In this day and age, we’re all about instant results. Why? Because technology allows for it. So, why should we use something that slows our lives down in some way? Especially if there’s another thing out there that makes our lives easier, and even faster-paced. What we crave as consumers is convenience. And so the products and services that are designed with us in mind are the ones we’ll prefer, time and time again. This is where UX design comes in. (Get a quote for our UX design services.)
What is user experience?
User experience (UX), in a nutshell, is how a person goes about using something, and how they feel when using it. For example, a mug has a handle that you can slip your hand around, so you can lift it up in a logical and simple manner. The top is open and wide so you can easily sip hot coffee, without bumping your nose. Yes, this structure is no coincidence. The mug has been perfected over centuries, and now sports a design that is completely tailored to user experience.
When you think about the big picture of product sales, you can see UX design in almost everything. It’s all about creating that perfect ‘mug’ experience for your product, whether it’s a cell phone, car, cheese grater, or website.
What determines good UX design?
If your product is usable, intuitive, and most importantly, an experience – congratulations, you’ve knocked the UX design process out of the park. By experience, we’re referring to the good feeling you get when you pick up that phone, honk that horn, slide that block of cheese, and navigate that website. A means to an end becomes a moment. A pleasure, even? You could say the best UX designs leave the customer feeling not just satisfied, but happy, invigorated, and inspired. Yes, we’re talking about fun and games here. Literally giving your customers a good time. If your product or interface is fun to use and a joy to look at, this can be the factor that separates it from the herd, making it the preferred choice in the market.
Here’s an example
In our studio, websites are our bread and butter, so we’ll talk from experience. What separates user-friendly, ‘joy-filled’ websites from non-cooperative, boring websites? Understanding and intent. On the part of the web designer, and the company represented. Good websites demonstrate an understanding of the user, and intend to make their lives easier. They are made to be effortless to browse, so content can be searched for and found at the click of a button. They are made to be logical in structure, guiding the user along a seamless journey. Good websites, essentially, help customers find what they want, intuitively and effortlessly, so they can get in and get out, hassle free. And if the website has exciting colours, beautiful imagery, and an interactive element or two, the customer may just hang out there for a while longer. (Hello, brand loyalty!)
How to kick off the UX design process
UX design trickles into all aspects of product and interface creation – informing how you write to users, how you design for users, and how you develop for users. So as you can imagine, a brilliant UX design doesn’t happen overnight. You need to put in the time and effort to understand your customers so you can reach them the best possible way. And you know what this means, right? Target market research!
UX designers consider the gender, age, tech-savviness, and general interests of the ideal customer, and take this insight into the design phase. They ask questions like:
- Who is using this thing?
- How does their mind work?
- Will they know to click on this icon?
- Will they be familiar with this lingo?
The more questions you ask as a UX designer, the more refined your target persona will be. And the more refined your target persona, the better your UX design outcome. From here, you can begin to develop a UX strategy for your product or interphase, and determine how it will look, work, and ‘feel’.
Need a UX design strategy?
UX design has deep psychological roots. Do you understand your customers’ behaviour enough to design marketing materials and interfaces specifically for them? If not, we can help you get the ball rolling. Get in touch with Brand Candy and let’s discuss putting together a UX design strategy for your business.