UI Enhancements for Software as a Service Platforms
Whenever you open your phone, play your favorite game, or work on your job’s computer, you’re actually doing the exact same thing. That is, interacting with a user interface that will guide you through your device to the task you want to be completed. A clean interface can make the difference between a poor user experience and a great one as the UI is at the center of every interaction a consumer can have with their products and services, and whatever a user will do depends on that interface getting the job done efficiently.
What Makes Good UI
For software as a service platform, the user interface is the means by which complex tasks can be executed and directed in an easily accessible manner. For example, in a subscription-based video service like Netflix or Hulu, the UI is the menu displaying the films and shows available and launching them when they are clicked on. If a user interface doesn’t communicate a service’s features effectively, then it may lead to consumer confusion on where things are or what they do. If Netflix doesn’t have a suite of movies displayed in rows, then no one would have any idea what kinds of movies and shows were on the service that they were paying for.
One example of a good SaaS UI design would be one where the customer is able to locate what they are searching for as easily as possible. They’re not expected to leap through multiple menus and settings to execute the most basic activities the service provides. The graphic layout of the user interface should support the functionality of the software as a whole by making points of interest clear and centralized. An interface should be clean without much clutter on the screen, all icons should be distinctive, and any pertinent option does not require support from outside what the user would be able to do themselves.
The Many Consumer Benefits
Compared to previous trends and design styles, modern UIs tend to be more minimalistic in order to not detract from the main functions, as well as keep a uniform look across various platforms and devices.
One major component of SaaS platforms is how they retain a consumer base. If potential subscribers aren’t able to feel like their time is well utilized, then they are likely to try out another service instead. Keeping the user interface streamlined can encourage them to get their tasks done efficiently while providing helpful resources that can answer any questions they might have, like a help section or a detailed settings page.
This benefits businesses by helping their services be communicated better to their customers. With a strongly designed UI, users can become more aware of the features that are included that they might not have known about beforehand.
Not only does a consumer-driven UI enhance an individual’s experience with a product or service, but it can also encourage continued and prolonged usage of a service by helping users finish their tasks in more efficient ways. There’s a big reason why SaaS platforms are taking off, and the ease of use and convenience of their UIs play a major role in that.
