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How to Use Effective Visual Cues in UX Design?

Can you guess what % of our average communication is verbal? According to the 55/38/7 Formula, it is found that our communication is 55% nonverbal, 38% vocal, and only 7% in words. It is fascinating to discover that nonverbal cues and body language make most of our communication and understanding.

Similarly, this applies to UX design as well. Have you ever wondered how users scroll through the app and get their tasks done efficiently during a busy day? Because there are visual cues or indicators instilled in the user interface to guide the users to achieve tasks quickly. 

So, without further ado, let us explore in this blog more about visual cues and how you can use them in your UX design to make users’ lives easier. 

How do visual cues help in user experience?

Visual cues are powerful. As designers, we have to imagine ourselves as the guide, and we are helping the protagonist (the user) reach their destination like in a movie. We can guide them in their journey by implementing visual cues to show them the way. 

Visual cues:

  • Make the user interface easy on the eye. It allows users to scan the page properly within seconds.
  • It allows users to navigate through the user interface. Just like road signs to guide you to the destination, visual cues show you the way to where you want to go.
  • It forms a good structure and visual hierarchy. Hence, making it easy for users to interpret the content.
  • Moreover, implementing visual cues yields high conversions. When the visual cues direct users to CTA buttons, they are more likely to find them and click on them.

Implicit versus Explicit cues

Now, we will understand the two types of visual cues in design using examples.

Implicit cues

These are visual cues that go unnoticed by the users. They are usually shown in the interface as imagery and highlighting certain elements. Furthermore, it does a great deal in influencing the user to find what they want. E.g., use of white space and color contrast.

Explicit Cues

On the other hand, explicit cues are noticed quickly on the interface. They are more direct like your typical arrows, lines, and pointers that direct users to what they are looking for in your interface. 

Let us explore the different visual cues you can adopt in your interface.

Types of Implicit Cues

  • Colors 

Using colors is a great way to grab the attention of your users. You can implement dominant colors for call-to-action buttons and other significant pieces of information. As humans, we are reluctant to ignore a dominant color that stands out in the interface.

  • Contrast

Likewise, you can use color contrast to make the most significant elements stand out. Ensure that users pay less attention to the background and more attention to the content. Use the right color combinations to make your design elements visibly clear. 

  • White Space

Did you know negative space can also act as a visual cue? It is simple. When there are large portions of white space and fewer elements present, users will find what they are looking for easily. Add whitespace to simplify your page and give some breathing space around your design elements. As a result, users can navigate through your interface better.

  • Encapsulation

Encapsulation means framing of data or elements. Wrap your content to make it stand out in the interface, and users will notice. As designers, you can implement it by drawing boxes, borders, and various other shapes to wrap the most significant pieces of information. We see this commonly with form fields wrapped around a prominent rectangular-shaped encapsulation. 

Types of Explicit Cues

  • Arrows

Arrows are probably the most effective visual cues because it is simple and easily understood by the users. In addition, they are easy to implement in the user interface. They are commonly used in apps and websites to guide users to specific pages and content. Despite arrows being too direct, it does aid in boosting a lot of conversions.

  • Pointers

Likewise, using arrows, you can use people to point users to the destination. Have a model pointing to a specific design element to draw the user’s attention to what the person is pointing at.

  • Eye Gaze

On top of that, you can also use people’s eye lines to guide the user. As social beings, we are more likely to look at something when someone else stares at it. Using people to stare at a specific element will draw the user’s attention to look at that same element. 

Other effective cues you can use

  • Visual prompts

You can use icons and visual imagery to guide users throughout your interface. E.g., using a small mouse icon on the side of the page will suggest users use their mouse to scroll down for more content. 

  • Partial Content

You can use a small portion of the following content on your screen to let the user know that there is more content to explore, and they are not at a dead end. You see this commonly in e-commerce apps and sites where they engage users to keep scrolling and shopping. 

  • Sound

Okay, it’s not exactly a visual cue, but sound also plays a good part in guiding the user. Providing specific tones will alert users if they have completed the task correctly or not. Moreover, it can instantly grab the user’s attention. 

  • Vibration

When it comes to our sense of touch, vibration helps in telling the user when they interact with the app. It can act as an essential indicator to alert the user for different functionalities. 

Guide your users to solutions….

Using visual cues is more of an art. As UX designers, you have the power to guide users to the most significant elements, and equally, move away from the least significant ones. 

After reading this blog, I am confident you got a good understanding of visual cues, and how they can be used to boost more conversions. 

Now, it is time for you to start guiding your protagonist in their UX journey and help them reach their desired destination. 

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