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Design patterns in voice interfaces
Do VUI patterns exist? Are they useful? Where can we find them?
Read this article in Spanish: Patrones de diseño en interfaces de voz
In graphic interfaces, we are used to talking about design and interaction patterns. We use them all the time to deal with any user need. Those patterns are nothing but well-known solutions that users are already familiar with.
The boom of voice interfaces as a “new” interaction channel makes us wonder if there is any similar artifact in voice design that we can use in our VUIs (voice user interface).
Well, the short answer to the question is a big YES. In this post I will talk about the long answer, explaining what a VUI design pattern is, different types of patterns, and some examples.
But let’s start from the beginning.
What is a “design pattern”?
According to Wikipedia, “a pattern is a regularity in the world, in human-made design, or in abstract ideas. As such, the elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner”. We have countless examples everywhere, from the tiles in our kitchen to most of the interactions we have on webpages every day. There are sources like ui-patterns where most patterns are documented and can be consulted for better use of each pattern.
If we dive deep into the definition, a pattern is a structure that we can replicate and get a predictable result from. That predictability helps creators to not reinvent the wheel each time, but also users, helping them understand how things work when they face a new interface.
Where can we find graphic patterns?
In GUI (graphic user interfaces), patterns are conventions we have accepted after time and experience. Since graphic interfaces are a human invention with no direct representation in nature, all the interactions are artificially made up.
However, the patterns we can use are not pure inventions but adaptations that take advantage of how the brain works and…
