NPCI Framework in UI/UX Design

The NPCI framework is one of the most basic and fundamental design frameworks, also known as the “Four Focal Points of Design”. It is basically not an actual framework but a way of viewing and designing screens with the most optimal balance of VIMM(Visual, Intellect, Memory, and Motor) ability.

In this article, we’ll be learning about the NPCI framework or the four focal points of design. So let’s dive straight into the article.

What is NPCI in UI/UX?

NPCI stands for Navigation, Presentation, Content, and Interaction. They are called the four focal points of design because they are designed to maintain optimal balance with the human abilities of scanning, deciding, and acting upon something. All 4 blocks are not interdependent but all 4 always go hand in hand to design screens. A user would always experience the 4 blocks at once while looking at the screen. As a designer, it is very important to know about the following:

• What abilities are involved to view, think, and act upon something
• How to align these 4 design building blocks with human abilities.

Navigation Presentation, Content, and Interaction provide an organizing scheme to make users assess the screen, think and act upon it easily. To understand how the 4 building block fits together to give the best experience here is a quick technique:

Out of Navigation, Presentation, Content, and Interaction – Input and output are provided and produced by Presentation and interaction. I.e. whatever is presented to the user is an input to which they give an output through interacting with the screen.
The actual processing of the information happens based on the navigation and content present on the screen.
Navigation lets users move to explore and reach their desired goal, whereas content is something that lets them process the information and think about an action to be taken.

This is how all 4 building blocks work together to give the best experience, when all 4 are designed keeping in mind the user, what they want, and where they lag, the overall application would meet their expectations.

1. Navigation

The first focal point, primarily focuses on “Can users find it?”. To make a system easy for users to use as a designer you have to focus on Navigation. Clear navigation lets a user interact and go through a system without getting lost.  Letting users move back and forth without confusing them, would reduce the chances of drop-offs.

Focus on the following questions when you’re designing an easy navigation system:

• Would a user be able to find the navigation?
• How would a user be able to move ahead or back?
• What is the primary navigation?
• How easily are users able to reach their goals?
• What is the end state?

To design navigation keep in mind that the user doesn’t feel lost while navigating through the app. 

It is observed that around 80% of usability issues arise due to poorly designed navigation. As users are not able to figure out how to get out of the system, how to move back, and where they are currently.

2. Presentation

Presentation is the second focal point, which primarily focuses on “Is the layout/information easy to comprehend?”. Presentation is all about how we place and layout the content which could include text, videos, and images. The most common issue with presentation is the cognitive load on the memory user feels because they are not able to interpret what’s there on the screen. 

As a designer, it is a key aspect to focus on how to reduce the cognitive load for users giving them a visually pleasing experience through the presentation.

Focus on the following questions when you’re designing an easy-to-interpret system:

• Is the layout clear and easy to interpret?
• Are the color, text, and images used going well with the layout?
• Does the use of text and graphics strengthen design?
• Would users be able to understand the purpose of the screen?

Try to keep things minimal whenever and wherever needed. Giving more text would slow down users as they have to read and process the information, as well as avoid using too many graphics that would also feel irrelevant.
Highlight only those elements wherever the focus is needed, else it would not solve the purpose of highlighting the important information. 

3. Content

Content is the third focal point, which primarily focuses on “Does the content match what the user expects”. Content includes text majorly, so the focus is on what should be written such that the user doesn’t have to spend a lot of time to scan and process it and they can quickly and smoothly move around.

Designers have to make an optimal place for content but the best person responsible for writing the content is no one but the UX Writer or Content writer. Companies have dedicated content and UX writers nowadays.
As a designer, your job is to closely collaborate with content/UX writers., explain to them the brief of the project and the problem you’re trying to solve. A good content writer would surely help you figure out the easiest way to place the minimal content on a screen that would be sufficient for the user to scan, process and take action.

4. Interaction

Marking the final step of the focal points with interaction, which primarily focuses on “How easy it is for the user to act on it”. Interaction is all about the output given by the user after acting upon something, i.e. tapping on a cta what they got, or where they landed. The user wants to know where the action would take him, the curiosity makes the game go for all the applications.
As a designer, we need to figure out how easy we can make it for the user to reach their desired goal. With all the other focal points, whatever is presented and processed now users have to act upon. So the key components required for a user to act upon are:

• Cognition – Scanning and processing of the content
• Motor Response – Have to apply the motor ability to move the hand, speak, etc
• Action – The final interaction is made by tapping, selecting, or clicking on the screen.

Based on the action there would be some outcome which is expected by the user.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigation, presentation, interaction, and content are vital elements in UX design that significantly impact the overall user experience. Designing intuitive and user-friendly navigation systems helps users find their way and interact with digital products seamlessly. Effective presentation of content enhances usability and engagement by delivering information in a visually appealing and digestible manner. Interaction design focuses on providing responsive and interactive elements that facilitate smooth user interactions. Thoughtfully crafting and structuring content ensures users can easily access and consume information. By considering accessibility, conducting user testing, and optimizing performance, designers can create compelling and effective UX designs. These elements work together to guide users, capture their attention, and deliver a positive user experience. Striving for excellence in navigation, presentation, interaction, and content leads to enhanced usability, user satisfaction, and overall success in UX design.

FAQs on NCPI Framework

1. How can I design a navigation system that is easy for users to understand and navigate?

To design a user-friendly navigation system, prioritize simplicity and clarity. Use clear labels, logical organization, and intuitive icons. Test and iterate your design to ensure ease of understanding and navigation for users and you will be able to design an easy navigation system.

2. Are there any accessibility considerations to keep in mind when designing navigation, presentation, and interaction elements?

When designing navigation, presentation, and interaction elements, it is important to consider accessibility. Ensure keyboard accessibility, provide sufficient color contrast, and include descriptive alternative text for non-text content to make the user experience inclusive for people with disabilities and now your UX is cool.

3. What are some effective techniques for designing intuitive and seamless user interactions within a digital product or service?

To design an intuitive and seamless UI, prioritize user-centered design, simplify complexity, and maintain a clear visual hierarchy while minimizing cognitive load. Regular usability testing and continuous improvement based on user feedback are also essential for refining the design over time.

For more details you can visit: UI Design Process: Everything You Need to Know