This blog post was written by Adrianna Chong, a UI/UX Designer from Dura Digital’s human-centered design studio.
Maps play an integral part in our lives, from navigating to our destinations to discovering new places. When integrated into digital products, they become powerful systems that allow users to navigate, explore, and interact with geographical data in intuitive ways. A well-designed map UI transforms spatial information into seamless, accessible, and user-centric experiences.
While working with one of our clients, I came across an interactive map on their website that needed improvement. This led me to explore what makes a great map UI and the best practices every designer should follow. Here are the key elements I learned:
Provide Navigation Tools That Orient Users
Consider how you’d like users to interact with your map, this will determine which navigation tools are most useful. For example, would a search or filter function enhance the experience, or would it only add unnecessary clutter?
General navigation tips include:
- Include zoom controls on the map. Zoom buttons clearly signal that users can zoom in and out. They also provide an alternative to mouse scrolling and pinch gestures, which may not feel intuitive for all users. Visible controls reduce guesswork and reassure users that zooming is possible.
- Enable sensible panning. When dragging the map, the movement should feel natural and fluid. Both zooming and panning should be slow enough to allow users to notice the changes on the screen and digest the new information being revealed, rather than feeling rushed or disoriented.
- Add navigation helpers. A simple “return to selected” or “reset view” button can prevent frustration by quickly reorienting users and save them from endless scrolling when they get lost.
Add Clarity Through Visual Hierarchy
Interactive maps are often packed with multiple layers of information. Strong information design and clear visual hierarchy are essential to create an experience that feels organized and easy to understand.
Keep these principles in mind:
- Use the map as a neutral base. Choose colors for the base map that are subtle and won’t compete with pins, markers, or overlays. Neutral tones ensure that important data layered on top gets the attention it deserves.
- Use distinct markers and icons. Rely on clear, consistent visual elements to represent points of interest rather than filling the map with text. Too much text clutters the interface, while well-designed icons streamline communication and make scanning easier.
- Ensure high contrast for visibility. Markers and indicators must stand out clearly against the background. If they blend into the map, users may struggle to identify what’s important. Contrast ensures key elements remain visible across different zoom levels and screen types.
- Think in layers. Consider what information is essential at each zoom level and position it accordingly. Clustering nearby points of interest can further prevent clutter and help users digest information in manageable chunks.
Opt for User Interaction That Feels Natural
Designing a map UI is challenging because it combines navigation tasks (zooming, panning, moving across the map) with object interactions (clicking pins, applying filters, opening information windows). Without thoughtful interaction design, this complexity can lead to confusion and frustration.
Best practices for interaction design include:
- Make clickable elements look clickable. Markers, icons, and interactive components should visually communicate their purpose. Use hover states, size changes, or color highlights so users immediately know where to click. Interactive elements should feel like they’re inviting engagement.
- Ensure consistent click behaviors. If clicking on one marker opens an information window, then clicking on any marker should behave the same way. Inconsistent behaviors create confusion and reduce user trust in the system.
- Provide helpful hover and selection states. Hover states act as previews, giving users a quick idea of what will happen if they click. Clear selection states, then confirm which item is active, ensuring users never wonder what they’ve chosen.
- Maintain context while navigating. As users zoom and pan, it’s easy to lose track of the items they were focusing on. Keeping selected elements highlighted and visible while the map moves allows users to stay oriented and understand their place within the larger context.
Map UI design is far more than simply placing a map on a screen. It requires combining multiple elements: geographic data, navigation tools, visual hierarchy, and interaction design into a unified system that feels intuitive and effortless. By focusing on clarity, consistency, and usability, designers can create map interfaces that are both functional and enjoyable to use.
If you’re looking to refine or reimagine your map UI, our team at Dura Digital can help you design solutions that balance clarity and usability with real business impact.