Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? (2024)

Yes, there is no issue in copying other similar app UI structures. I will tell you why!

Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? (3)

There is a reason why experienced designers copy their competitor’s UI layouts.

Jakob’s Law: Users spend most of their time on other sites. This means that users prefer your site to work the same way as all the other sites they already know

Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? (4)

Due to this very foundational law in UX, It’s a safe bet to go with your competitor’s UI layout. The users won’t feel any difficulty while using your app because they have already used a similar product that gives the same service.

Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? (5)

This doesn’t mean that you can’t go with an entirely new UI for your product. But, If the UI is more complex and confusing for your customers, it will lead to a very low customer retention.

How can you change the UI without losing your customers?

Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? (6)

I would suggest the MVP product should be similar to your competitor’s UI and when you have a decent amount of customers and their trust slowly iterate the UI in a way you want without affecting the user experience.

Don’t change the entire UI in a single update, this will make the user confused. Do it stage-wise, give small updates, get feedback, and do the changes. By doing this way your product will have its unique design without affecting the user experience and your competitors will start copying your design.

Next time if anyone asks, why are you copying our competitors’ UI? You have the perfect answer to say!

Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? (7)

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As a seasoned professional in the field of user experience (UX) design and interface development, I've had the privilege of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital design for several years. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of design principles, user behavior, and the intricate nuances of creating interfaces that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article by Madhav Sajikumar, exploring the rationale behind copying similar app UI structures and the strategic considerations associated with UI evolution:

  1. Jakob's Law:

    • Concept: Users spend most of their time on other sites, implying that users prefer sites to work similarly to those they are already familiar with.
    • Implication: Designers leverage Jakob's Law as a foundational principle in UX, suggesting that adopting a UI layout similar to competitors can enhance user familiarity and comfort.
  2. Copying Competitor's UI Layout:

    • Concept: Experienced designers adopt a strategy of copying competitor's UI layouts for a reason.
    • Implication: The article suggests that mirroring a competitor's UI can contribute to a smoother user experience, capitalizing on the familiarity users have with similar products.
  3. Balancing Innovation and User Retention:

    • Concept: Introducing an entirely new UI is not discouraged, but it's advised to prioritize user retention and avoid confusing users.
    • Implication: Striking a balance between innovation and user familiarity is crucial. The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is recommended to align with competitor UIs initially to build trust and user base.
  4. Iterative UI Evolution:

    • Concept: Gradual UI changes are recommended over a single, comprehensive update to prevent user confusion.
    • Implication: The article emphasizes a staged approach to UI evolution. Small, incremental updates are suggested, along with gathering user feedback to ensure a smooth transition without compromising user experience.
  5. Building a Unique Design:

    • Concept: Once a user base is established, the article advises evolving the UI gradually to establish a unique design identity.
    • Implication: By taking a stage-wise approach to UI changes, a product can develop its distinct design while maintaining user satisfaction.
  6. Competitor's Copying Your Design:

    • Concept: The article suggests that by gradually evolving your UI, you may find competitors copying your design in response.
    • Implication: This reflects a shift in the market perception, where your design becomes influential, and competitors emulate your approach.

In conclusion, the article provides insightful guidance for UX designers, advocating for a strategic and user-centric approach to UI design that balances innovation with user familiarity and retention. Following these principles can lead to a successful and unique design evolution in a competitive digital landscape.

Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? (2024)

FAQs

Is it ok for designers to copy other similar app UI? ›

There is a reason why experienced designers copy their competitor's UI layouts. Due to this very foundational law in UX, It's a safe bet to go with your competitor's UI layout. The users won't feel any difficulty while using your app because they have already used a similar product that gives the same service.

Is it okay to copy UI design? ›

It's a great way to jumpstart a design project.

If you are new to design, copying the interface of existing apps can help propel your designs into a place where you can put your idea in front of users.

Is it legal to copy a UI? ›

Take Material UI for example. For personal use, it's perfectly fine to rip off and use however you want. For company use, it requires a license.

Is it acceptable for UI and UX designers to copy existing designs as part of their design strategy? ›

Reproducing existing designs can help an individual understand why and how those designs work. The most important thing to note is copywork, as we call it, is very different from plagiarism. We never encourage passing off someone else's work as your own.

Are UI designs copyrighted? ›

Logos and text are copyrighted. UI patterns and styles are sometimes considered Trade Dress. Trade dress is a legal term of art that generally refers to characteristics of the visual appearance of a product or its packaging (or even the design of a building) that signify the source of the product to consumers.

Can you get sued for copying an app design? ›

If the design of the existing app is protected by intellectual property rights, or if it's distinctive enough to be associated with that specific app or company, you could face legal action.

Can you sue a company for copying your design? ›

File a lawsuit

As noted above, if you had already registered the copyright in your design before this copying occurred, you will be entitled to recover enhanced remedies (statutory damages of up to $150,000 for willful infringement) and your attorneys' fees if you win.

Are you allowed to copy a design? ›

It's plagiarism if you are misrepresenting something you copied as your own original work. It's copyright infringement if you copy creative elements without permission or a license. If you're doing both, it's both.

Is copying a design illegal? ›

And the short answer is: no, you can't just straight-up jack someone's website design. That's called plagiarism. And it's illegal. But here's the good news: there are a few ways you can legally “copy” parts of an existing website design to use as inspiration or a template for your website.

What is the golden rule of UI design? ›

Reduce short-term memory load or Recognition rather than recall. As Nielsen says, recognizing something is easier than remembering it. Minimize the user's memory load by making objects, actions, and options available. The user should not have to remember information from one part of the dialogue to another.

Can design be plagiarized? ›

Plagiarism is a serious ethical and legal issue in design, especially when you enter competitions that require original and creative work. You might be tempted to copy or imitate someone else's design, either intentionally or unintentionally, but this can harm your reputation, credibility, and chances of winning.

What is the difference between UI and UX copy? ›

But here's my best understanding: UI Copy is the labeling of buttons, tabs, and other common usage messages (like terms & conditions or error messages). On the other hand, UX Content helps users solve problems from a customer experience and/or avoid experiencing problems at all.

How much of a design can I copy without infringing copyright? ›

There are no legal rules permitting the use of a specific number of words, a certain number of musical notes, or percentage of a work. Whether a particular use qualifies as fair use depends on all the circ*mstances. See, Fair Use Index, and Circular 21, Reproductions of Copyrighted Works by Educators and Librarians.

What are the copyright rules for designers? ›

To be eligible for copyright protection, “a graphic design must be an original work of authorship, independently created by a human author, and possessing at least some minimal degree of creativity," says Joseph Mandour, a Los Angeles-based intellectual property attorney.

Does Figma have copyright? ›

Figma respects copyright law and expects its users to do the same. Figma's Copyright and IP Policy applies to you and is available at www.figma.com/copyright-and-ip-policy.

Is it OK to copy a design? ›

Copying a single design and calling it “inspiration” is a great way to get accused of plagiarism—and potentially sued for copyright or trademark infringement. But drawing from multiple sources can make it much harder for the original inspiring designs to be identified.

Is it legal to copy a design? ›

You should not copy any parts of another website and ensure that your website only contains your unique content. If someone infringes your trade mark, you can advise them of the infringement and request they cease using the mark. You can also consider the damage the infringement has caused your business.

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