Definition
Consistency means that similar things look and behave the same way, both within a product and across platforms. When patterns are predictable, users don’t need to relearn behaviors — they can transfer knowledge from one part of the system to another.
Why It Matters
Inconsistency forces users to stop and think, breaking their flow. It increases training time, errors, and frustration. Consistent design builds trust, speeds up learning, and makes the whole experience feel professional.
Example – Good vs. Bad
- Good: In Gmail, the “Compose” button always starts a new email, no matter where you are. The design and placement stay the same across views.
- Bad: In some enterprise apps, “Save” sometimes saves, sometimes submits for approval, and sometimes just closes the window. Users lose confidence in the system.
Do’s
- Use a design system (consistent fonts, colors, buttons, spacing).
- Apply consistent terminology (always “Delete,” never mix with “Remove” or “Erase”).
- Reuse interaction patterns across screens (navigation, forms, dialogs).
- Stay aligned with platform conventions (iOS, Android, Windows).
Don’ts
- Don’t change meanings of the same icon or label in different contexts.
- Don’t reinvent UI elements unnecessarily.
- Don’t sacrifice consistency for “creativity” that confuses users.
Key Takeaway
Consistency isn’t about making things boring — it’s about making them predictable. When users know what to expect, they move faster, feel more confident, and trust the product.
