Simplifying Designs for Seamless User Experiences: Lessons from a UX Design Project

Sam Jayne Burden
3 min readJun 22, 2023

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Photo by fauxels

In the realm of UX design, simplicity holds immense power in creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Although the project example in this blog post encountered unexpected changes and implementation delays, we recognised the importance of collaborating closely with the back-end team to streamline requirements and ensure a seamless user experience.

This article delves into the concept of designing for simplicity by examining a recent project focused on building a custom dashboard and aims to share invaluable insights and key takeaways from this experience, especially for designers at the start of their careers.

Uncovering User Needs through Ethnographic Research

A successful design project begins with a deep understanding of the end users. In this case, being part of the Design team and working with the Development team, we conducted ethnographic research to gain insights into users’ goals, pain points, and preferences. By immersing ourselves in the users’ environments, observing their behaviours, and engaging with them directly, we unearthed invaluable insights. This user-centred approach not only ensured the creation of designs that resonated with users but also fostered empathy, enabling the team to address their specific pain points effectively.

Embracing Simplicity in the Face of Changing Requirements

During the project, the initial requirements took an unexpected turn, demanding flexibility from us as a design team. Such situations are commonplace in the world of UX design, and the ability to adapt is critical.

Drawing on the insights gained from ethnographic research, the team swiftly adjusted their approach. We focused on simplifying the design, ensuring that new features aligned with user needs and avoiding unnecessary complexity that could overwhelm the dashboard. This adaptability to change is a vital skill for designers, allowing them to respond effectively to evolving project requirements and user expectations.

Realistic Time Estimation and Collaborative Back-End Design

As the project progressed and designs being created, it became apparent that the back-end implementation would take considerably longer than anticipated, possibly doubling or even tripling the estimated time due to the complexity of the design and components required.

This realisation highlights the importance of collaborating closely with the back-end team and fostering open communication, understanding key data points and frameworks required for the project (such as Vue.js).

By working collaboratively, we as designers gained insights into the technical intricacies and limitations involved in implementation. This knowledge helps set realistic expectations, steer clear of design features that are difficult to implement, and cultivate a collaborative environment where both teams seamlessly work together.

Key Takeaways for Designers

  • Simplify and Streamline: Prioritise simplicity in design, aiming to make user actions and interactions as straightforward as possible.
  • Empower Users: Eliminate unnecessary steps or complexity in the interface, allowing users to achieve their goals quickly and effortlessly.
  • Adaptability is Key: Embrace change and be flexible in the face of evolving project requirements, focusing on maintaining simplicity and usability.
  • Collaborate Effectively: Work closely with the back-end team to ensure a harmonious integration of design and implementation, promoting efficiency and avoiding potential roadblocks.
  • Learn and Iterate: Reflect on project challenges and successes to continuously refine the design process, optimising simplicity and user experiences.

Designing for simplicity requires a deep understanding of user needs, the ability to adapt to changing requirements, and effective collaboration with the back-end team. The experiences shared in this article underscore the significance of simplifying designs and actions to create seamless user experiences, particularly in building custom dashboards. As we as designers embark on our careers, these key takeaways offer valuable insights to navigate challenges, deliver exceptional user experiences, and thrive in the dynamic field of UX design.

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Sam Jayne Burden
Sam Jayne Burden

Written by Sam Jayne Burden

On a Journey of Self-Discovery Through UX Design, Personal Growth, and Sustainable Travel

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