User experience design (UX, UXD, UED or XD) is the process of enhancing user satisfaction with a product by improving the usability, accessibility, and pleasure provided in the interaction with the product. User experience design encompasses traditional human–computer interaction (HCI) design, and extends it by addressing all aspects of a product or service as perceived by users. As an aspiring or practicing web professional, we should make every effort to enhance user satisfaction.
UX Term origin
User Experience Architect Donald Norman – it has been said that he has invented this term as he thought human interface and usability were too narrow and he wanted to cover all aspects of the person’s experience with the system including industrial design graphics, the interface, the physical interaction and the manual. Since then the term has spread widely, so much so that it is starting to lose its meaning. He has written his personal reflection about this in his Wikipedia article.
Feedback is critical
In this recent article by Fabricio Teixeira suggests UX Designers not to take design critique as an insult. Receiving feedback is a natural part of the design process, and in every round of feedback the design tends to get stronger and tighter. This article also gives some tips on how to avoid taking feedback personally. This is a 5 min read (and well worth the time).
As in any software development, trends in UI design have a tendency to come and go, but professionals prefer to follow those which should stick around and become a fundamental part of the process for user interface designers. Mobile app developers should always judge carefully when it comes to deciding which new UI design trends they want to present their customers. In this article by UX Planet, we see the top 3 mobile UI Design Trends of 2018.
- vibrant color palettes (and displays without borders)
- greater emphasis on video
- increased emphasis on cards
Additional articles of interest for web professionals
- When does good User Experience become evil? – The Moral Ambiguity of User Experience. If the designs you present to your clients are always very similar, this is a good article to review. Kelsey Bones provides insights into what user experience really means.
- The best UX and design conferences in 2018 – the definitive guide. Fabricio Teixeira provides a month by month overview of numerous conferences. If you want to learn more in person, this is a great place to start.
- Our projects, ourselves – What if learning was not a luxury or trade-off, but instead a vital tool in our daily practice? Aimee Gonzalez-Cameron provides additional insights into the adage “sharpen your saw” – specifically, we need to re-frame our concept of learning.
We hope you find these overviews of what is happening in our industry useful. We always look forward to your comments (whether you are a member or not).