furthermore, UX design principles for desktop applications focus on the application's user experience while using it. This helps a developer create friendly and desirable graphics with the best layout designs compatible with the user's understanding. Good UX is crucial for the success of the application. Every $1 invested in UX results in a return of $100 (ROI = 9,900%).
Let's discuss some critical UX Designing principles.
1. Meeting the audience's needs
Every person on the desktop app development team must know the audience’s interest and what the audience wants from your designs. The designer needs to focus on working towards a better and smoother UX.
Hence, you need to realize the audience's actual interest through user testing methods and various strategies. Always keep in mind even if the design is splendid for you, it is worthy only when it works best at the user's end.
2. Keeping a distinct hierarchy
Designers often skip the hierarchical part of the design, but it is crucial to add smooth navigation to the entire desktop application design. The developer should see the interface from the user's point of view to implement the correct hierarchy.
For instance, a user opens a site or an application, and you will notice the navigation bar has the main categories. This is the first or primary hierarchy. When you tap on this bar, you'll see further classifications of the content, and they open up and take you further with the desk application. These are the secondary menus of the design.
3. Interaction consistency
Users anticipate that products should share a few similarities to other applications they consistently use. It makes it simpler for them to get comfortable with the new product with no extra learning costs. Although it sounds a bit outlandish, the more recognizable your design is to other people, the quicker the audience can figure out how to use it, which upgrades their experience.
This consistency additionally makes the designing process more straightforward for desktop developers, as they don't need to waste time each time they take on another project.
4. Less is more
The less-is-more design was initially given by the engineer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. For UX, the main point is to reduce the functional and intellectual expenses of desktop users. The design's convenience and consistency improve.
The less-is-more methodology stresses effortlessness rather than mess or over-adornment in design. There are so many applications that have gained popularity due to being simple and easy to use. One of the most popular examples is the UI/UX design of Slack. With minimal design, their products are kept simple and elegant. The designers can apply the same simplicity for regular desktop applications or software.
Conclusion
So, UX describes the complete user experience. While designing UI/UX for desktop applications, make sure you put users and their needs first. A good UX can make your application popular and successful.