Change State Vs Keep State

Change State Vs Keep State

Change State vs Keep State is a fundamental design principle in interface and interaction design that addresses how digital elements respond to user interactions. This dichotomy represents two distinct approaches to handling state management in user interfaces, where 'change state' refers to elements that transform or alter their appearance, behavior, or functionality in response to user input, while 'keep state' maintains consistency and stability in the interface elements regardless of interaction. The principle is particularly crucial in creating intuitive and predictable user experiences, as it helps establish clear patterns of interaction and feedback. In change state scenarios, interface elements might transform through various visual cues such as color changes, size adjustments, or position shifts, providing immediate feedback to user actions and helping users understand that their input has been registered and processed. Keep state, conversely, emphasizes maintaining visual and functional consistency, which can be essential for elements that need to remain stable and reliable throughout the user journey. This principle has evolved significantly with the advancement of digital interfaces and has become increasingly important in mobile and responsive design, where state management directly impacts user engagement and satisfaction. The implementation of these states requires careful consideration of user expectations, cognitive load, and the overall flow of interaction, often being evaluated in design competitions such as the A' Design Award's digital and interaction design categories. The decision between implementing change state or keep state mechanisms often depends on various factors including the element's purpose, its context within the larger interface, the target user group's needs, and the overall design goals of the application or system. Modern interface design frequently employs a hybrid approach, strategically utilizing both principles to create balanced, user-friendly experiences that maintain necessary stability while providing dynamic feedback where appropriate.

Interface design, state management, user interaction, visual feedback, interaction patterns, digital transformation, user experience

— Lucas Reed

CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Change State Vs Keep State.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=472758 (Accessed on March 24, 2025)"