Creating enjoyable, intuitive experiences for a diverse global audience using self-evident design.
When we began designing our first virtual and hybrid events, we quickly saw how technology enabled us to reach people all over the globe—across various cultures, age groups, and backgrounds. But we also discovered an important challenge:
Many attendees may be interacting with a virtual event platform for the very first time. Without thoughtful, intuitive design, these visitors can easily become confused or frustrated when trying to move between virtual rooms, access content, or interact with other attendees.
So, how can we ensure virtual events are accessible, enjoyable, and intuitive for everyone?
The answer lies in self-evident design.
Self-evident design means creating virtual environments so intuitive that instructions or explanations are unnecessary. Rather than needing lengthy tutorials or user manuals, attendees can immediately navigate the virtual event comfortably because the interaction feels natural and familiar.
This type of design encourages participants to explore freely and confidently, significantly enhancing their overall enjoyment and satisfaction.
Self-evident design leverages familiarity and intuition by mirroring interactions attendees already know from their experiences—both online and offline.
For example:
Just as people naturally understand doors or gateways in physical venues, they immediately recognise clickable doorways in virtual spaces as a way to enter new rooms or spaces.
Attendees instinctively understand that images or banners can be clicked to reveal more information—just as they naturally interact with websites.
This intuitive approach is crucial, as attendees can apply what they already know from real-world or digital interactions to confidently navigate a new virtual space
Another essential aspect of self-evident design is effective visual communication. Clear visuals not only make the experience more intuitive but also overcome language barriers, allowing visitors from various linguistic backgrounds to engage equally.