In today’s digital age, user experience (UX) has become a crucial aspect of any product or services. Whether it's a website, a mobile app or a physical product with a digital interface, a great user experience can set a product apart from the competition and ensure its success.
To create a stellar user experience, designers and developers must consider a range of factors that can significantly impact how users interact with and perceive a product.
But what exactly do we mean when we refer to UX?
Frequently, UX is misinterpreted as mere usability, describing how easy a product is to use. While it's true that UX originated from usability, it has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of user interactions.
To achieve successful products in the market, it is crucial to consider all facets of the user experience.
Below are seven important factors that influence user experience:
1. Useful
If a product lacks utility, it has little reason to be brought to market. Users are drawn to products with a clear purpose that adds value to their lives. It's important to note that usefulness isn't solely practical; products that provide enjoyment or aesthetic appeal can also be considered useful.
2. Usable
Usability focuses on enabling users to successfully achieve their goals with a product, and is the foundation of a good user experience. It involves making a product easy to use, intuitive and efficient. An excessively complicated or impractical design can deter users. For instance, a computer game requiring three control pads when most users have only two hands would be considered unusable.
3. Findable
Findability refers to a product's ease of discovery. In the digital and information sphere, it also encompasses the ease of finding specific content within the product. If users can't locate a product or its content, they're unlikely to make a purchase.
4. Credible
Credibility is about instilling trust in users. They must trust that the product performs as intended, endures over time, and provides accurate and relevant information. Users are unlikely to engage with a product if they doubt the creator's intentions.
5. Desirable
Desirability is conveyed through design, branding, aesthetics, and emotional appeal. Some products, while useful and usable, may not be as desirable as others. A desirable product is more likely to inspire user loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.
6. Accessible
Accessibility is often overlooked, but is crucial for a comprehensive user experience. It is about ensuring the product can be used by people with a range of disabilities, including those with visual or hearing impairments. Overlooking accessibility can alienate a significant portion of the potential user base and may even result in legal consequences.
To create an inclusive user experience, designers must consider factors such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and high-contrast interfaces. When a product is accessible to all, it enhances usability and widens the audience.
7. Valuable
A product must deliver value to both the business that creates it and the user who purchases or uses it. Value plays a pivotal role in purchasing decisions; a product that solves a significant problem is more likely to succeed in the market.
The success of a product hinges on more than just utility and usability.
Products that are useful, usable, findable, accessible, credible, valuable and desirable are well-positioned to thrive in the marketplace. Understanding and prioritizing these seven factors can significantly enhance the user experience and, consequently, a product's chances of success.
EWM is here to support you with all of your UX requirements.
Get in touch today to speak to a member of our team!
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