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Turning complex coding tools into a smooth, user-friendly experience

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I’m Aram Andreasyan, a UI/UX designer who has worked on projects ranging from early-stage startup apps to complex enterprise platforms. My work is centered on understanding how people interact with technology and translating that insight into digital experiences that feel natural, enjoyable, and efficient.

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Over the years, I’ve collaborated with developers, product managers, and subject matter experts to make sure the user interface isn’t just beautiful, but also functional and purpose-driven. For me, a great design is making every element serve a reason.

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In this article, I’m sharing my approach to designing a Leetcode-style coding practice platform from the user’s perspective. Instead of focusing on backend engineering, I’ll walk through how the platform should look, feel, and guide users so they stay engaged and learn effectively.

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Understanding the Users

Before creating any visual design, I start by determining who the platform is for. For a coding practice site, there are usually three main user groups:

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1. Beginners — They need clear guidance, easy-to-understand instructions, and visual cues that make navigation effortless.

2. Intermediate learners — They want challenge, progress tracking, and a smooth workflow for solving problems.

3. Advanced users — They care about efficiency, customization, and speed.

Mapping these groups helps decide everything from the homepage layout to button placement.

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Designing the First Impression

The landing page is the handshake between the platform and the user. In the first few seconds, the interface should:

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• Clearly explain the platform’s purpose.
• Demonstrate how it differs from other coding sites.
• Give a simple path to “Start practicing.”

I avoid cluttered homepages with too many CTAs (call-to-actions). Instead, I use hierarchy — one primary button (e.g., “Start Practicing”), supported by secondary links (like “Browse Challenges” or “Learn More”).

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Structuring the Dashboard

The dashboard is where most returning users will spend their time. It should answer three questions instantly:

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1. What’s next for me? (e.g., the next recommended challenge).

2 How am I doing? (progress tracker or streak counter).

3. What else can I explore? (problem sets, difficulty filters, tags).

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I’d design this with card-based layouts so users can quickly scan available challenges. Colors indicate difficulty (green for easy, yellow for medium, red for hard), and icons represent problem categories.

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Problem-Solving Interface

The problem-solving screen is the heart of the experience. My design approach here:

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• Split screen view: Problem statement on the left, code editor on the right.
• Clean typography for readability — I’d use a monospaced font for code and a sans-serif font for the description.
• Dark/light mode toggle for comfort during long sessions.
• Clear run and submit buttons, placed where the eye naturally goes after writing code.

I’d also ensure the code editor is customizable — font size, theme, and tab spacing should be user-adjustable.

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Making Navigation Effortless

Navigation needs to be predictable. For this type of platform, I’d keep a top navigation bar with:

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• Dashboard
• Problem Sets
• Discussion/Community
• Profile & Settings

On mobile, these collapse into a bottom nav bar for thumb reachability.

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Encouraging Progress and Motivation

Learning to code can be overwhelming, so the UI should actively encourage the user.
I’d add:

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• Progress bars for each difficulty level.
• Achievement badges for streaks or milestones.
• Personalized recommendations (“Since you solved X, you might enjoy Y”).

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Accessibility and Inclusivity

A good design works for everyone. For accessibility:

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• Maintain high contrast between text and background.
• Use alt text for images.
• Support keyboard navigation.
• Ensure the platform works well with screen readers.

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Mobile Experience

Many learners use mobile devices during breaks or commutes. The mobile version should:

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• Keep the core features (browse, read problems, write code).
• Offer a collapsible code editor for smaller screens.
• Prioritize touch targets so buttons aren’t frustrating to tap.

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Testing and Iterating

No design is perfect on the first try. I’d run usability testing with small groups from each user type, watch how they interact, note confusion points, and refine the interface. Even subtle changes — like moving a button or adjusting spacing — can dramatically improve usability.

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Final Thoughts

Designing a coding practice platform isn’t just about making it look good — it’s about crafting a flow that keeps learners engaged, reduces frustration, and supports steady progress. By understanding the users, prioritizing clarity, and testing the design in real use, we can create a product that not only teaches coding but makes the process enjoyable.

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Great UI/UX is invisible — the user just feels like everything works exactly how it should.

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Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

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