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Bentos Are Everywhere. Is UI Design Now Diet-Conscious?

May 6, 2024
Design, Psychology, Culture
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Bentos Are Everywhere. Is UI Design Now Diet-Conscious?

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Oindrila Sarkar

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Bentos Are Everywhere. Is UI Design Now Diet-Conscious?

    Bentos Are Everywhere. Is UI Design Now Diet-Conscious?

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      Most beautiful things are designed when there is a constraint.

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      A constraint of space, time, or resources puts designers in a rough spot, nudging them to be creative and smart with their style to get out of it–you don’t want to be too comfortable in your style.

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      The fresh-in-demand Bento Design System is an example of constraint in style (and space).

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      Apple – Wanderlust, 2023

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      In the real world, a bento may only be a Japanese lunchbox that contains a variety of small, carefully arranged portions, where each compartment packs a different type of food, such as rice, vegetables, or even sushi. But in the design world, the bento has been a powerful vision that helps designers make sense of complex information and create cohesive user experiences.

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      It gives you all the variety you could ever want in a single meal, without sacrificing taste, quality or even appearance.

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      Isle of Dogs (2018)

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      The idea behind the Bento Design System is to provide a set of predefined styles and components that designers can tweak and have fun with. Especially considering a bento’s style serves its one true all-in-one purpose, embodying the essence of convenience in consumption. The best possible trait for UI.

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      Bento works in simple ways:

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      1. If you want your layout to talk about many things, communicate them clearly and as fast as possible

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      2. Use visual hierarchies and concise content if you have limited space and time to do it

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      In UI, this concept involves breaking down a complex system or interface into modular components or compartments. Each component has a specific function or content, making it easier for users to understand and navigate the system.

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      While the bento’s origins are disputed, Apple was one of the first pioneers to base their design philosophy on it.

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      Starting with the original macOS control panel in Macintosh, circa 1984.

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      In 1982, fine artist Susan Kare played a major role in designing much of its visual language. Kare drew new Macintosh icons and elements, drawing from her past experiences in mosaics, needlepoint, and pointillism.

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      macOS Control Panel, 1984

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      Her design motto followed three key principles:

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      Meaning, memorability, and clarity.

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      Users could easily customize various aspects of their Mac, such as volume, background patterns, mouse settings, keyboard preferences, and more, all in one panel.

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      A simple recipe for a simple meal box. Maketh thee Sushi Master proud.

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      How does the bento really help a user? 💡

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      According to the Aesthetic-Usability Effect UX Law,

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      An aesthetically pleasing design creates a positive response in people’s brains and leads them to believe the design actually works better.

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      With its clean and minimalist layout, the Bento makes it easy for attendees to digest the information presented quickly.

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      The color scheme and typography choices must also inform the theme and imagery, making it a designer’s ultimate knight in shining armour. Unfortunately, you can’t wish your own knight into existence.

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      You have to put in the work. This brings us to the next question.

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      Just how do you make your own bento box? 🍱

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      To make a bento, we start with its purpose. What are we trying to achieve out of this bento? What do you want your bento to do?

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      – Is the purpose of the bento to showcase features of your product — be it digital or physical?

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      – Is the purpose of the bento to highlight key points or to give a summary of everything?

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      – Are you just looking to spice things up from age-old column structures?

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      – Or, will it be printed on a t-shirt just to look snappy?

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      Openvy

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      Once you have found your reason, remember it when you work. It’ll be the lifeline of your bento-making process. You never want to start with a basic grid and add filler content in compartments later. Otherwise, it might ruin your grid.

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      Remember: A bento might be modular but its possibilities are endless—limited only by the imagination.

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      About the Author

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      Oindrila
      Sarkar

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