user experience

For digital products, user experience covers everything someone experiences before, during and after use. Can they understand where to start, complete a task without unnecessary steps, receive clear feedback and find help when something goes wrong? Speed, reliability, content and appearance also affect that experience.

A good experience fits the user's goal and situation. An administrative system need not be playful, but should be clear and predictable. What works well therefore depends on the audience, device and circumstances.

How do you design and assess UX?

UX design usually starts with research into users, their goals and the context in which they use a product. Designers and developers then explore solutions, for example in a prototypeGlossary · In briefprototypeA prototype is an early, simplified version of a product. It makes an idea visible or testable so you can learn before developing the complete product.Read more. User tests, interviews and product data help investigate where people get stuck and which changes help.

This involves more than screen layout. Digital accessibilityGlossary · In briefdigital accessibilityDigital accessibility means people with different disabilities can perceive, understand and operate websites, apps and digital documents.Read more, understandable wording, loading time and how steps fit together also shape the experience. Teams keep assessing UX after launch because usage and expectations can change.

UX and the user interface

The user interfaceGlossary · In briefuser interfaceA user interface (UI) is the part of a digital system through which a user receives information and operates it. Examples include screens, buttons, forms and voice controls.Read more, often abbreviated to UI, consists of the elements someone uses to operate the product, such as buttons, forms and menus. It is an important part of user experience. UX also covers the whole journey and context: from finding the product and signing in to completing a task and resolving a problem.