In modern society, information and technology have become more crucial than ever. Prominent among these are editorial thinking and UX/UI design. These two concepts started in different fields, but their essence is quite similar. The goal is to effectively convey information and provide meaningful experiences to users.
In this article, we will explore how editorial thinking and UX/UI design are related and how they can be utilized in our daily lives.
What is Editorial Thinking?
Editorial thinking is the process of collecting, analyzing, and structuring information into meaningful messages. It’s not just about listing information but providing new insights to the reader or user through that information. It can be defined as “a mindset that derives meaning and messages from information and subjects, structures and edits them into the intended medium to deliver them persuasively.”
Common Ground Between UX/UI Design and Editorial Thinking
UX/UI design aims to optimize the user’s experience while using a product or service. The key here is not just pursuing visual beauty but providing the information that the user needs in an appropriate form to deliver a satisfying experience.
1. Structuring Information
Both UX/UI design and editorial thinking consider how to structure information. This is a crucial element that helps users find the information they need easily. For instance, the arrangement of articles in a magazine or the menu structure of a website originates from this kind of thinking.
2. Understanding the User’s Perspective
Both fields strive to understand and reflect the user’s perspective. UX/UI designers analyze user behavior patterns, and editors grasp readers’ interests. In this process, the common crucial aspect is accurately identifying what the user or reader needs.
3. Harmony of Creativity and Analysis
Both UX/UI design and editorial thinking require creativity and analysis. While based on creative ideas, they must structure them logically to produce persuasive results. This plays an important role in eliciting rational judgment from the reader or user.
Examples of UX/UI Design Utilizing Editorial Thinking
An example of applying editorial thinking to UX/UI design is the similarity between magazines and websites. Magazines are more suited for browsing rather than reading. This is very similar to the structure of a website. When navigating a website, users quickly scan major information and delve deeper into content that catches their interest. Therefore, website design should be designed to draw the user’s attention and provide necessary information easily, referencing magazine layouts.
Especially, analyzing where users place their attention and what information they deem important is crucial. This applies equally to UX/UI design. When designing the user interface (UI), consideration should be given to the most clicked areas and attention-grabbing elements.
The Future of Editorial Thinking and UX/UI
Editorial thinking and UX/UI design will continue to evolve. Particularly as the digital environment becomes more complex, techniques and methodologies for optimizing user experience will become more important. In this process, an integrated approach between the two fields will be increasingly necessary.
In conclusion, although editorial thinking and UX/UI design originated in different fields, their essence is very similar. Their common goal is to structure information effectively and provide meaningful experiences to users. Through this mindset, we can offer richer and more satisfying digital experiences.