As 2023 draws to a close, I'd like to share three quick UI/UX tips that I've personally found very helpful this year.
Transitions Matter
Integrate the transition CSS property to soften abrupt styling changes. This is particularly noticeable with buttons, where a hover effect often alters the background color. Without a subtle transition, the color change can appear too abrupt for users.
Exercise caution not to overuse transitions. Prolonged durations or an excess of transitions can make your site feel sluggish and frustrate users. I've found that transitions lasting between 100ms and 200ms strike the right balance. Remember, less is more, and a discreet transition can add a sophisticated touch to your site.
The Power of Whitespace
Reduce the clutter on your site by embracing more whitespace. Provide ample room for your components, and eliminate the cramped feeling. Achieve this not only through adjusting margin and padding but also by enhancing readability through changes in the line-height of your site's text, which is often too short by default.
View whitespace not as "empty" space, but as an active design element that can elevate the overall user experience. Use it as a narrative tool within your applications.
OpenGraph Images as Game-Changers
If you haven't incorporated OpenGraph tags on your site, it's time to do so. These tags enable you to control how your content appears when shared on various platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
If creating images manually seems time-consuming, let your web application handle it for you. For instance, this site generates custom OpenGraph images for all blog posts. It automatically takes the blog post title and overlays it on a background, eliminating the need for manual image creation for social sharing.
As we bid farewell to 2023, remember that thoughtful transitions, strategic use of whitespace, and optimizing OpenGraph images are not just design enhancements but integral elements shaping a positive user experience. Implementing these tips not only adds finesse to your interface but also ensures that your digital presence remains engaging and user-centric in the coming year. Cheers to a design-forward 2024!