User interface (UI) design has evolved significantly over the years, focusing on efficiency, accessibility, and user experience. One emerging principle that is transforming modern interfaces is Context-Based UI.

When designing frontend experiences we are often inclined to make something that fits the aesthetics rather than its practical Utility.

We are so used to the traditional centralized settings panels and toolbars, but the issue is that: even if it looks good, for practical applications it might not be very convenient and it will also face discoverability issues from the new users.

Context-based UI ensures that relevant options and controls appear exactly where and when they are needed.

So lets take a Look on what is context based UI

What is Context-Based UI?

Context-Based UI (CBUI) is a design approach where tools, settings, and actions are placed in close proximity to the content or task at hand. Instead of forcing users to navigate away from their primary workflow to find settings or controls, context-based UI integrates these elements directly into the workspace.

This principle is widely used in modern applications like Visual Studio Code (VS Code), where features like debugging, version control, and testing tools appear within the coding area itself, eliminating unnecessary friction in the developer's workflow.

Why Context-Based UI Matters

Traditional UI designs often force users to switch contexts by opening separate settings windows, navigating through multiple menus, or searching for specific options. This can lead to too much strain and decreased productivity. Context-based UI, on the other hand, reduces friction by:

• Minimizing context switching – Users stay focused on their primary task without unnecessary navigation.
• Improving discoverability – Essential options appear when needed, rather than being hidden in deep menus.
• Enhancing efficiency – Quick access to relevant tools speeds up workflows and reduces frustration.
• Providing intuitive interaction – Users interact with settings in a natural and immediate way, leading to a smoother learning curve.

Examples of Context-Based UI in Action

1. VS Code’s Inline Actions

Visual Studio Code exemplifies this principle by embedding controls directly within the coding environment:

• Run tests inline – Instead of navigating to a separate panel, a small “Run Test” button appears beside the test function.
• Add breakpoints directly in the editor – Debugging controls are embedded within the code itself.
• Inline error suggestions – Rather than requiring users to check an error panel, suggestions appear where the issue occurs.

2. Google Docs’ Floating Toolbar

Google Docs enhances writing efficiency by displaying a floating formatting toolbar when users select text. This eliminates the need to navigate to the main toolbar, making text editing faster and more intuitive.

3. Figma’s Contextual Editing Panel

In Figma, when selecting an object, only the relevant design and styling options appear nearby. This reduces clutter and ensures designers can focus on their work without searching through multiple menus.

Implementing Context-Based UI in Your Designs

To create a successful context-based UI, consider the following principles:

1. Identify user needs – Analyze workflows to determine which actions are frequently used and where they should appear.
2. Reduce unnecessary steps – Keep interactions efficient by eliminating redundant navigation.
3. Use progressive disclosure – Show relevant options only when needed to avoid overwhelming users.
4. Ensure consistency – Maintain uniform placement and interaction patterns across the UI.
5. Offer customization – Allow users to configure which contextual elements they want to see.

The Future of Context-Based UI

As software becomes more complex, the need for smarter, more adaptive interfaces will grow.

By embracing context-based UI, designers can create more intuitive and productive experiences, ensuring that tools and settings are always exactly where they need to be—no more, no less.

This is just the part one of this series, in the coming posts we will explore this concept with a Real-World Example, where I implemented Context-Based UI design into LiveAPI