Design, Graphics and Media Jobs in Nigeria (Page 116)

What is UI Design?

UI Design is the acronym for User Interface. User interface (UI) design is the process of building interfaces in software or computerized devices, focusing on looks or style. With UI design, designers aim to create interfaces which users find easy to use and pleasurable. 

User interface design is majorly responsible for a product's appearance, interactivity, usability, behaviour, and overall feel. It can determine whether a user has a positive experience with a product or not, so it’s essential for companies and creators to familiarize themselves with UI design best practices. 

There are three main types of UI design. They are:

1. Graphical User Interface: A graphical user interface allows users to interact with a device through graphical icons. Typically, interactions are facilitated through a mouse, trackpad, or some other point-and-click tool. Your laptop’s desktop or home screen is an example of a GUI.

2. Voice User Interface: VUI uses speech recognition to understand voice commands. Notable examples of VUI include iPhone’s Siri, Google Home’s “Hey Google” feature, and Amazon’s Alexa.

3. Menu-Driven Interface: Menu-driven interfaces provide users with command options via a list or a menu. These commands can present themselves in full-screen or as a pop-up or drop-down. Common examples of menu-driven interfaces include ATMs. 

Skills for a UI designer

• Graphic design.

• Animation skills.

• Photo and video editing skills.

• Knowledge of programming languages like Javascript, HTML and CSS. 

• Color theory.

• Typography.

• Knowledge of industry tools like Sketch, Photoshop, Adobe XD, Mockflow, etc. 

What is UX Design?

User Experience (UX) refers to the user’s journey when using a product or website. UX design is about creating products that bring meaningful and relevant value/experience to the users. 

It considers the elements that shape a user’s experience with a product. 

Designing an experience includes not only making the software easy to use but also designing the other experiences related to the product, for example, the marketing campaign, the packaging and after-sales support. Most importantly, UX design is concerned with delivering solutions that address pain points and needs. After all, no one will use a product that serves no purpose.

Skills of a UX designer

• Prototyping, wireframing, user flows, mockups.

• Visual design and design software 

• User research and usability testing 

• Agile 

• Application development 

• Information Architecture 

What is Graphics design?

Graphic design is the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content. In simple terms, graphic designers make visuals to communicate certain messages. These visuals can be as simple as a business logo, or as complex as page layouts on a website.

A graphic design is created work utilizing certain visual elements. These elements are used in conjunction or opposition with each other to create striking and impactful visuals. The elements of graphic design include: 

• Colour

• Form

• Line

• Shape

• Size

• Space

• Texture

There are also principles of design to be adhered to. These principles are essentially a set of guidelines that help a design achieve an appealing composition. They include: 

• Balance

• Contrast

• Emphasis

• Movement

• Proportion

• Rhythm

Types of Graphics Design

1.  Website design: This is about creating engaging and intuitive web pages for the users of a business. It involves the overall layout, colour scheme and navigation of a website. 

2. UI/UX design: This involves designing the desirability and functionality of a website or app. The interface aspect involves the visual design and layout of an application.

3. Motion graphics design: Motion graphic design is about bringing visual elements to life through special effects, videos, TV shows, video games, movies and more.

Skills of a Graphics Designer

• Digital (UI, UX, Sketch)

• Typography & Typesetting

• Design Principles

• Idea Generation

• Branding 

• Designing for Print

• Adobe InDesign

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Illustrator