User Experience Design

The strategic way to design UX is about identifying a ‘North Star’. — Jaime Levy

UX Design, also known as user experience design or interaction design, is an integral part and a crucial step in software product development. Despite being a significant aspect in software product development, UX Design is often listed among the lowest priorities in the development lifecycle.

Robust technology solutions are not the sole driving force in an efficient and effective software product. UX design is pivotal to human-computer interaction as it enhances utility by implementing various scientifically proven strategies. These strategies, which are based on an in-depth analysis of human behavior, further streamline and combine aesthetics, usability and accessibility.

Both visual and interactive elements devised through UX design strategies aim at rendering a satisfactory experience to the user. This mode of design is an outcome of the combined expertise of product experts, UX consultants, designers, architects and developers. Varied skills, know-how and diverse perspectives enthuse optimal engagement in software products.

Technology enthusiasts often perceive visual design as UX design. However, many fail to understand that visual element or UI design is an outcome of the strategies adopted under UX design stage. Visual design is the implementation of tested scientific reasoning – a significant stage in the UX strategy. The success and efficacy of visual design is largely dependent on UX design.

What UX Design Does?

• Define the goal of organizations and businesses.
• Precision in communication with the targeted audience to convey how a product can satisfy them.
• Intersect human elements, information in terms of data and research, and desired outcomes.

The importance of UX Strategy

UX strategy involves planning and working towards user goals and successful implementation of business strategies. These objectives are achieved by defining user experience ahead of the design phase. UX strategy is vital as it assists design and development teams on various aspects of product lifecycle and workflows. This eases the hurdles in communication and prevents wastage of time and effort resulting in a cohesive product building process.

An ideal UX strategy will include the following:

• The status of user experience.
• Conceptualize to improve user experience.
• Expected returns from the exercise.
• Create roadmap to prioritize features and functionalities.
• Plan on how and when to implement adjustments and enhancements.
• List metrics to determine the ROI of UX activities.

Steps to Implement An Efficient UX Design

• Step 1 – Study market potential of the product. This step involves an extensive research and analysis on the market adaption capabilities and on similar products and competitors. The data gathered can be further used to develop methods of implementation of business strategies.
• Step 2 – As an extension to the initial research and to understand customer base, create life-like scenarios & user personas. Comparing past analytics to understand areas that need improvement and innovation.
• Step 3 – Estimate value proposition to define problems and ways to achieve tangible results.
• Step 4 – Finalize features and enhancements to get the best results and prioritize based on user goals and stakeholder ranking.
• Step 5 – The final stage involves creation of storyboards/wireframes around business goals inline to the value propositions.