UX/UI Links of July 2019
Another great month for good reads. This month we’ve picked some quality UI form guides, an introduction to new diagramming techniques, and a think piece about complexity in UI design.
Cognitive Maps, Mind Maps, and Concept Maps: Definitions
There are diverse benefits from visualizing a concept, idea, or process, both individually or amongst a team.
- Sarah Gibbons, Chief Designer
We recently wrote about how to start a wireframe, which recommends using notes and flow charts before moving on to UI design. Cognitive Maps, Mind Maps, and Concept Maps: Definitions covers even more useful methods for sorting out your ideas and understanding before you design.
The Challenges with Single Toggle Buttons
Many single toggle buttons fail at either showing the current state or making the unselected option visible.
- Anthony T., Author and Founder
I love the deep dives into specific controls that UX Movement does. This month he focuses on toggle buttons, with two articles on them. Both are great, but The Challenges with Single Toggle Buttons is a real standout.
Complex User Experiences
Are we making a conscious effort to make our users understand the complexity rather than just hiding it in a ‘more’ menu?
- Priya Saraswat, Designer
Complex User Experiences sorts out many of the apparent paradoxes in UX design, such as how do you make something simple without making it basic. A good read if you want clarity on the difference between complex vs. complicated.
10 Rules for User Sign-Up Journeys
Rule 1 — Ask for only the basic information you need to create the account.
- Rameez Kakodker, Designer
10 Rules for User Sign-Up Journeys is exactly what it says it is. It’s a great checklist for the next time you’re building a sign-up page.
UI Cheat Sheet: Text Fields
I generally advocate for avoiding using input fields without labels at all costs.
- Tess Gadd, UI Designer
UI Cheat Sheet: Text Fields is a very comprehensive guide to a surprisingly tricky UI control. Read it and take your forms to the next level.
Hope you learned something new! See you next month.
Want to read our favorite links from the past? Check out the archives.
Leon for the Balsamiq Team
