User Experience (UX):User Beyond Simple Usability

Recently, while opening a bank account, I was pleased to hear the advisor praise the merits of their "easy-to-use" online service. This remark, coming from the banking sector, made me smile and reminded me of how much the notion of user experience (UX) has become widespread.

In the world of web and mobile development, UX is often cited as a key success factor. However, its definition can sometimes be unclear. Good UX is not just about having a pretty or simple interface. It encompasses many more elements to provide a truly effective solution for users.

What is UX Design?

UX Design encompasses all the interactions a person has with a digital product or service. It's about making these interactions relevant and enjoyable. Have you ever used a product for the first time and felt satisfied? That's a sign of successful UX.

Good UX allows the user to intuitively understand how to use the product, why to use it, and how to accomplish tasks effortlessly. When optimized, it brings many benefits to a company:

• Increased customer satisfaction

• User loyalty

• Reduced support costs

• Differentiation from the competition
  

The 7 Facets of UX Design

Peter Morville, a renowned designer and information architect, defined 7 key facets of a good user experience:

1. Useful: The product must meet a real need and solve a problem.

2. Usable: The user should be able to accomplish tasks successfully and without frustration.

3. Desirable: Branding, design, and other elements should evoke a positive emotion.

4. Findable: Information should be easy to find and locate.

5. Accessible: The product should be accessible to everyone, including the elderly and disabled.

6. Credible: The user must be able to trust the product and the company.

7. Valuable: The product should provide added value to the user, whether in terms of security, time-saving, or other benefits.‍
   

Creating an Optimal User Experience: The UX Process

To create an optimal UX, it's essential to follow a rigorous process:

1. Empathy: Get to know your users by observing and interviewing them to understand their problems, needs, and emotions.

2. Definition: Synthesize the gathered information, create personas (typical user profiles), and define user journeys.

3. Ideation: Generate creative solutions as a team, for example, during brainstorming workshops.

4. Prototyping: Create an interactive representation of the proposed solutions (mockups, wireframes, prototypes).

5. Testing: Put the prototype in the hands of users to gather feedback and iterate on the design.‍
   

Conclusion

A good user experience is a crucial factor for the success of your product. By following a rigorous UX process, you can improve or create products that truly meet your users' needs and stand out from the competition.