First, let’s start with a short description of what UX design really is: User experience (UX) design is the process through which teams of designers create products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users. This could involve designing the entire process through which people acquire and integrate a product in their lives, including elements of branding, design, function and usability. The product could be anything from a smartphone to a website, a poster or even an event for thousands of people. 

The world is becoming increasingly design-savvy, so it’s never been more important to understand UX design and the role it plays in our lives. While most people recognize UX design for its ability to drive great user experiences, they often don’t recognize the extensive involvement of UX in transforming the way users interact with all products. 

So, let’s shine a light on some of the most critical misconceptions about UX.  

UX design is just about digital product design.

UX is about designing engaging experiences that should last through the entire consumer lifecycle. It takes into account human moments and incorporates all the aspects of the ecosystem in which the user interacts with the product. So, it’s not limited to the confines of the computer. In some cases, you don’t even need a screen to create a meaningful experience.

UX=UI: User experience is about the usability of the product.

UI and UX go hand-in-hand very often, that’s why they are usually mistaken as being the same. In fact, they are remarkably different disciplines. While usability creates an experience that helps users accomplish their goals, UX is about creating a meaningful experience end-to-end. UX is about creating feelings. And that has a lot more to do than making a product usable.

UX design is just a step in a project.

UX design is an extremely vast process that, ideally, starts at the strategy level. UX affects the whole lifecycle of a business or a project, so believing that it’s only confined to sketching interfaces or product designing is simply wrong. UX also includes activities such as focus groups, supporting the development of a product and even making adjustments after its launch.

UX design is a one-off thing.

Impactful UX design is about continuously discovering users’ needs and constantly revaluing the goals of the product. It’s vital to acknowledge early feedback and integrate it within the entire project. So, even though you should aim to get your UX design right on the first try, you can’t disregard it when the product is released. Putting it simply, UX is never a one-off task. 

UX design means looking good.

Flawless designs like illustrations and graphics are great, however design on its own it does not guarantee the success of a product. That’s where UX design plays a key role. UX design takes a closer look at how users see the world, what emotions they feel and how they behave. It’s not just about colours and font styles, it’s also about testing, research, prototyping and science.

UX is only about the latest solutions.

UX is not just about the latest solutions or following the latest trends on the market. With a focus on the specific needs of a company’s system or product and the end-to-end user experience, UX makes use of the most relevant tools and solutions out there. However, this doesn’t mean your technical know-how about the latest innovations should fall behind. 

Designers do the same job as UX specialists.

While designing great UX is the job of both the designers and the UX specialists, there are many differences between the two. The main difference is that designers are responsible for creative elements, whereas UX specialists are responsible for analysing the ins and outs of the entire project. So, while a designer might bring your product to life, a UX specialist would research the market, come up with strategic solutions and analyse user feedback to create the ideal experience. 

Now that you have a broader understanding of what UX design really entails, if you’re in need of some top-of-the-class UX design for your business, visit www.uxtremely.com. We’re  happy to listen to all your needs and present you with solutions that could create a meaningful experience for everyone who interacts with your product.