We're going to skip the bullshit textbook definition and go with what User Experience (UX/UE) really is: Everything, Yes everything.. mixed together in a big jug.
User Experience design is looking at the big picture by placing small jigsaw pieces in the right place. To solve the puzzle we first need to evaluate what is happening, propagate the context and construct plausible storyboards for your users. Finding the right pieces can take time and patience and more often than not barely noticed by the user. However once you have aligned all your pieces together the results speak louder than words.
When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all.
We can't stop here though, UX evolves and is an agile field where data evaluation and feedback adds more and more pieces to our puzzle.
Why UX is important
The slightest change can cause dramatic shifts in sales, lead generations and conversions. How big you may ask? Let's take Microsofts Bing for example: By choosing a specific blue over some other hues amounted to an additional $80 million in annual revenue.
Yes, you read that correctly... $80 Million.
A poor experience will see users quickly turn away. A positive experience will keep the user in your pocket.
In my previous blogpost I discussed how to evaluate your online presence and the affects of value. When evaluating elements and reviewing focus group testing, we're also discussing whether the elements were easy to use and beneficial to the user. If we're not focusing on the users we're designing arrogantly and without data.
The Typical UX Designer
There is no typical day for a UX designer. However, there is an abundance of techniques used by UX designers at different stages of a project. Each technique is dedicated to promoting a healthier experience for your users and their manifestation of expectations.
Some of these techniques include wire-frames, storyboard telling, user testing and demographic persona identities.
Working with UX, not against it
UX is a variable that needs to be thought out meticulously. At first it sounds inconceivable and you're probably thinking, "Yeah this guy...". But in reality it doesn't need to be that difficult. Over thinking can cause doubt and the doubt is where you are now working against UX and not with it.
Before you rush off and ask all your friends to review your website, digital product, Facebook or Instagram content - Think twice. A biased opinion is not valuable, ask your users. If you don't know who they are, give me a call.