Fixing Inconsistent UI On The Settings Page

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon a settings page that just doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the app? It's like that one mismatched sock in your drawer – noticeable and a little irritating. That’s precisely the issue we're tackling today. We're diving deep into the importance of consistent UI (User Interface) and how to fix it, using a real-world example to illustrate the problem and solution.

The Problem: Settings Page UI Doesn't Match

The settings page, a crucial part of any application, should feel like a natural extension of the overall design. However, sometimes it can stick out like a sore thumb. This inconsistency usually stems from elements like:

• Buttons: Differing styles, sizes, or colors.
• Typography: Mismatched fonts and text sizes.
• Spacing: Inconsistent margins and padding.
• Color Palette: Colors that don't align with the app's primary theme.

When these elements are out of sync, it creates a jarring user experience. Users might feel disoriented or even question the app's quality. Imagine navigating a sleek, modern app and suddenly landing on a settings page that looks like it belongs in the early 2000s. Not a great look, right?

To truly grasp the impact, consider the psychological aspect. Consistency breeds familiarity, and familiarity breeds trust. When an app's UI is consistent, users can navigate it intuitively without having to relearn elements on each page. This reduces cognitive load and makes the app more user-friendly. In contrast, an inconsistent UI can lead to confusion and frustration, potentially driving users away.

Moreover, inconsistency can affect the app's credibility. A polished, uniform design suggests attention to detail and professionalism. If the settings page looks like an afterthought, users might wonder if other parts of the app are similarly neglected. This can erode trust and make users less likely to engage with the app's features. It's about creating a seamless journey for the user, where every interaction feels intentional and part of a cohesive whole.

Case Study: GSSOC'25 Settings Page

Let's look at a specific example from the GSSOC'25 project. The settings page UI doesn't align with the design language of the rest of the app. Elements like buttons, typography, spacing, and the color palette appear inconsistent compared to other screens. This is a classic case of UI inconsistency that needs addressing.

Take a look at the image provided. Notice how the elements on the settings page differ from the rest of the app. The buttons might have a different shape or color, the text might be in a different font, and the spacing might feel off. These seemingly small details can add up to a significant issue.

Why Does This Happen?

You might wonder, how does this happen in the first place? There are several reasons why a settings page might end up with an inconsistent UI:

• Lack of a Design System: Without a central design system, different developers might make different choices, leading to inconsistencies.
• Feature Creep: New features might be added over time without considering the overall design.
• Time Constraints: Sometimes, developers might rush to get a feature out the door, sacrificing design consistency.
• Legacy Code: Older parts of the app might not have been updated to match the current design.

Regardless of the reason, it's crucial to address these inconsistencies to maintain a high-quality user experience.

The Proposed Solution: Aligning the Settings Page with the Global Design System

So, how do we fix this mismatched sock situation? The key is to align the settings page with the app's global design system. A design system is essentially a set of standards for design elements like colors, typography, spacing, and UI components. It ensures consistency across the entire application.

Here's a breakdown of the proposed solution:

1. Update Layout, Colors, and Typography: This involves revising the settings page to match the global design system. It means using the same fonts, colors, and overall layout as the rest of the app. Think of it as giving the settings page a makeover to fit in with its siblings.
2. Add Consistent Margins, Paddings, and Button Styles: Consistency in spacing and button styles is crucial for a polished look. We need to ensure that margins, paddings, and button styles on the settings page match those used throughout the app. This creates a sense of visual harmony and makes the UI feel more cohesive.
3. Ensure Overall Look and Feel Aligns: The settings page should feel like a natural part of the app. This means ensuring that its overall look and feel are consistent with the homepage and other major sections. It's about creating a seamless transition for the user, where each page feels like it belongs.
4. Maintain Responsive Design: In today's world, apps need to work flawlessly on various screen sizes. The settings page should be responsive, adapting to different devices without breaking the layout or compromising usability. This ensures a consistent experience for all users, regardless of the device they're using.

Diving Deeper into the Solution Components

Let's break down these steps further. When we talk about updating the layout, we're looking at the arrangement of elements on the page. Are the sections logically organized? Is there a clear visual hierarchy? The colors should align with the app's primary and secondary color schemes, creating a sense of brand identity. Typography plays a huge role too. Using the same font family and sizes across the app can make a significant difference in the overall consistency.

Consistent margins and paddings are the unsung heroes of good UI design. They create visual breathing room and prevent elements from feeling cramped. Think of it as the whitespace in a well-designed room – it makes everything feel more balanced and less cluttered. Consistent button styles are equally important. Buttons should have a uniform look and feel, so users can easily recognize them and understand their function.

Ensuring the overall look and feel aligns is about the big picture. It's about making sure the settings page doesn't feel like an alien invasion in your app. This involves considering the page's tone, visual style, and how it interacts with other parts of the app. The goal is to create a unified experience where users feel comfortable and familiar, no matter where they are in the app.

Responsiveness is a non-negotiable aspect of modern UI design. Your settings page should look and function perfectly on everything from a small smartphone screen to a large desktop monitor. This involves using techniques like flexible layouts, responsive images, and media queries to adapt the design to different screen sizes.

Expected Outcome: A Unified and Coherent User Experience

What's the end goal of all this effort? We're aiming for a settings page that is visually consistent with other screens, creating a unified theme across all UI components. This, in turn, leads to an improved user experience and design coherence.

When the settings page looks and feels like a natural extension of the app, users will have a smoother and more enjoyable experience. They won't be jarred by sudden changes in style or layout, and they'll be able to navigate the app with greater ease. This consistency builds trust and reinforces the app's brand identity.

A unified theme across all UI components is about more than just aesthetics. It's about creating a cohesive experience that reinforces the app's message and values. When every element feels like it belongs, it creates a sense of harmony and professionalism. This can significantly enhance the user's perception of the app and its creators.

Ultimately, the goal is to improve the user experience. A consistent and well-designed settings page can make a big difference in how users feel about the app. It can make the app feel more polished, professional, and user-friendly. This, in turn, can lead to increased user engagement and satisfaction.

Benefits of a Consistent UI

Let's recap the benefits of a consistent UI. It's not just about making things look pretty; it's about creating a better experience for your users. Here are some key advantages:

• Improved User Experience: Consistent UI makes navigation intuitive and reduces cognitive load.
• Enhanced Brand Identity: A unified design reinforces your brand's message and values.
• Increased User Trust: Consistency breeds familiarity, which in turn builds trust.
• Reduced Development Costs: A design system can streamline the development process and reduce the risk of errors.
• Better Accessibility: Consistent UI makes the app more accessible to users with disabilities.

In a nutshell, investing in UI consistency is an investment in your app's success. It's about creating a product that users love to use and that reflects your commitment to quality.

Conclusion: The Power of Consistency

In conclusion, fixing UI inconsistencies, especially in areas like the settings page, is crucial for creating a polished and user-friendly app. By aligning the settings page with the global design system, we can achieve a unified theme, improve the user experience, and enhance the app's overall design coherence. Remember, consistency is key to building trust and creating a seamless journey for your users. It's the little things, like consistent buttons, typography, and spacing, that add up to a big difference.

If you want to learn more about UI design and consistency, check out the Material Design guidelines for excellent resources and best practices.