Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Well-Designed User Interface

A well-designed user interface (UI) can make or break a product and dramatically improve the user experience. In the software segment, where functionality and efficiency are huge selling points, the UI serves as the bridge between human users and complex systems. A well-designed UI can elevate a software program from functional to exceptional. But what exactly makes a great UI, and why does it matter? 

At its core, an exceptional UI, such as the one found in the latest version of WebCRD is intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing. Its responsive design changes with the form factor of the device the user is using—desktop, phone, tablet—allowing for greater versatility. It anticipates user needs and guides them seamlessly through the software experience. Clarity and simplicity are essential, allowing users to accomplish tasks intuitively with minimal effort. 

Case in point, WebCRD Version 12’s new UI and its reimagined shopping cart, which we discussed in last month’s column. As we pointed out, the shopping cart, i.e., the new UI, offers more options and is similar to the shopping carts on the most popular e-commerce platforms. The UI is designed in such a way that users can’t forget to do certain processes when placing items in a shopping cart before moving on to the next step. For example, users can switch to edit mode and update the color attributes on a page to be printed before continuing. Even though there were similar attributes in the previous version of WebCRD and the fundamentals of the software were pretty much the same, the look and feel of the UI are drastically different, while the menu is similar to those of other e-commerce programs.  

There are also more options on the screen to present different and modern ways of navigating the e-commerce system. For example, if a user wants to order something, he or she can click a button, and the program presents a carousel with a visual representation of what can be ordered. Also, filtering by tags is more clear and functional, enabling users to navigate through all the files they have access to. 

In the previous version, users could view all their orders. However, there were no thumbnails for those orders; now, the software depicts thumbnails and where the customer is in the ordering process. Ultimately, this is a more user-friendly view of everything on the front end. The new UI also requires fewer clicks to get things done, and finding and uploading files is also faster. 

What Makes a Great UI? 

These are the components of a great UI that you should share with clients and prospects as you demo the latest version of WebCRD so they can witness it in action.  

• User-Centric Design – Okay, this is a given, but still worth noting. A great UI starts with understanding the needs and preferences of the end user, something that RSA excels at. Designers must be knowledgeable about the users, anticipate their behavior, and design the interface accordingly. That’s exactly what RSA’s software developers have done.  
• Consistency – A UI designed to reduce user confusion and enhance familiarity must be consistent in layout, terminology, and functionality. That’s another attribute of RSA’s enhanced UI. 
• Visual Hierarchy – This directs users’ attention to the most important elements on the screen. It encompasses clear typography, contrasting colors, and strategic use of whitespace to help prioritize information and guide users’ interactions.  
• Accessibility – A great UI is inclusive, ensuring that all users, regardless of ability, can access and interact with the software.  

Benefits of a Well-Designed UI 

The benefits of a well-designed UI extend beyond mere aesthetics; they directly impact user satisfaction, productivity, and, ultimately, the success of the software itself. WebCRD’s enhanced UI can result in: 

• Increased User Adoption – Intuitive interfaces encourage users to engage with the software more frequently. 
• Higher Efficiency – Streamlined workflows and intuitive navigation reduce the time and effort required to accomplish tasks, boosting user productivity and satisfaction.  
• Reduced Training Costs and Time – A user-friendly UI minimizes the need for extensive training and support, saving time and resources for users and organizations.  
• Enhanced Brand Perception – A visually appealing and user-friendly interface reflects positively on the brand—RSA—resulting in user trust and loyalty.  

A Better User Experience 

Historically, the benefit of using WebCRD is that your client can do more work with the same staff, which leads to greater profitability. The updated UI in Version 12 has the potential to increase the adoption rate by your customers’ customers. That’s because they don’t have to learn anything new. If they can order from Amazon, they can easily order through WebCRD’s enhanced UI and reimagined shopping cart. 

Greater adoption can result in more orders for your customers, which leads to more profit on their end, and the potential for more printer placements for you so your customers can keep pace with all this additional work. Indeed, RSA has found that the more customers who use the system—even previous versions—the faster and larger they can grow without increasing costs. 

By prioritizing user-centric design principles and continuously refining interface elements, developers at RSA are creating software for your customers that not only meets and exceeds user expectations but also drives satisfaction, productivity, and long-term success. Next time you meet with a customer or prospect, be sure to emphasize these points.