UX design (user experience design) is the gathering of data from users, brainstorming solutions, the creation of prototypes and wireframes for applications and websites. The UX designers job is to take into consideration logical aspects by engaging with the general audience and using the data gained to create a smoother interaction between user and product.
As shown in the below picture there is a clear distinct difference between UX and UI. Whereas UI is more “left brained” artistic and visual aesthetically based, UX is the bones and structure of it all. They both cannot work without each other and even though it is polar opposite in designs they are complimentary to each other in a way that is perfect.
My current career is a basic freelance artist/ UI designer, but even in my field of work UX is important. If my website portfolio wasn’t easy to navigate, people wouldn’t consider commissioning me, but by providing a nice structure with clear links my chances are much better. I ran a test on my website, having a number of people assess my website and point out the bad and the good and what didn’t exist. It is the consumer/client feedback that provided me with the necessary knowledge to improve the quality of my website.
Common techniques used by UX designers include surveying the general public, taking data and compiling it into a usable structure that is pleasing to use. By using insights from the public and target audience and not just going without inside information, applications and websites are proven to have better positive statistics. Melding technology to today’s general public is often quite a difficult problem, the problem being wanting to expand to a very large audience. Most of today’s older generation still aren’t too familiar with today’s technology yet it has to be socially connected to the middle and younger aged generation. Finding that balance is part of the designers job and it’s what they strive for in their designs.
UX Designers work are seen in a plethora of products today from websites to mobile applications to video games and with each of these it’s always crucial to have feedback before sending out the final design, this is more commonly known as beta testing. It is within this period that the most important feedback is given and it is that feedback that will help create the best final product. UX Designers live off this type of feedback as that is what provides the most information.
This may be a little a repetitive but I hope you now understand a little more about UX Design!
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