Bring Back Idiomatic Design (2023) (essays.johnloeber.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the importance of idiomatic design in software development, citing the consistency of design in the desktop software era as an example. The author argues that modern web applications have lost this consistency, leading to a frustrating user experience. The article suggests that following design idioms and using homogeneous interfaces can improve usability. The author also provides guidelines for product builders to follow design idioms and create consistent interfaces.

Main themes

• Idiomatic design
• Consistency in UI
• Web application design
• Desktop software era
• User experience
• Design principles

What commenters say

• The use of non-standard icons and designs can lead to confusion and frustration for users.
• Some argue that icons are faster to recognize than words, while others claim that words are more effective for discovery and understanding.
• The trend of hiding scrollbars and using flat design is seen as a negative development in user interface design.
• Customization of menus and interfaces can be beneficial, but others argue that it can lead to inconsistency and make it harder for new users to learn the interface.
• There is a need for a set of guidelines or standards for web application design, similar to the Human Interface Guidelines used by Apple.
• The shift to mobile-first design has led to a decline in usability and consistency in web application design.
• Some argue that the pursuit of unique and creative designs has led to a decline in usability and functionality.
• The use of design idioms and consistent interfaces can improve the overall user experience and make software more intuitive to use.