UX, which stands for user experience, is a concept that has grown rapidly over the past few years. It is at the heart of everything designers do nowadays. It is the pivotal consideration when it comes to creating products that not only meet the consumers’ expectations, but exceeds them.
User experience design centres on taking into account the consumers’ wants at every single step in the process. This includes usability, interaction design, information architecture, typography, visual design, user interface, functionality, content strategy, and more. It is a strategy that delivers customer satisfaction and long term value.
In the past, many designers tried to achieve the coveted ‘look’. There are many that still take this approach today. However, whilst you
may achieve an aesthetically appealing website or application, you are likely to overlook the end users’ needs. Often, what works from an aesthetic standpoint may not be successfully in relation to navigation. Therefore, if you do not consider the users’ needs at all points in the process, you won’t create a product that is easy, enjoyable and effective for the consumer.
Research shows that there is a greater chance of purchase or conversion the longer a consumer remains on a website or mobile application. This is one of the chief reasons why UX design is so successful. It compels the consumer to engage with the content. They are motivated to click through the array of pages that are available, and consequently they will spend a greater amount of time on the site or application.
The benefits of UX design are there for all to see, but how do you implement this in 2014 to ensure you exceed your consumers’ expectations? It all begins by entering the process as if you were a customer. By doing this you will be able to observe the current user experience, in order to deduce how the site or application is being used. This allows you to efficiently determine any issues in the customer flow, of which you can then resolve.
Nonetheless, it is also advisable to gain further insight by engaging in testing. Gather participants to take part in a test whereby they measure and record their interaction. This allows you to determine whether there is a pattern whereby the breakdown in process tends to occur. A/B testing is advisable too. You can use this to evaluate conversion rates for different content communications, graphics and designs.
Finally, another tactic most UX designers are beginning to use to exceed consumer expectations is the creation of personas. The designer will build several fictitious users in order to accommodate the varying needs of your users. After all, every user that visits your site or application is not going to have the same preferences and needs. The use of personas ensures that UX design considers all types of consumers, rather than the average customer. This is something we are set to see a lot more of in 2014, as UX continues to evolve.
To conclude, the value of UX design cannot be ignored. It is no longer a niche, but a necessity. Use the advice that has been provided in this post to ensure you implement it effectively.
Digital Accessibility: What is it and is it worth investing in?
How to Create an Inclusive Conversational UI
The Present and Future of Multi-Experience Platforms
Web Accessibility: The key to an inclusive Internet
Eight UI/UX Design Best Practices for SMBs
Co-Creation of Digital Services: Is it a good idea?
Next-Gen Resilience: Can companies deal with large-scale disruptions?
Technology Enablers of Manufacturing-as-a-Service
The Art & Science of Estimating User Stories Cost
Embedded Finance: The basics you need to know
No obligation quotes in 48 hours. Teams setup within 2 weeks.
If you are a Service Provider looking to register, please fill out this Information Request and someone will get in touch.
Outsource with Confidence to high quality Service Providers.
Enter your email id and we'll send a link to reset your password to the address we have for your account.
The IT Exchange service provider network is exclusive and by-invite. There is no cost to get on-board; if you are competent in your areas of focus, then you are welcome. As a part of this exclusive network you: