Incredible as it may seem, designing and setting buttons in a design system or in general in a digital product is not as simple as it might seem. And yet it is “just” the 🤔 button. Many design teams still make mistakes.

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Why are buttons a key and complex component of systems design?

Buttons are one of the most important and at the same time the most complex components in any system design. Setting them correctly in Figma and then implementing them in code is key to ensuring consistency, accessibility and efficiency. Let's take a look at why it's important to set button attributes correctly and what impact they can have on the complete design and user experience.

The importance of correctly set buttons

1. Consistency and reliability:
- Consistency: Users expect buttons to look and behave the same way on different pages or in different parts of the app. Consistent design reduces cognitive load and allows users to navigate faster.
- Reliability: When buttons respond correctly to various actions (clicks, mouse hover, deactivation), users feel that they are in control of the application. This increases their confidence in the system.

2. Accessibility:
- Visibility: Properly adjusted colors and contrasts ensure that the buttons are easily visible even for visually impaired users.
- Navigation: Well-defined button states, including focus state, allow users to navigate using the keyboard, which is key for users with motor limitations.

3. Efficiency and Productivity:
- Fast implementation: When buttons are properly configured as components in Figma and code, designers and developers can easily and quickly modify styles or functions without having to change each individual button separately.
- Error Reduction: Centrally managed button styles and behavior reduce the risk of errors and inconsistencies throughout the system.

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Impact of incorrectly used buttons

1. Inconsistencies:
- Visual chaos: If the buttons do not have a uniform design, users can be confused and unsure where and how to click.
- Inconsistent behavior: Incorrectly set button states can cause buttons not to respond as expected, leading to user frustration.

2. Inaccessibility:
- Low contrast: Buttons with insufficient contrast can be difficult to see, especially for users with visual impairments.
- Insufficient focus states: Buttons that are not properly set for keyboard navigation may be unusable for users who cannot use the mouse.

Examples of button states and their importance

1. Normal condition: The default appearance of the button. This state should be clearly visible and easily recognizable as an interactive element.

2. Hover Status: The button changes its appearance when the user hovers the mouse over it. This visual effect confirms that the element is interactive.

3. Active status: Appearance of the button when clicked. It provides instant feedback that the action has been recorded.

4. Deactivated status: The button is inactive and does not respond to clicks. This state should be visually distinguishable (usually more muted colors) and show that the action is not available.

5. Focus state: The button is focused using the keyboard (e.g., using the Tab key). This condition is key for accessibility and should be clearly visible (e.g. by contour or color change).

Conclusion

Properly set buttons are essential for creating an intuitive and efficient user interface. They ensure consistency, accessibility and enable faster and more efficient work of designers and developers. Conversely, poorly set buttons can lead to user frustration, inconsistency in design, and increased risk of errors. Therefore, it is important pay sufficient attention to the design and implementation of buttons.

We will be happy to train your team!

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