, known for the company’s technological advancements such as the inception of the T Layout and the incorporation of AI algorithms in their app, conducted an experiment to compare the efficiency of using swipe gestures against traditional navigation controls In today’s design landscape for web applications, the quest to optimize user experience on mobile devices has led to progressive solutions that challenge conventional navigation paradigms. One such, the T Layout, has recently started gaining traction due to its potential in enhancing mobile UX notably. This article describes the T Layout’s design concept, its implementation, the experiment conducted recently by E fashion marketplace, and the knowledge gained concerning the T Layout’s impact on user experience.
Understanding the T Layout
The is a design concept in web application development, aiming to improve the user experience on mobile devices through a horizontally scrollable container divided into three distinct sections. This layout is designed to optimize space usage and create an effortless browsing experience, offering a compelling alternative to the conventional navigation structure in mobile devices. The central section is visible by default upon page load. It hosts the main content, having 2 “helper”, sections on its sides (one on each side), and minimizes the need for extensive user movements to reach navigation controls typically located at the top of the screen.
Developed by E with the mobile user in mind, the T Layout introduces horizontal scrolling as a complementary method to traditional pop-up-based navigation, enabling easier access to essential content such as e-commerce screens, user account information, and main navigation elements. This approach is inspired by the interfaces of well-tested native mobile apps such as Instagram and is aimed at enhancing the mobile UX by requiring minimal user effort.
About E
E is a fashion marketplace founded in Athens. Originally started as a denim brand, the company decided to create a platform where “small”, early-stage brands and designers, could be discovered by the global audience. E is renowned for preserving an exclusive collection of fashion items one can find in the app. The company’s mission is to connect talented designers lacking the funds, with forward-thinking consumers, and their vision is to develop more sustainable production cycles through the utilization of technology.
Website: e-streetwear.com
Instagram: @estreetwear
The T Layout Experiment by E
The involved 379 participants and aimed to measure the time and distance (user effort) required to access navigational elements through tapping on fixed-positioned controls compared to swiping anywhere on the screen.
The findings were compelling
- Swiping to access navigation elements was significantly faster than tapping icons, with swipe gestures requiring 239% to 326% less time.
- The distance covered by the thumb was drastically reduced when swiping, showing a 671% to 747% decrease in effort compared to tapping icons.
These results underscore the T Layout’s effectiveness in reducing the time and physical effort needed to navigate mobile web applications, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.
Image taken from E’s official T Layout Experiment Page, showcasing the findings of the experiment at the time of publishing
Methodology and Insights
The experiment’s methodology was designed to evaluate the ease of access to essential interfaces within a web application. By comparing traditional layout gestures (e.g., icon tapping) with the additional options offered by the T Layout, the study aimed to examine the user experience, mainly for those who prefer thumb-based navigation on mobile applications, which are the vast majority of mobile app users according to the .
Measurements were taken from the lower third of the screen, considering it the natural resting position of the thumb. The study recorded the time taken and the distance (effort) between two “interaction points”, using the Pythagorean theorem to express the Euclidean distance (straight-line distance) required in pixels. This rigorous approach ensured the accuracy of the results, establishing that the T Layout considerably improves the mobile experience of a user.
Implications for Web Application Design
The T Layout experiment’s findings have significant implications for web application design, particularly for mobile platforms. By demonstrating the efficiency of swipe gestures over traditional tapping, the T Layout presents a compelling case for rethinking mobile web navigation. This approach not only enhances usability but also aligns with the preferences of the vast majority of mobile users who favor one-handed, thumb-based navigation.
For online entrepreneurs and tech professionals, the T Layout offers a blueprint for creating more ergonomic and user-friendly mobile web applications. Its implementation can lead to improved user engagement, lower bounce rates, and ultimately, higher conversion rates. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, embracing innovative design concepts like the T Layout will be crucial for staying competitive and meeting the ever-changing expectations of mobile users.
Conclusion
The T Layout represents a significant step forward in mobile web application design, offering a user-centric approach that prioritizes ease of navigation and efficient space utilization. The experiment conducted by E provides concrete evidence of the layout’s effectiveness in enhancing UX, making a strong case for its adoption in future web design projects. As the tech industry continues to explore new ways to improve mobile UX, the T Layout stands out as a promising solution that could redefine the standards of web application design.
Professionals in the tech industry and online entrepreneurs should consider the potential to improve user experience and engagement on mobile platforms, and its benefits in SEO and increased Conversion Rates. By adopting this innovative design concept, developers can create more intuitive and accessible web applications that cater to the needs of modern mobile users.