CEED design questions and doubts answered

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Welcome back friends, In this post I've tried to give answers to some of the most commonly raised questions by CEED aspirants; so as to let you know my views about these questions. These questions were already asked by our blog readers and you may find them as comments in this blog. I collected some of those and gathered it here just to make you aware of the question as well as give some idea to you. Remember friends, these are purely my own views based on my experience and observation.

Question 0 : (2017 updated)

Hello Bhanu sir :) I have a doubt regarding CEED Exam. I wanted to know whether its mandatory to opt for the question of same domain, which I want to apply for MDes? For example, if I opt for an Interaction Design question of Part B (the question that carries 50 marks alone) and after qualifying CEED, if I want to apply for Visual Communication, then will that affect? and if yes, then how?

- Shivani Prakash

My Reply 

this is always a doubt to many of the CEED aspirants.

Let me tell, it's not mandatory to attempt stream specific ques unless you're really and confident of attaining more marks attempting that ques. If in case you feel the stream specific ques is time consuming, or even tough or difficult to attempt because of having less ideas on that, then going with the idea of 'attempt only stream specific' then you might end up getting less score.

Remember
1. First thing is clearing the exam with high score is imp.
2. Then only matters stream concern.

which one is better -

1. getting high score by attempting the ques which would fetch u gud score not bothering about the stream and the ques of which u felt easy, having idea on that, and not much time consuming?
2. getting less score by attempting stream specific ques ?

In the latter case, if by chance the attempt didn't go well, then u might end up choosing ur desired stream but in not-targeted institutes. 

In the first case, if u got a good score, then during the interviews at the target institutes, u can showcase ur interest in the stream u wished to take. You can convince them by way of the portfolio and tell them verbally, stating ur interest. I think that is the best way.

In fact, CEED is a common entrance and if u have observed prev papers, u should have observed that not all stream ques are covered every year. Do the admissions for the given stream specific ques occurs? hope this makes sense. So, prepare in general, though u can give much attention to ur desired stream but don't neglect other streams. For safer side, at least u shld be ready to answer st least two streams, in particular, Product design, the second can be UI or even VC/animation frames.

Hope this makes sense.

Question 1 :

How to develop problem solving skills and design skills (I am good at imagining things but unable to put it on paper) what should I do for this ?

- Kavya Vemuri

My Reply 

If you are good at imagining but poor at communicating things in paper, then I hope you should work on 'WAYS OF SKETCHING' - that's because when you know how to sketch (in different angles) - you would find it easy to show your thoughts.

The best thing is to practice - sketching of as many products/objects/views that may either

• Strike your mind - imagined
• Came across in day to day activity

Start sketching simple - simple things and then later move towards advanced imaginative sketches. Don't forget to practice perceptive way of observing things, that will improve your design skills. For people of your kind, I suggest that you better understand and work on ISOMETRIC sketching - I mean sketching the same object/product in different views, angles etc

Ok, here is my way of dealing in such situations. If say I want to design a bike, then I will 

• First - sketch a bike by seeing (copying)
• Doing this by taking four to five different bikes - preferably in different views/angles
• Now memorizing the sketched images 
• Try to sketch the memorized images by own imagination roughly.
• Later go for my own imaginative idea or design and put them in paper

This is how I relate communication and design !

Hope this helps :)

Question 2 : (NEW)

Hi Sir,

I'm having zero sketch level, and because I know my level, I don't have confidence on me for CEED. Can I apply for CEED exam ? I need to do masters program after my B.Tech, what do you say ?

- Priyanka Tripathi

My Reply 

Hello Priyanka, 

There's nothing like zero level of sketching, everybody does have some talent in sketching. And yes confidence matters, only when you are confident and have faith that you could learn things within time, then you will succeed. Let me tell you one thing, just for doing some degree or masters you cannot choose M.Des or any program for that matter. Current education trend have diverse fields and students have immense options to choose any kind of education.

So, don't restrict yourself and don't take whatever comes in your way. Check your own interest and understand the areas where you are good at and strive to achieve that. Like say, I understood that I'm good at Engineering and so even after I have the options of joining in other fields (even M.Des), I just skipped them; instead I wished to do my passionate courses, even if it costs me some time !

All I can say is anyone can apply for CEED, but he/she should have at least a little interest in Design. And if it's just for some degree, then I'd never recommend, instead just go for some jobs !

And yes, if you try, you could definitely improve your sketching and design skills. Last year, I came across many students whom have the same feeling like you - I mean they felt like zero level in sketching. But I observed; some of them rapidly developed their skills with their appreciable efforts and in fact many of them cracked CEED with good score. While some others kept the same feeling and so failed to master sketching (CEED level) and so couldn't get. Some of them ended up considering jobs and now they are working. It would've been better if they have done that earlier :P if they have no confidence. Faith and confidence with hard work always matters, It will take you to any heights.

So, counsel yourself, and realize where you are good at and which fields tops your 'interest list'. If you were unable to achieve the top interest, then in worst case go for the next option.

Question 3 :

I needed some clarification on a type of questions that appears in CEED. When they ask to generate three concepts of a certain product and then draw the final sketch, what exactly does that mean? Do the "concepts" have to be a version of the final product incorporating different solutions to the problem? Then, does that mean the final sketch is a combination of all these concepts?

- Ramya Hegde

My Reply 

Hello Ramya,

Well, you should notice that the actual question is 'generate three DISTINCT concepts BASED ON FACTORS', right ? 

You should have noticed that they also ask us to state some factors (usually 5 factors). According to me, they expect us to generate three separate concepts that could directly relate to your ideas/factors. The above question straightly implies that the concepts should preferably be related to the factors. So,it's always advisable to plan for concepts that would cover all the factors (or at least three !)

If I were you, I would create two concepts - each holding two factors; and the third one supporting single factor, so that in my final concept, I would be delivering all the 5 factors mentioned. 

Hope this solves your doubt.

Question  4 :

Hi....i'm Ankita. i'm preparing for CEED 2015 can you help me out how can I concentrate and what to practice in part B.

- Ankita Singh

My Reply 

Hello Ankita,

For Part - B, you should work on the following topics :

1. Sketching
2. Analysis of given scenario - Observation skill
3. problem Identification
4. Creative concept/idea generation
5. Story framing and writing skills
6. Comic strips and more to mention.

Remember, these requires your involvement and exposure to similar questions and so you need to practice a lot - taking day to day activities. Solving previous year question papers would give you an overall idea on what is to be studied and how !

Regarding your question on "How to concentrate and practice for CEED". The following sections of this blog will help you (following the order !)

• Creativity
• Practice
• Answers
• Videos

Before going through the above sections, I would suggest you to go through this post for initial tips.

Question  5 : (NEW)

Do we need a coaching for CEED? is it must?

- Anonymous 

My Reply 

It depends, if you are a total beginner esp. in sketching, then there's no wrong in joining any coaching, but most of the times; most of the people don't prefer coaching, since everyone have some kind of design talent. In such case, the  things you need to do is

• Practice-practice
• Analyze and get accustomed to the pattern of exam
• Develop creative thinking ideas by way of regular exposure and practice
• Careful scheduling and planning to cover up all the topics of the exam etc

In other words, your level of practice is what helps u know whether coaching is absolutely required or not.

Well, do one thing

>> Try to solve previous paper, especially part - B

And get to know your own level and understand whether u can cover any of the faults within the time (3 months to exam), Single/first time attempt is not enough to realize the fact, find the faults in your design works, then make one or two more attempts with diff questions. it would give you an idea of your level and capabilities.

Hope this helps !

Question  6 : (NEW)

I am a current electronics engineering student, but very much interested in designing. I don't have any work experience as I am in third year right now. Can you please tell me during the final interview,do they give priority to those who has some work experience? also is any coaching required for CEED or NID as an engineering student ?

- Shruti Kamble

My Reply 

Work experience is not at all a matter in CEED exam, and you should note that there is no age limit for aspirants ! Those having good design skills will be given top preference than those having experience - but with less design skills. So, don't worry and just aim for cracking CEED or NID with good score.

Well, coaching is mostly not required for those having some idea on sketching and design. Little idea on these; would also allow one to develop them with self practice using proper resource, and if you are a total beginner, say you are to start sketching and design questions from scratch, then coaching might be required !

Do one thing, take one design question from any CEED previous paper, and try to attempt that full fledged, thinking that you are attempting the exam. After that, just compare your solution and the procedure you did with that of mine (that I updated in this blog). Understand your level and that will definitely help you take a decision - whether to choose any coaching or not. According to me it's not required !

Question  7 : (NEW)

I just want to clear CEED exam anyhow ! Unfortunately I couldn't find your website last year and I completely depended on other websites and groups. But it doesn't helped me clear CEED :(

I feel happy to come across your website. So, as a beginning, can you help with some steps or so called systematic approach of learning sketching from the scratch in order to clear CEED ? Please reply.

- Mukesh Kumar

My Reply 

Hi Mukesh,

Glad you came across my blog. I tried in every respect to make this blog more applicable to CEED and I focused on topics that are only useful to CEED and fortunately it's also catering the needs of other design exams. Well, I'm already working on a post that would give a detailed procedure or what you call a systematic approach to deal with sketching - but only to exam level. I'm not interested in going beyond that level. I will be sharing that very soon. But anyway, as you've asked; here are some quick steps that I've discussed in my earlier post - How to start practicing for CEED

It's always better to start with basic sketching work. Most of you start with object sketching giving utmost care to shading and detailing. According to me, jumping straightly to the concept of detailing is not a good idea.

Sketching work has the following stages:

1. Representation in the form of basic geometry figures like circles, squares, lines etc (this step can be skipped in most cases as many don't prefer this !)
2. Simple outline drawing; without any concern for details or shading
3. Completing all the parts of the drawing
4. Giving line details like - say detailed eyebrows, curves, projections etc
5. Finally - shading or detailing the entire sketch

As a beginner, you are suggested to concentrate mostly on the first four stages (mentioned above) following the given order. So, it's an intelligent way to start with simple basic sketching - what I call as 'line drawing' caring for the following factors :

• Shape of the figure
• Proportion of the sketch
• Line quality

Like I said, I'll share a detailed comprehensive guide on this subject very soon.

Question  8 : (NEW)

Hello Bhanu Sir, I must say your blog ,links,posts are really very informative and useful. Thank you for it.

I am B.Arch graduate (Bachelor in Architecture - graduate 2014, CGPA- 8.50) aspiring for product designing. I am good in sketching and know few softwares like Autocad, Google sketch up, Revit Architecture (Basics), Archicad ( Basics), Coral ( Basics ) Microsoft Office. 

I am interested to do product designing and go in for companies like Asian paints, Nilkamal, Bajaj appliances etc. Is my qualification and software knowledge sufficient to go for product designing?

So please guide how to proceed after CEED 2015.
Waiting for your response. Thank You.

- Shruti Merwade

My Reply

Being an Architecture student, going for Product design is not a bad idea and I can say all your software skills and degree are more than enough for your future course, although Archicad and Revit softwares might not be helpful for product design courses, the remaining will help you.

But why don't you just go for further studies on architecture ? it's a good one and have good requirements too. For product design - If you are little bit technical oriented then choose IISC else the rest IIT's will do great. Okay, just keep CEED as an alternative also, but do try appearing in CEED, with first preference to M.Arch.

Do a thing, just inquire from any of the M.Arch passed out's about the opportunities and work nature that one can get after M.Arch. And yes, definitely write GATE, if say you missed getting into M.Arch, then you have the chance of applying for M.Des with your gate score also ! I don't think M.Des is suited for research compared to other masters program.

Question  9 : (new)

I see many people post very very good art and sketch works in Facebook groups - CEED 2015, CEED help and so on. I'm getting feared. I don't have that much talent and I guess, I'm not fit for CEED exam. May be I should try any other art course or something. Bhanu, reading your blog posts have been supporting my confidence. So, could you help me how to deal with this ?

- Reshmi

My Reply

Hello Reshmi,

I've come across many students facing the same trouble. Last year, many people approached with almost the same question. Well, I already gave the explanation for that in my post - Afraid of CEED ? Big mistakes to avoid while preparing

Anyway, I'm repeating the same here, just go through it

Facebook is a place where every individual likes to get highlighted (I too do), so all the great artists will be competing with one another by posting their great artistic works. But the fact is this much skills is definitely not required for CEED exam. All you need to do is to showcase your mind blowing design process with reasonable level of sketching and that's it. A very good and mind blowing sketching is never expected and in fact you can't even do that in exam. CEED is time bound and you may not get sufficient time to do all those detailing and master works.

If you ask me : 'what if I cleared CEED any how and have the same avg level of sketching, but that doesn't affect my M.Des career ?' You may ask this, but let me tell you, you have two years time solely to develop your design ability and so I don't think it's a problem of any kind. Also note that, these generation designs are mostly carried in digital works, so never worry for that. For now (CEED exam) my basic skills are enough.

Don't you want to clear CEED ? just aim on how to crack it instead of how to deal with M.Des, M.Des is a later part. By the time you prepare your portfolio you would get very good idea on the design proceedings, I bet you !

So, just don't worry, let the masters showcase their works, you just focus on idea generations and of course basic sketching. Creative idea generation have more value than ordinary object sketching in CEED. Although

NID is a different case, I guess !

Question  10 : (NEW)

Hi sir,

I am an aeronautical engineer and I am very much interested in design. I am good in 3D modelling but when I see sketches in Facebook groups I fear because i am not very good in sketching and story writing. Is it necessary to be best sketcher to appear in CEED.

Next question which branch in design will be best product design,industrial design or any other

- Siva

My Reply

Hello Siva,

Good to hear that you are interested in Design :)
Well, I've already pointed your query by giving the explanation in many of my earlier blog posts, just to note it's importance.

It's ABSOLUTELY NOT NECESSARY to be a great/best sketcher and in fact, an average level of sketching is quite more than enough to crack CEED. Last year, I've come across many awesome artist/sketchers whom have really good talent in sketching, but honestly they failed in cracking CEED !

There are also situations/examples, where people whom are average (or below average !) in sketching cleared in CEED with very good scores. I'm the best example ! CEED is a test to estimate your design and creativity sense and sketching is the next part. So, hopefully the examiners would give higher weight-age to design idea, then only to sketching. If sketching work is that much important, then you should understand that instead of 50 marks design question in the exam, a 50 marks sketching questions should've appeared, but it never happened so. Only 15 marks sketching questions are appearing, don't you agree ?

Well, but anyway you should be able to communicate your design and your sketch work is required to be

• Simple
• Proportionate (with size factor) and so on.

Last year I spent; double my time to give good details to the 15 marks questions and it ended up giving very very less marks in the exam, and I gave rough sketch work for the 50 mark design question, and it gave me unexpected (more) marks. That itself proves this. So, please don't get misguided by others extraordinary work. I also recommend you to go through this post that will help you boost your confidence to at least 80% - Afraid of CEED | Big mistakes to avoid during CEED preparation

Once you complete reading this comment, I would appreciate you if you go through the above link and read it fully for your own benefit. Trust me, this post will help you solve all your doubts !

Regarding your next query, I recommend you to target for "Mobility and Vehicle design" instead of any other - product/industrial design. The reason why because you are basically a Aeronautical engineer and I hope you have very good exposure to CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), dynamics of airfoils etc. Am I right ? I guess I'm right. So, choose the design stream which is more or less related to your already exposed field - in your case, Mobility or automobile design !
You might be using your CFD techniques to design automobiles or any other vehicle for that matter.

And yes Siva,
You need to be somewhat good at Story writing. It's definitely required ! because story writing opens your creativity and whether it appears in CEED or not, I recommend you to develop your story writing capabilities. It's not difficult and in fact you got plenty of time. Just go through comic books like 'Tinkle', 'Chandamama' and similar books. You may also refer to online stories/comics/manga to improve your story framing talent.

Hope that helps !
Am I clear ? If not Please revert for sure. I would be happy to help :)

Question  11 :

Coloring of the drawing in CEED exam is it important ?

- Anonymous

My Reply 

As per me, It's not important. Even you don't get time for coloring. Main concern should be on appropriate sketching. It's better if you concentrate on simple pencil sketching with good proportions, texture and soon. 

For 50 marks design question, you should aim at great idea rather than great sketch; if both are combined, then it's well and good, if not just concentrate on great idea and give a simple but clear sketch of that. I hope that will do. During my attempt, I gave just rough sketches (3 sketches) - a very simple pencil sketch without even using eraser because of time factor, but I spent time for idea. That helped me get 20 for 50 that helped me clear CEED ! 

And yes, for User Interface design type of questions, you are advised to use colors - Learn here complete guide for User Interface Design

Hope this helps.

Question  12 :

Hi.. I would like to know is it late to prepare for CEED and NID ... and how many hours do I need to put everyday 

- Angkeetha Goswami

My Reply

Hi,

It's never late to start for preparation. Most of the aspirants start their preparation before two months and some (students and working people) start even before a month !

You have nearly four months duration, which is more than enough for better preparation. Regarding your query on 'How many hours', it depends completely on your level of 'design aptitude', I think on an average spending 2 to 3 hours a day will be fine.

You may check here on how to plan and proceed for preparation - Systematic way to start and practice for CEED exam

And all the best, just concentrate on your preparation - everything will turn up positive :)

Question  13 :

Any idea regarding Portfolio Creation ?. How to go about it and what should be their ?

- by Listen-To-Chane

My Reply

Hi friend,

Portfolio is like a resume, difference being - resume involves describing your skills and talent in written format, while portfolio showcase your skills pictorially (especially design and artistic skills) in the world of aesthetic design and arts. It's a way of communicating your creative works designed by you. Portfolio are the preferred formats for getting admissions as well as placements in design and art areas. 

You may include your hand works (pencil, sketching, coloring, oil paintings, creative paper works) as well as digital works as part of portfolio. As per my knowledge; one may represent their work in book, spiral bind or even in simple plain papers (A4, A3, A2 and more sizes). Its like your portfolio itself should be speaking about yourself without the need of you !

This is what I can give you about portfolio for now, hope this helped you and I will be giving a complete guide for Portfolio in the near future.

Question  14 :

Hello,

I am trying to get into M.Des for product design and User Interface design. Please throw some light. Should I go for it .Is it the best institute for my further study ? and please let me know about what the % placement there ??

- Anil Spa

My Reply

Hey Anil,

Good to hear that you are interested in M.Des, Yes Product Design is a good selection and you know User-interface design is an intelligent selection. Not all choose that stream and of course it does have good future. The only thing is you need to have passion, be it be any design stream. According to me placement follows immediately after M.Des especially if you complete M.Des in IIT's. I am not sure about %.

Question  15 :

Hi, 

Would you have any idea about which of these rank great for interaction and communication design? I couldn't achieve IDC IIT Bombay or NID. Are the others good ?

- Mitali Bhasin

My Reply

Hi Mitali,

Since you have already missed IDC and NID, You are left with three options :

1. Choosing most similar design streams like Industrial design or even Product design. Industrial design is more or less equivalent to IXD except for some minor difference. Even PD caters the needs of both IXD or ID. So, if you can compromise, then try to get these courses from any other IIT's, preferably IITD and IISC.
2. Waiting one more year to give one more try ! I would recommend this only if you are say working or if you are capable of sparing some more months. I had a reason to say this, remember being a designer means you need to have lots of passion towards that stream and without passion, there won't be good future. So, if you are particularly passionate about IXD and if you have time, better to watch for next exam.
3. Finally, Private institutes matters. I never recommended private institutes to anybody till now. I feel that getting graduation from IIT's or even NID have more value. In fact it would cost more in private institutes. If you can afford for the expenses and compromise being away from IIT, then you may definitely try for some colleges like MIT and even DJ institute. I don't have knowledge about the career prospects of these institutes. If found I will share here.

One more thing Bhasin, I used to say that design capabilities are obtained right from the childhood. It's definitely true, but it's also true that one can develop design skills in the middle. Even I started developing this recently. 

So, if you are confident, then you may go for Visual communications or any other design streams also. After all; all design streams are related to aesthetics/ergonomics ! So, choice is yours unwrap your diverse talent and choose alternatives. If you have missed IXD that's not an issue, check your interests in other streams also. You will have bright future.

Hope this help you answer your other question regarding VC also.

All the best :)

Question  16 :

Computer science student can apply for auto design ?

- Nishant 

My Reply

If you closely observe the course pattern of Auto design of any institute (say IIT B for instance), then you will find that their course structure range from simple basics to extended study - so that even a starter can work on it. I guess, there won't be any problem if you choose auto design or something provided you really have interest on that !

Question  17 :

Hi Bhanu,

I want to know the difference between M.Des and Post Graduate Diploma Program . are they both equivalent ?? can a PGDP student opt for PhD futher ????

- Darshan Gowda

My Reply

Hi Darshan,

Hmm, How can I put ? I think the difference is more or less like B.Tech and B.E ! If you are an engineering student, then you should've understood by now. Both B.Tech and B.E are same but just with the degree. Similarly, I hope both PGDPD and M.Des are more or less same, anyway both are Post graduate program's ! 

Design PG from IIT's and some other institutes were named as M.Des while NID termed the PG program as 'PGDPD' and YES those having PG diploma in Design can further opt for Ph.D in IIT's also.

Hope you got the answers :)

Question  18 :

What exactly the stream Architectural and Spatial Design include.

- Shashidar

My Reply

Shashidar,

Let me explain you in two stages. I will tell you the functionality of individual streams Architecture - is all about the design and construction of buildings or any other structural members. It also deals with the planning for design and construction. An architectural engineer plans and design the style of structures in a planned manner. 

Spatial Design - It is the design for space between the interior and exterior parts of the designed structure. In other words it holds the functionality of Interior design, general architectural design as well as landscape design

Now, club the two to get your answer. 'Architectural and spatial design' relates to designing and engineering a structure considering the interior and exterior space as well. I hope you understood this.

One more thing, being an architecture or any other civil designer (for works like spatial and interior design etc) you can be a practitioner, in other words you can stand on your own heels ! Most architectural designers does this. But as a Industrial designer, you will have less chance of opening your own practition. Remember, only those whom have very good architectural abilities would turn up as a successful practitioner !!!

I forgot to mention a thing,

To get more idea about this and to check whether you have interests in the above streams or not, just search for some examples or samples or projects in Google or in Google images. Go through some examples/projects and understand what actually the designer do as a Architecture. Do the same thing for Industrial design too and you will clearly get to know about your own interest !

Question  19 :

Kindly tell me which among these two is high paid, as well as high job opportunities. 

1. Industrial Design

2. Architectural and Spatial Design

- Shashidar

My Reply

Hi Shashidar,

Unfortunately I don't know much about job and pay prospects of the two fields. But, since both the streams seems unrelated, I strongly suggest you to look for your passionate stream, rather than just depending on pay or job prospects. Both are having good scope. Choose the one; which you are good at, the one which keeps you satisfied and encourages you to work more ! Because without passion or interest, getting into even a highly-paid job is useless, you will only end-up with frustration. I prefer Architectural and Spatial Design stream, as I'm much interested in that than ID. It's your turn now !

Question  20 : (NEW)

Hello sir..

I am interested in animation design..

I have some doubts regarding these..

• I have done my engineering in electronics stream,this year. Is It OK with electronics?
• How was the carrer opportunities in animation design?
• Is animation design is same as multimedia.I mean rendering the designs in 3D-MAX,..like that?

- Prem Chandu

My Reply

Yes, you are welcome to take animation, it doesn't depend on what you did in engineering (at least to some extent). during CEED, you need to disclose certificate from principle, the format being given by CEED authorities. I hope, multimedia and animation are little different, although I don't have full idea, but animation do vary.  

Question  21 : (Latest)

Hi Bhanu,

Now I'm working in private company as Design Engineer.I am in confusion whether move on my job or Higher degree.

- Aravind Gith

I've answered the same question recently, reply is simple

'If you're being paid good in design domain and your growth is reasonable in your company, and if u find that u can switch to diff company also without much struggle, then continue with ur present work. Experience teach us better than studies, at least to some extent. So, think before leaving.'

'If the case is like you want to switch to new design field, n ur job is providing satisfaction to u both in terms of work and salary and if u find less scope for the work being done, then yes, u can think of doing higher studies.'

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User Interface Design fundamental principles & guidelines

you are here Resources >> User interface design

User Interface Design (UID) is the design of any interface systems that focus on interaction between human and machine/system. This design can be related to 'Interaction design' IXD in one way. 

User Interface designs could be related to :

• Websites, blogs
• Computers
• Mobile devices
• Software's
• Machines like ATM, Voice recognizer, scanners
• Appliances and more

Anything that humans interact with the systems are more or less related to UI Designs. UID are gaining importance in the current generation. Man is always struggling to design systems that would demand less interface or involvement of human. The latest technologies and interface systems supports our discussion - technologies like motion control, gesture control devices (see example - Leap motion control)  are emerging; that would even eliminate 50% of the current human effort. So, they are one promising design field to concentrate. 

So, that's why I took time to write this article giving much details from my own point of view as well as by considering reviews from around the web. Those who design apps, blogs, websites etc are considered directly as UI designers ! 

"In the beginning of this section, I have given the basic fundamentals and general rules that are involved in any UID. Later I included User Interface Design principles for mobile platform - as it's the most emerging trend and of course much improvements are still expected/needed in the mobile platform. At the end, I've given some good number of thumb rules (UID principles) from exam point of view - that might work very well for your CEED exam."

The following are some of the fundamental principles or rules in designing UI systems

1. Know the user needs/goals

The important part of designing an interface system is to identify the goal of the system. Goal in the sense

• what is required/needed
• what is to be delivered
• whom are the users, their demography
• what is to included
• Time bound or any limits/constraints within which the system is supposed to perform the task

The designer should be keen to the above factors and work on it to make it deliver - what it is meant to.

2. Keep everything simple and neat

Simplicity is the foremost thumb rule in any UI design. Optimize the usage and design such that 'It can do most with the least interference'. Users look for their expectation and the UID should help them get it done with minimal effort of user. Any UI designs that would end up making users rework or redo the same things/process; thus causing additional effort by the user - are the worst criteria. Categorize and group up things appropriately. Give adequate space between feature to feature, don't join all elements/features in a line or in a way not recognizable; something like that shown below.

(Inappropriate way)

3. Easy user navigation

Navigation within the same screen as well as between the screens to screens are the most bothering thing in UID. Designers are working their best; continuously to improvise the current navigation system such that it's even more easy to use, understandable and aesthetically pleasing. Optimize the sequence as well as steps. Try to reduce/optimize the number of steps involved in completing any task by the user.The navigation system should definitely be easy to identify, without the need for searching where to go to reach a particular step. Also the same kind of navigation system is appreciated throughout the unique design process. Else, it would create confusion and hence waste user time as well as interest !

Also single click navigation is more appropriate than double clicking feature. Right clicking feature in UI designs are not appreciable (in case of desktop UI mode referred to as stationary). 

All the navigation's should preferably be within the same screen (webpage tab - without the need of going to a new page tab) except for the external links (links not related to that webpage or app). The design should let the user easily understand where they are (which step) and how to navigate to any other step (at least to prev and next steps as well as to home or main page) at any point of time (any step or screen). 

Don't make the users jump here and there, navigation should be in an order, step by step or smoother way. Say for example, if you put an option to select in the top - whenever someone clicks it and when you put the next select option at the bottom or somewhere else, it would create confusion. Avoid such kind, make it easy to read, visualize and even understand.

4. Don't over stuff with details

Include only the information users needed and avoid flooding the screen with unnecessary additions. Say for example in login page interface, including some simple and basic steps/boxes like - login, password, forgot password, home and other related features seems more appropriate than including something like 

"we offer you with ......", 

"welcome to our page, xyz is good at ........". 

These information's have already been known to user and there's no need to include or repeat the same in this step. Also, the login page is supposed to function like 'login page' only and not do any other unnecessary functions or advice !

5. Make it familiar

Familiarity in the sense, the type of interface being known to the user, but put in some unique or interesting way. When the user knows about the procedure or when he is able to guess what comes next - after doing what, then he would be spending much less time searching for the functions or understanding each elements. So, design your interface very familiar; if possible universal - but represent them in some unique or eye catching way to give more appealing feeling to the user.

6. Screen layout and relationships 

The layout should be simple with good amount of categories, sub groups and with simple details because it contributes/influence the aesthetic appeal as well as have tremendous effect on the usability of the design. Group things on the screen effectively. Alignment and positioning of blocks, controls, text, typography, white space, consistency of elements and simplicity in design are all some important factors in contributing to simple interface layouts. 

The following picture shows the recommended alignment feature.

7. Readability 

Most importantly, the design need not include heavy changes in font size, font type and also in color. A simple and plain font format is the most recommended one. Such font types are appealing and in fact easy to identify. It's best to stick with simple sans serif or serif fonts where possible (for original UI designs). Script and other decorative fonts generally look better in print than on screen, and can be difficult to read at smaller point sizes.

8. Font sizes matters too

Bloggers as well as website designers choose large sized fonts (compared to the main content) to show article title's, headings, sub headings, menu's etc - just to make it eye catching. Because obviously, it's the larger font that drags the readers/users attention at first sight. So, be wise in choosing the correct font size (large, medium, small) to different functions of your UI design.

9. Symbols confuse

Other than using pre-defined symbols (symbols that are universal and are well known and recognizable), using some other symbols would confuse the user in knowing what it's up to - I mean; as to what action it actually does when we go through it. So, it's not recommended to use any newly designed favicons/symbols for any action or buttons (particularly in such cases where we expect new visitors instead of frequent or same users). 

Else you will have to educate them or make them learn  for proper navigation or communication. Visuals are great but not always. Everyone won't perceive a visual in the same manner ! It depends on the user and so be careful while choosing any visual or symbol ! The below picture shows a common icon that has been used in many websites or blogs. But just imaging what would the user think whenever he/she sees the icon. What action does it relate to ? difficult to find right ?

Use the same color to each set/group of functionality, for easy understanding. Say for example use grey color to all the buttons, light brown to all the menu tabs, white blank space on locations where the user were supposed to enter details and so on. Also use unique colors (not similar to other function colors) for text or typography links - that when clicked would take the user to the concerned page. Bold lines, bold borders, bold fonts are also some ways of giving special attraction to some important parts of the design. Don't include the same color for both interactive and non-interactive features. 

10. Visuals are powerful but to a limit !

If possible, you may use images. Pictures/images do a great job. But be careful - the use of pictures as well as icons may also add visual interest to your application, but again, careful design is essential. Images can convey information more effectively without the need for text, but images are often perceived differently by different people !

11. Transfer-ability 

Try to design your interface such that same kind of procedure or steps applies to to all components of the design. Say if you use check box type of functionality for selecting an option, then better to follow the same functionality for other options of your design too - instead of making something new like drop down menu etc.

Anyway; the most important principle of interface design is 'simplicity'. A little forethought could help you create an interface that looks simple to use. Also, from an aesthetic standpoint, a clean, simple design is always preferable.

12. Include status of user action and acknowledge 

For the action of the user, say for the case of online movie booking example, something like - 

"Thank you for booking your ticket, your ticket has been confirmed.  

Details of booking

Name :

Cost :

Class : balcony

show : xyz

date : 

time :

A mail has been sent to your mail ID and a sms will be sent to your number soon. Happy watching !"

Something like this (and a feedback form) will do a great job for users. This kind of warm interface applies only when working in stationary UID (desktop mode), and if it's mobile type, then reduce the details and keep all acknowledgments short and brief.

13. Sequencing - sliding visuals

Sequenced sliding visual pictures that would probably give a brief overview of all the categories of the website or any other UI for that matter; have been gaining popularity these days and of course they are much appealing to users.

14. Tolerable interface ?

Design an interface such that it can also cope the mistakes of the users without showing error. Most of the users does mistake while navigating or entering or doing something with the interface and your design should be in a position to tolerate them and guide them smoothly.

In case of UI designs where some purchasing or contributions or social works and something like these are expected, then don't forget to include some/all of these functionality in the design

1. Signin, signout for registered accounts or 'use as guest' option
2. For the case of purchase option include options like 'Email ID', 'Contact no./mobile', 'Address' (only for some cases) and Location etc. to make it more practical application.
3. Always provide the 'change/edit' option in your interface designs - especially when the user is supposed to enter some details to get some information, get something done from it

Mobile UI Interface Principles

For designing mobile UI's, or an app for mobile devices and tabs, make it as simple as possible with very few details on every interface page. Remember, there's a lot of difference between a desktop interface (called stationary) and mobile interface. All the features of the desktop system couldn't be (and preferably shouldn't be) included in mobile app format. 

The following are some of the best principles that I noted in case of mobile interface designs

1. Avoid inclusion of web page name or app name except in the main home page ! avoid including heavy logo's or heavy designs (see picture below) throughout the screen's
2. Avoid writing lengthy explanations like "welcome to the app, this app will help you ........" or something like this; like we do in normal stationary (desktop) mode. Desktop designs are alpha-numeric while mobile UI designs should preferably have pictures or tag buttons. Screen size is the big factor and of course it is the big challenge in UI designs of mobile's. You are supposed to accommodate all the details of the desktop mode in that small screen, so be creative and think alternatively in reducing the unnecessary explanations or some kind of wordings like - welcome, thanks givings etc.
3. A mobile UI or any app for that matter should be sharp, brief with very very less details but should cater the same functionality as that done by a regular website mode.
4. Optimize the number of steps or sequence
5. If working on mobile UI, then preferably make some predefined interface system such that the user need not want to type or enter much details. Mobile users really feel inconvenient in typing lengthy details in their phones. So, design a system such that some predefined or select-able option types are included - like say check boxes, buttons, tabs etc. If say you were to transfer money from any mobile app, then how about having a drop-down menu that enables selection of different denominations ranging from thousands to hundreds (already predefined) along with alternative choice of entering manually too ?. Some ideas like this (where there is little user requirement of hand-typing) are mostly recommended. 
6. As far as possible avoid scrolling feature in mobile mode. Keep everything and every detail - in the same screen without the need to scroll to see.

[The following pictures are examples of a mobile app compared to website app with screen shots]

Desktop interface of Axis bank 

Mobile interface of Axis bank 

What to include in UI Designs ?

The following list would give you an idea on what can be included in your actual UI designs

• Categories, sub headings and menu bars 
• Tab bars, buttons, dropdown menu
• List boxes, text boxes and checkboxes
• List view and tree view, 
• Tags, search bar, scroll down bar, 
• Contact page and help page
• Icons, notifications, messages etc.
• Also for selection type of UI's, include options like 'cancel', 'next', 'back', 'home', 'change selection' and other multiple selection features.
• For account type UI's, include options like 'change pass', 'forget pass', 'login', 'logout', 'profile edit' etc.

Now, we have seen the comprehensive principles of User Interface design or so called Interaction design. We will now conclude this section with design thumb rules from CEED exam point of view

Some of my own UI Design rules - for exam point pf view

1. Simple-simple-simple : keep the design as simple (yet powerful) as possible
2. The first step/screen to be shown in your design is your Home page or main page. Don't jump - showing the direct step where the function is to be started. All UI design should preferably start on a page (main page) where the user lands when he types or clicks the website or any other UI for that matter. Your navigation process should tell on how one can reach the targeted function starting from the first step itself and it should preferably the main landing page.
3. As far as possible, avoid separate sections for user registration or even sign-in's. You would be getting less time and you may be required to complete the UI design in very less screen shots. So, unless they require more than 10 slides, avoid this feature. If they demand something like say 20 slides, then in that situations, this kind of process/feature helps you utilize all 20 screens ! 
4. I never recommended coloring for any of the design sketches in my earlier posts or videos. But honestly speaking; for attempting UID kind of questions, coloring is one important phenomena that you may consider. Take it for granted; visuals (esp. unique colored boxes, details, pictures, links and so on) are more appealing & eye catching; and obviously they are easy way of making user-friendly interface. So, go for it and do include your design's with colored details. I guess, they work remarkably fine !
5. Avoid including 'scrolling feature' both horizontal and vertical scrolling (i.e user scroll down to watch the next detail in the same page) in your paper-made UI designs; both for stationary and mobile mode. It's not recommended from my side, since it doesn't give the complete details in the same page as well as it forces you to use two screens to deliver the total content of that particular page !
6. Voice control features (another mode of interface) are very good in real life UI designs, but for the exams - it's never recommended. What they expect is visual mode of interface and not other modes. So, just avoid this feature if ever some similar kind of ideas strike your mind. 
7. Avoid three dimension (3D) kind of features, make it 2D and keep it as simple as possible
8. As far as possible avoid pop-up menus
9. Concern for the alignment of the features as mentioned above with the picture
10. Avoid investing much time on website logo designs and shadings. Do these; only after you complete sketching all the screens and that too, only if time permits ! Remember - representing all your screens are more important than showing less screens (with good details) but being incomplete in design process ! 
11. Design interfaces - such that even a lay man can easily navigate through the interface system
12. Don't messup UI screens with loads of data, text, pictures and any other thing. 
13. Leave some negative space. Negative space makes important content and functionality more noticeable as well as helps in easy understanding. Include only the information users needed and avoiding stuffing unnecessary additions. 
14. Don't forget to give outline (box type) to most of the functions or select options. Else the user might not know where to enter and what to select.
15. Avoid including advertisements while concentrating on UI designs for exam.

If you are much interested regarding this subject (UI design) and wants to learn about UI designs beyond what I have explained above, then you may refer to the following referral links (some of them are downloadable) catering both stationary as well as mobile UID with relevant guides.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principles_of_user_interface_design
• http://web.cs.wpi.edu/~matt/courses/cs563/talks/smartin/int_design.html
• http://www.ambysoft.com/essays/userInterfaceDesign.html
• http://www2.fiit.stuba.sk/~bielik/courses/psi-slov/material/ui-design.pdf
• http://www.itu.dk/people/slauesen/UID/UIDpre.pdf
• http://theomandel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Mandel-GoldenRules.pdf
• http://ifs.host.cs.st-andrews.ac.uk/Books/SE7/Presentations/PDF/ch16.pdf
• http://www.iaeng.org/publication/WCECS2009/WCECS2009_pp236-241.pdf
• http://www.usabilityresources.net/User%20Interface%20Design%20for%20Mobile%20Devices.pdf
• https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/MobileHIG.pdf

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Creative ideas for CEED Part - B

Creativity and idea generation are an important part of CEED exam. You might have seen me mention many times (in this blog) that - "sketching is just a way of communicating your ideas what actually matters is the design concept". If you don't have any idea/concept, then all your sketching talent is waste (at least in the design part of CEED exam). So, you are required to create as many alternate ideas as possible. Well, idea flashing happens sometimes, but many times it's the requirement that drives to new creative thoughts.

"Necessity is the mother of creativity"

The more you feel the need, the better ideas you will get, also restricting the resources lead to best ideas. You know what - villagers are more creative than any of the city people ! The fact is we have many resource for every small thing, but villagers need to live with limited resources (even for big things), that's why they develop ideas with what they have - indirectly being creative ! 

Going through others ideas is also a great way of developing and exposing to many new ideas. Keeping this concept in mind, I have collected good number of useful creative ideas from around the web for your reference. Go through them and observe how they created different concepts.

Multiple uses of Plastic bottles

Idea and image attributes : so creative things blog

Idea and image attributes : so creative things blog

Idea and image attributes : so creative things blog

Idea and image attributes : dump a day blog

Idea and image attributes : creative mommy blog

Idea and image attributes : diyncrafts blog

Idea and image attributes : yiddle blog

Some more Creative ideas

Idea and image attributes : diyncrafts blog

Idea and image attributes : dump a day blog

Idea and image attributes : paperblog

Idea and image attributes : topdreamer blog

Idea and image attributes : iheartnaptime blog

Idea and image attributes : home2me blog

Idea and image attributes : dump a day blog

Idea and image attributes : pik a daily charm blog

Idea and image attributes : dump a day blog

                   

Idea and image attributes : weibo blog

Reference and further ideas

• http://bestoutofwaste.org/best-out-of-waste-using-plastic-bottles/
• http://www.dumpaday.com/genius-ideas-2/fun-diy-craft-ideas-43-pics/
• www.socreativethings.com
• www.diyncrafts.com
• www.onecreativemommy.com
• www.iheartnaptime.net
• paperblog.com

Also see

Forum on dESIGN discussions and creative ideas !

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