When I first contemplated writing blog posts, I reached out to my friends on social media for topic ideas. One friend suggested discussing what UX even means, and it struck me – she was onto something. Most of my friends likely don’t get what UX is, let alone what it involves. So, in this inaugural blog post, I’m going to demystify UX through the lens of my own perspective and experience.
Understanding the Basics of UX
First and foremost, let’s dissect the acronym: UX stands for User Experience, coined by Don Norman back in the 90s. Notice the emphasis on “user” – that’s us, the humans. Users encompass anyone interacting with a product, whether it’s tangible or digital. The “experience” part refers to how we feel while using a product. Within the realm of UX, you’ll encounter various roles such as UX researchers and UX designers, among many others. Notably, a UX researcher is not necessarily a design expert; think more along the lines of Human Factors and psychology.
You might also spot the letters “UI” alongside “UX.” UI stands for User Interface. This pertains to what you interact with. Primarily referring to to digital products, UI involves designing the visual layout of websites or apps. Markedly, a dedicated UI-designer might not dive deep into research, which sparks ongoing debates about whether UX and UI should be intertwined… but let’s leave that discussion for another time.
UX in Everyday Life
Imagine facing a door, uncertain whether to push or pull. As the user, your goal is simple: walk through the door. But your experience starts on the wrong foot as confusion sets in. Depending on how long it takes to figure out the right action, how many people are watching, and handle any obstacles in the way, your experience can deteriorate rapidly. In the digital world, recall the frustration of waiting for an agonizingly slow website to load. How patient were you? Did you ever revisit that site? These negative experiences shape how we perceive and interact with the world.
Moreover, bad experiences have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only individuals but entire communities. Think about accessibility – if a business lacks wheelchair access or a website isn’t compatible with screen readers, it alienates potential patrons and visitors. This exclusion isn’t just inconvenient; it’s unjust.
The Role of a UX Designer
Enter the UX Designer. Their mission? Understanding problems and devising solutions. They gather insights through user research, stakeholder interviews, and various tools like prototypes and wireframes. But it doesn’t stop there; constant validation of findings is crucial. Often, the surface problem isn’t the real issue. For instance, a client complaining about missed appointments might indicate a deeper problem, like a lack of features, technical glitches, or accessibility shortcomings.
The beauty of being a UX designer lies in the ability to create artifacts that are both enlightening and visually captivating. It’s a journey of discovery. Drawing from design and technical backgrounds, UX designers craft solutions that merge form and function seamlessly. They tackle questions from both sides – the aesthetic and the technical – ensuring that the final product caters to user needs while aligning with business goals.
At the heart of it, UX is all about making life easier for users. It’s about understanding needs, desires, and pain points to create experiences that resonate. Whether UX and UI are intertwined or distinct, the ultimate goal is the same: to foster a harmonious relationship between humans and technology. It’s the art of crafting joy in interaction, ensuring that the world around us is a more user-friendly and inclusive place.