Designers of products and systems often refer to the people for whom they design as “users.” While technically correct, thinking about people as “users” can lead to a reductionist approach that neglects many aspects of the UX, such as our values and emotions. We all have our own unique aspirations and feelings, and these can change based on contexts and interactions. Design teams should uphold responsibility for maintaining awareness of our “users” as people, and they can do so by implementing 3 approaches that will enhance the understanding of UX for all stakeholders.
11. “If I had asked
people what they
wanted, they would
have said faster
horses."
Author unknown
12. “If there is any one secret of success, it
lies in the ability to get the other person’s
point of view and see things from that
person’s angle as well as from your own."
Henry Ford, automotive industry pioneer
16. Hierarchy of UX needs
Meaningful
Pleasurable
Convenient
Usable
Reliable
Functional (useful)
Significant
Memorable, worth sharing
Super easy, works as expected
Used without difficulty
Available, accurate
Works as programmed
Anderson, S. P. (2011). Seductive interaction design: Creating playful, fun, and effective user experiences. Berkeley, CA: New Riders
33. Socialize
Always make the experience top of mind
● Review key moment metrics
● Use journey as centerpiece
● Share stories and themes
● Engage all stakeholders
35. What next?
Start/continue the process
● Critical user profile
● Context of use
● User values, needs, emotions
● Journey (before, during, after)
● Key moments
● Continuous monitoring
● Socialization
36. “Want your users to fall in
love with your designs?
Fall in love with your users."
Dana Chisnell, usability research expert
37. Further reading
Anderson, S. P. (2011). Seductive interaction
design: Creating playful, fun, and effective
user experiences. Berkeley, CA: New Riders.
Jordan, P. W. (2000). Designing pleasurable
products: An introduction to the new human
factors. London: Taylor & Francis.
Norman, D. A. (2004). Emotional design: Why
we love (or hate) everyday things. New York:
Basic Books.
Walter, A. (2011). Designing for emotion. New
York, N.Y: A Book Apart/Jeffrey Zeldman.