Why User Experience Matters

Here is something that is almost certainly a universal truth: Organizations want customers to feel good about the products they offer. No-brainer, right? But what makes customers feel good, or feel bad for that matter, when they use something? Chances are it is not any one single thing.   

The User Experience (UX), or how someone feels when they use a technology product, involves all kinds of tangibles and intangibles that make or break a design. There are significant benefits to keeping User Experience front and center in the design process. 

Benefits of User Experience Design 

• Increased Engagements 
• Increased Adoption 
• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction 
• Differentiation 
• Client Approvals 
• Developer Direction 

Connecting User Experience with Positive Emotion 

UX designers ultimately try to empathize with end users to provide the best possible experience. The process utilizes research to understand precisely what end-users require from web sites and applications. The thought process involves both critical and creative thinking to visualize the scenarios and task flows the end-user may encounter. 

User Experience design considers User Interface (UI) ‘look and feel’ elements that clients require for their sites or applications. UI is tied together with UX research to produce:

• Wireframes 
• Prototypes 
• Mock-ups 
• Graphics 
• Layouts 

The approach to UI/UX design at TDK Technologies seeks to make all interactions with the software positive. From definition to delivery, designers work hand in hand with team members to ensure the best possible user experience.  

UX Roles 

• Information Architect 
• Program Manager 
• Content Strategist 
• Functional Analyst 

UI Roles 

• Graphic Designer 
• Brand Designer 
• Web Designer 
• Frontend Developer 

A good design outcome is simple, clear and produces positive emotions. Effective UX design increases how quickly sites or applications will be adopted by the intended end-user. Ease of use is a key driver. Good UX design also enhances customer satisfaction, which tends to increase both repeat and referral business. 

Best Practices for UX Design  

Identifying UX needs is important on all projects. But projects which can gain the most involve complex flows; generally anything that takes more than five screens to execute. Such projects can often benefit from a rapid prototype to solicit client input early. 

Any site that involves online sales should include UX design. Potential customers will leave very quickly if the user experience is not good. Startup sites benefit from UX design. Research can figure out what the user is thinking and help determine the best flow possible. Then user testing can help validate the design. 

To Recap 

Determining what users need first, before developers go down a complex development path, is beneficial to all involved. It removes guesswork and stress for developers since they will have a greater understanding of the desired outcome. Clients define their vision for the product early, then provide feedback as the process unfolds. And perhaps most importantly, the end-user will have an enhanced opportunity to enjoy a positive experience.