5 UX Tips to Become a Better Front End Developer
Tags: webdev, ux, ui, webdesign
Published: 2021-08-01 04:42:34

Just on reading the title, you might think _Didn't you release an article on the same topic last week?_ Let's address that first. Using **UX** and **UI** interchangeably is a common mistake among many Designers. So, we must differentiate the two:

> **User Interface** (**UI**) refers to the space where interactions between humans and a product occur, whereas **User Experience** (**UX**) is an emotional outcome after interactions with a product.

![UI and UX](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/p5jac7rmdvsfdeh7k8v8.jpg)

Now, with that out of the way, let's move on to how we can deliver a mind-blowing (🤯) **UX**

# 1. Use a Polished **UI**

This goes without saying, **UI** is an integral part of **UX**. Without a polished **UI**, you will never be able to deliver a **UX** worth remembering.

It is also a good idea to create a _wireframe_ or a _mockup_ using some tools like **Figma** or **Adobe XD** before you start developing the actual product as making changes to the _wireframe_ is much easier than making changes in the final product.

![Mockup](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zlg3picqop07a88t96ni.jpg)

You can check out [this article](https://dev.to/ruppysuppy/5-ui-tips-to-become-a-better-front-end-developer-1ae1) to take your **UI** skills to the next level.

# 2. Use **Micro-interactions**

**Micro-interactions** are one of the key ingredients of **UX**. You might be wondering _What are these "**Micro-interaction**" things?_, well, let me enlighten you.

> **Micro-interactions** refers to the small and subtle changes in the **UI**, triggered by some user action. Such as _click_, _scroll_, _hover_, etc.

Without **Micro-interactions**, the users will feel as if your site lacks something, even though they will be able to pinpoint the issue.

**NOTE:** You need not use some super _fancy animations_, only basic ones are good enough (but the _fancy animations_ does help in keeping the user engaged)

![Scroll Animation](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0kk9wlsooc1vkfmo1tag.gif)

# 3. Reduce the number of actions to accomplish a task

Day by day, the **attention span** of humans is reducing to the point that even a goldfish has more **attention span** than us. The _more actions_ a user has to perform to achieve his goal, the _less likely_ it is that he will follow through.

![Attention span over the years](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fny82g6var0bh8eb2h9y.png)

The solution? _Frequent actions_ should be large buttons, placed in easily reachable zones. Another method to minimize the user's effort is by opting for the following:

> **no action** > **scroll** > **click**

In case you absolutely have to use **clicks**, make sure you minimize the number of **clicks**.

# 4. Reduce Load time

Perception of the speed of the website is based on _load time_ and _smoothness of animations_. What matters the most to users is that your website **feels fast** (even if it is just their perception).

As mentioned in the previous point about dwindling **attention spans**, delays longer than a **couple of seconds** will often make users leave the website, so make sure that your website loads fast.

_You can buy yourself a few more seconds_ by using _smooth_ and _captivating_ **loading animations** like these: 

![Loading Animation](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/in87leaykiq6gr6o0kx4.gif)

# 5. Intuitive

Often new Designers, trying to separate themselves from the herd design _aesthetically pleasing_, but _utterly confusing_ layouts which leave the users scratching their heads even to accomplish small tasks. Quite evidently, the **user engagement** drops.

> Nobody likes _people_ (_or websites_) who make them feel stupid.

You should use _common website patterns and interfaces_ instead of making the users learn something new, as **consistent** and **easy-to-use** _interfaces_ help users concentrate on the content and navigate through it with ease.

![Intuitive layout](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6ip00mkn0mdorm7dols8.jpg)

# Conclusion

Give yourself a **pat on the back**; now you too can be a great **UX** designer.

![Pat on the Back](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/s864nh48x3xyji7md7kq.gif)

Hope you will employ these concepts in your applications and make awe-inspiring websites :)

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# Thanks for reading

Want to work together? Contact me on [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/o/profiles/users/~01c12e516ee1d35044/)

Want to see what I am working on? Check out my [GitHub](https://github.com/ruppysuppy)

I am a freelancer who will start off as a Digital Nomad in mid-2022. Want to catch the journey? Follow me on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tapajyotib/)

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**FAQ**

These are a few commonly asked questions I get. So, I hope this **FAQ** section solves your issues.

1. **I am a beginner, how should I learn Front-End Web Dev?**
    First get the fundamentals of **HTML**, **CSS**, **JS** down; Learn any _front-end framework/library_ (**React**, **Vue**, **Angular**); Then keep making **Projects** or make **Open Source Contributions** to attain mastery.

    **Relevant Article Links**
        1. [Front End Project Ideas](https://dev.to/ruppysuppy/5-projects-to-master-front-end-development-57p)
        2. [Get Started With Open Source](https://dev.to/ruppysuppy/zero-to-hero-get-started-with-open-source-10b7)

2. **Would you mentor me?**
    Sorry, I am already under a lot of workload and would not have the time to mentor anyone.

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-   [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tapajyoti-bose-429a601a0)
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-   [Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/o/profiles/users/~01c12e516ee1d35044/)
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