User Experience (UX) Design

Being in the field of Computer Science, there are endless opportunities. This field is seen with a perception that it involves only coding but there is a lot more to it. Some jobs do not require coding. One of these is UX Design.

If you are pursuing your degree in computer science or similar and are not able to find any interest in coding then this article will help you out. 

UX Design

What is User Experience (UX) Design?

UX stands for User Experience. Basically how a user feels and his/her demands getting fulfilled after using the software or automobile or any other gadget designed. In simple terms “is the user able to use the product efficiently, the way the developer has intended to use his artifact.” Creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for users while using the interface is the main aim of UX Design.

User Experience Design is all about the user interaction or overall experience of a user with the product, webpage, or application. How the customer feels about the product when he/she is using the service if he/she is facing any problem while interacting with the product or application, also how easy it is for a user to perform a certain task to use a product. 

UX can have everything from physical products to digital experiences. It considers a user’s journey to solve a problem. Think of e-commerce, online food delivery, or online travel company website where how easy it is for a user to order something make the payment, and how long it takes to complete the need whether it might be ordering a book or food or anything. This is considered as UX design. 

 There is one related topic UI Design. UI is known as a User interface. It is a bit different from the User Experience. The User Interface is defined as the interaction between the user and the design. These two terms go hand in hand. Don’t get confused between UI and UX.

Difference Between User Interface and User Experience

Though User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) are closely related concepts in the field of software and website development, they differ in the aspects of the overall user interaction with a product.

User Interface(UI)	User Experience(UX)
UI focuses on the quality of the user’s contact with the product	UX centers around the intent and functionality of the product.
UI comprises more creative design elements linked to the look and feel of the user’s experience	UX involves components like market research and understanding consumer needs.
UI is more particularly focused on the design of the end product	UX are concerned with managing the overall project from ideation through development and delivery

History of User Experience (UX)

The history of User Experience (UX) design can be traced back to the 1940s with the emergence of Human Factors Engineering, which focused on optimizing systems for human use. In the 1970s, the term “usability” gained prominence as researchers began to emphasize the importance of making technology more user-friendly.

The 1990s brought about new challenges and opportunities for UX design with the internet boom . Designers focused on creating seamless online experiences and websites began to proliferate. Concepts like information architecture and interaction design became central to UX practice.

How to Get Started With UX Design?

1. Learn the Fundamentals and Principles of UX Design.
2. Learn and start working with a UX Design tool like Figma and Adobe XD.
3. Start making mock designs and projects.
4. Join Design Communities.
5. Start Looking for freelance work from various services.

UX Design Process

• Requirements: The problem space where the task has been lacking.
• Design Alternatives: To know what could be the alternative for a preexisting software.
• Prototyping: To ensure that the design has met the needs of the user better than the existing design.
• Evaluation: Allows to ascertain that UX has been improved.

Importance of User Experience (UX) Design

UX design is important because it ensures that the products are simple to understand, navigate, and use, which ultimately makes users happy and keeps them coming back.

If the user does not like a product then they will simply stop using that product and it will impact the revenue of the businesses. So a good UX Design is essential for allowing the user to guide effortlessly through the products.

Advantages of User Experience (UX) Design

Some advantages of User Experience (UX) are mentioned below:

• A good UX design focuses on meeting the needs and preferences of users, resulting in products and services that leads to increased user satisfaction and loyalty.
• UX design optimizes the usability of digital products thereby, reducing user frustration and errors.
• Increases User Engagement by making users spend more time interacting with the product or services, increasing time on site, click-through rates, and conversions metrics.
• A positive user experience foster strong emotional connection of the user with the brand which leads to increased brand loyalty.

Disadvantages of User Experience (UX) Design

Some disadvantages of User Experience (UX) are mentioned below:

• The process of performing extensive user research, iterative testing, and refining design solutions can be time-consuming and may delay the given deadlines.
• The tools used for User Experience (UX) Design can be expensive for smaller businesses with limited budgets.
• As individual preferences and perceptions may vary, the use of User Experience (UX) can be considered as subjective. Providing an optimal User Experience for all can be a challenging task.

User’s Needs in UX Design

UX designing is based upon the user’s interaction with the design. Now to understand what a user thinks and wants, there are some methods discussed as follows. These methods are required to be followed by a designer to collect some vital information about his/her product by getting reviews.

• Naturalistic Observation: In this section just watch the user using the design in their own environment. In this type of observation, the user does not interact with the designer. Data collected in such an observation is quantitative as well as qualitative.
• Surveys: Get the user’s opinions. It requires physical interaction with the user.
• Focus groups: In this type of observation a group of users is made to communicate with each other in a room where a moderator who controls the team is required, basically who looks upon the actions and decisions of that group.
• Communicate: This is a face to face or one to one interaction with the user and the designer.

All of these methods have their pros and cons discussed as follows:

Steps	Advantages	Disadvantages
Naturalistic Observation	The user is in his/her comfort zone. Designers get quality feedback because the user uses the design in their environment	This leads to incorrect notes a few times. There is no privacy for the user’s information.
Surveys	Efficient data collection. Easy data analysis.	The information provided could be superficial.
Focus groups	A rich amount of data can be collected	A moderator is required. The ideas could depend on the influential member in the team, it means that the views could of any one member only. The ideas could get affected by social influence.
Communicate	An in-depth conversation can lead to greater results in knowing how a user wishes to use a specified product.	Skilled communicators are required. It is time-intensive. A lot of time is required to interview with so many users.

Conclusion

After knowing about UX Design we know how important it is to make an interface. An user’s experience while using a website matters a lot as a website that is not very user-friendly will rank very badly on SERPs. An interface with good user experience has less bounce rate, high retention rate, and increased traffic.

User Experience (UX) – FAQs

What does a UX designer do?

A UX designer researches user needs, designs intuitive interfaces, and conducts usability testing to create digital products that prioritize user satisfaction and functionality.

What is the salary of a UX Designer in India in 2024?

Depending on experience, skills, and location, graphic designers in India typically earn an annual salary ranging from Rs.4,00,000 to Rs.15,00,000.

What are the 5 elements of User Experience (UX)?

• Strategy: Setting goals and defining the approach for UX design.
• Scope: Outlining features, content, and functionalities of the product.
• Structure: Organizing elements for intuitive navigation and usability.
• Skeleton: Creating wireframes and prototypes for layout visualization.
• Surface: Designing visual elements like colors and typography for aesthetic appeal.

What are some emerging trends in UX design?

Voice user interfaces (VUI), augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, personalized and adaptive interfaces, inclusive design practices, and the integration of AI and machine learning are some of the emerging trends in UX design.

What are the tools used in User Experience (UX) design?

• Wireframing and Prototyping Tools: Tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, and Axure RP are used.
• User Research Tools: Tools like UserTesting, Optimal Workshop, and UsabilityHub help designers conduct user research.
• Usability Testing Tools: Tools like Lookback, UserZoom, and Hotjar facilitate remote usability testing.

What are some common UX research methods?

The UX research methods help designers gain insights into user behaviors, preferences, and needs. Common UX research methods include user interviews, surveys, usability testing, card sorting, and ethnographic studies.

List some examples of a User Experience (UX)?

• E-commerce Websites
• Mobile Apps
• Social Media Platforms
• Online Banking Platforms
• Travel Booking Websites
• Fitness Apps
• Streaming Platforms
• Productivity Tools