SAP Fiori represents a significant shift in SAP’s approach to user experience (UX) design. Unlike traditional SAP interfaces, which were often complex and rigid, SAP Fiori delivers a modern, consumer-grade experience tailored to the needs of business users. The foundation of this improved UX lies in its core design principles, which ensure applications are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use.
This article provides an overview of the fundamental SAP Fiori design principles, essential for anyone working with SAP Fiori Design Guidelines.
SAP Fiori is a design language and user experience strategy introduced by SAP to transform the way users interact with SAP software. It is based on a set of design guidelines that aim to simplify the user interface and provide a consistent, role-based experience across different devices such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
SAP Fiori design is governed by five key principles that ensure applications meet user needs while maintaining consistency and efficiency. These principles are:
SAP Fiori apps are designed around the roles users perform in their daily work. This focus ensures that users see only the information and functions relevant to their specific tasks, avoiding unnecessary complexity and improving productivity. By tailoring the experience based on roles, SAP Fiori helps users work faster and smarter.
Example: A procurement manager will have access to apps specifically designed for purchase order approvals and supplier management, while a finance user will see apps related to invoice processing.
SAP Fiori apps are fully responsive, meaning they adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and device types—from large desktop monitors to smartphones. This responsiveness ensures a consistent user experience regardless of how or where the application is accessed, supporting flexible and mobile working environments.
Simplicity is at the heart of SAP Fiori. The design minimizes clutter and complexity, focusing on the most essential tasks and information. This principle is achieved through a clean layout, clear navigation, and step-by-step workflows that reduce cognitive load for the user.
SAP Fiori embraces the philosophy of “less is more,” ensuring that users are not overwhelmed with excessive options or data.
Coherence means maintaining a consistent user experience across all SAP Fiori applications. This includes uniform design elements, navigation patterns, icons, and behaviors that help users quickly learn and use new apps without confusion.
Consistency also extends across devices and deployment options (on-premise or cloud), ensuring the user experience feels unified.
Beyond usability and efficiency, SAP Fiori aims to provide a delightful user experience that engages and motivates users. This principle is about creating visually appealing, intuitive, and interactive interfaces that make users feel confident and satisfied while performing their work.
Animations, feedback mechanisms, and well-thought-out workflows contribute to this emotional connection between users and the application.
While the five principles provide the foundation, SAP Fiori’s design is supported by additional elements such as:
The SAP Fiori design principles fundamentally reshape the way SAP users interact with enterprise software by focusing on role relevance, simplicity, and consistency. These principles not only improve productivity but also create a user experience that is engaging and satisfying.
Understanding and applying these principles is critical for anyone involved in SAP Fiori development, customization, or governance to deliver solutions that truly meet the evolving needs of business users.