A Guide to Button Types and Usage in UI/UX Design || White Devils King 👑

Guide to Button Types and Usage in UI/UX Design

Buttons are critical elements in UI/UX design. They guide users toward desired actions and help create an intuitive user experience. Below, we’ll explore the types of buttons, how to select the right button for a specific scenario, and best practices for their use.

Types of Buttons

Buttons can be categorized based on their functionality, visual hierarchy, and interaction. Here are the most common button types:

1. Primary Buttons

• Purpose: Represent the main action on a page or in a component.
• Characteristics:
  • Visually prominent with bold colors.
  • Limited to one primary button per container or screen.
  • High contrast for better accessibility.
• Examples: "Submit", "Sign Up", "Buy Now"

2. Secondary Buttons

• Purpose: Support actions that are less critical but still important.
• Characteristics:
  • Less visually dominant than primary buttons.
  • Often outlined or use muted background colors.
• Examples: "Cancel", "Edit", "Back"

3. Tertiary Buttons

• Purpose: Represent optional, less important actions.
• Characteristics:
  • Minimal styling, often just text or a subtle underline.
  • Blend into the UI to avoid drawing too much attention.
• Examples: "Learn More", "See Details", "Contact Support"

How to Select the Right Button

Choosing the correct button depends on the context and user goals. Follow these guidelines:

• Primary Buttons: Use for the main action (e.g., "Submit Order").
• Secondary Buttons: Use for secondary actions (e.g., "Cancel Order").
• Tertiary Buttons: Use for optional or less important actions (e.g., "Learn More").

How to Use Buttons Effectively

To design effective buttons, consider the following best practices:

• Visual Hierarchy: Design buttons to reflect their importance.
• Alignment and Placement: Align buttons logically (e.g., primary on the right, secondary on the left).
• Feedback and States: Include hover, active, focus, and disabled states for buttons.
• Grouping: Group related buttons together.

Examples of Button Usage

Here are examples of button usage in different scenarios:

Form Example

• Primary Button: "Submit" – Represents the main action.
• Secondary Button: "Cancel" – Allows users to back out of the form.
• Tertiary Button: "Learn More" – Provides additional information about the form.