Guide: Interstitial UI UX

“Interstitial” refers to a type of user interface or user experience (UI/UX) design pattern that displays a full-screen message or advertisement between two content pages or screens.

When a user navigates from one page to another in an app or website, an interstitial element may appear to show them a message, advertisement, or other content before they can proceed to their desired destination.

They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as displaying a promotional message, informing users about updates or changes, or asking for user input. They can also be perceived as intrusive or annoying if not used carefully.

When designing interstitial, it’s important to consider the frequency and timing of their appearance, as well as their relevance to the user’s goals and interests. It’s also important to ensure that they don’t disrupt the user’s flow or experience, and that they provide clear options for dismissing or interacting with the content.

Steps:

1. Define the purpose: Determine the purpose of the interstitial and what content should be displayed. This will depend on the app or website’s goals and the user’s needs.
2. Decide when to display: Decide when to display the interstitial. Consider the user’s context, such as the page they’re on, their actions, and the timing of the interstitial.
3. Design the layout: Design the layout of the interstitial. This should be visually appealing and easy to understand. Consider using clear and concise text, high-quality images or graphics, and intuitive navigation.
4. Add functionality: Add functionality to the interstitial. This might include buttons for dismissing the interstitial, sharing the content, or taking an action.
5. Test and iterate: Test the interstitial with real users and iterate based on their feedback. This will help to ensure that the interstitial is effective and enhances the user experience.
6. Analyze performance: Analyze the performance of the interstitial over time. Track metrics such as click-through rates, bounce rates, and conversion rates to determine its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

Advantages

1. Grab users’ attention: Designed to be eye-catching and can be effective in grabbing users’ attention. This can be useful for promoting new products or features, or for delivering important messages to users.
2. Increased engagement: Used to encourage users to engage with an app or website by presenting them with relevant content or options. For example, an interstitial can prompt users to sign up for a newsletter, share content on social media, or complete a survey.
3. Improved user experience: When used effectively, interstitials can enhance the overall user experience by providing users with relevant and timely information or content. This can help to keep users engaged and reduce frustration or confusion.
4. Monetization: Used as a way to monetize an app or website. For example, displaying ads in interstitials can generate revenue for the publisher.
5. Measurable impact: Tracked and analyzed, which makes it possible to measure their impact on user behavior and conversion rates. This data can be used to refine the design of interstitials and optimize their performance over time.

Disadvantages

1. Intrusiveness: Perceived as intrusive or annoying, especially if they interrupt the user’s flow or experience. Users may be less likely to engage with an app or website if they are constantly interrupted by interstitials.
2. Negative user experience: Poorly designed or implemented interstitials can negatively impact the user experience. For example, if an interstitial is difficult to dismiss or takes too long to load, users may become frustrated and abandon the app or website.
3. Reduced content visibility: Reduce the visibility of content, especially if they cover a large portion of the screen. This can make it harder for users to find what they are looking for and navigate the app or website.
4. Ad fatigue: If interstitials are used to display ads, users may become fatigued or annoyed with the frequency of ads. This can lead to a decline in engagement and user retention.
5. Negative impact on performance: Negative impact on app or website performance, especially if they are resource-intensive or take too long to load. This can result in slower load times, reduced responsiveness, and lower user satisfaction.