8 Common Design Dilemmas

Stepper vs. slider

The first on our list of common design dilemmas is when to use a stepper versus a slider.

• Stepper: Best for when users need to navigate through predefined values

• Slider: Best for selecting the value within a specified range and when customization is more important

Progress bar vs. spinner

Another frequent dilemma is choosing between a progress bar and a spinner.

• Progress bar: Use to indicate the completion percentage for tasks with known durations

• Spinner: Use when the duration of a task is uncertain

Autoplay vs. user-initiated play

The next common design dilemma is when to use autoplay versus user-initiated play.

• Autoplay: For products specifically used for viewing video content or for rare storytelling occasions

• User-Initiated Play: Use when there might be concerns regarding unwanted noise, accessibility, or data consumption

Radio button vs. checkbox

Radio buttons and checkboxes are another common design dilemma designers encounter.

• Radio button: Use if the user can select only one option

• Checkbox: Use if the user can select multiple options

Single-page form vs. multi-page form

This is another frequent dilemma for designers.

• Single-page form: Use if you have a concise set of fields that don’t overwhelm your users

• Multi-page form: If you want to break down complex information into manageable sections and maintain user engagement

Modal vs. new page or screen

Deciding between a modal and a new page is another common design dilemma.

• Modal: Use for focused interactions that don’t require users to leave their current context

• New page or screen: Use for more extensive interactions or content where the context shift is appropriate

Text navigation vs. icon navigation

Another dilemma is choosing between text and icon navigation.

• Text navigation: Use descriptive text labels for clarity in content-rich digital products

• Icon navigation: Use recognizable icons in products that have common navigation sections

Breadcrumbs vs. tabs

The final common design dilemma is choosing between breadcrumbs and tabs.

• Breadcrumbs: Use for complex hierarchical structures in which users need to know their exact location

• Tabs: Use for organizing content into distinct sections or views

Conclusion

Understanding common design dilemmas is essential for creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences. By applying these best practices, designers can make more informed choices, leading to better usability and engagement. Next time you face a design dilemma, you’ll know exactly which approach to take!