What Exactly is UX design?

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UX Design is the process of improving user experience by enhancing the usability, accessibility, and pleasure in the interaction between the user and the product. It involves research, testing, and refinement to create experiences that are enjoyable, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with the goals of the business. This is accomplished through the use of competitor analysis, customer analysis, product structure/strategy, content development, wireframing, prototyping, testing/iteration, development planning, execution, and analytics.

In general, UX design is the process of enhancing user satisfaction by improving the usability, accessibility, and pleasure provided in the interaction between the user and the product. Essentially, UX design is a human-first way of designing products — it’s all about creating experiences that people can use with ease and delight. A key UX design skill is learning how to make that experience the best it can be. UX designers tend to be concerned with three primary factors — usability, look, and feel.

  • Usability is the cornerstone of user experience. If a product isn’t usable, the user is guaranteed to have a negative experience.
  • The look of a product is the visual appeal. It should satisfy or exceed user’s expectations.
  • The feel is about designing products that are a joy to use. Products should provide a functional and pleasurable experience.

However, UX design isn’t solely about the user. Meeting the business goals of the product and aligning the business goals with those of the user is equally as important. Ultimately, the goal of a UX designer is to connect business goals to user’s needs through a process of research, testing and refinement.

Strategy and Content:

  • Competitor Analysis
  • Customer Analysis
  • Product Structure/Strategy
  • Content Development

Wireframing and Prototyping:

  • Wireframing
  • Prototyping
  • Testing/Iteration
  • Development Planning

Execution and Analytics

  • Coordination with UI Designer(s)
  • Coordination with Developer(s)
  • Tracking Goals and Integration
  • Analysis and Iteration