UI Patterns refer to?

UI patterns refer to common solutions to recurring design problems. These patterns are established approaches or frameworks that designers have found effective in addressing specific issues faced in user interface design. They help streamline the design process by providing tried-and-true methods for achieving user-friendly experiences. For example, the use of a navigation bar for site navigation or a search box for search functionality are considered UI patterns because they solve the common problem of helping users find what they are looking for efficiently.

When designers leverage these patterns, they benefit from a shared vocabulary and understanding within the design community, making collaboration easier and increasing the likelihood of users intuitively understanding the interface. Using established UI patterns can improve usability, as users are often familiar with these conventions from previous experiences with software and websites.

The other options focus on different aspects of design. Prototypes tested with users relate more to the process of validating designs and gathering user feedback rather than established UI solutions. Unique graphics used in branding pertain more to visual identity and marketing rather than functional design patterns. Color schemes, while vital for aesthetic appeal and emotional response, do not address the structural or functional aspect of user interfaces that patterns often do.