An article by Miriam Putschar , SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH
Have you ever wondered why some apps and websites are so much fun to use, while others drive us to the brink of despair? Often the secret lies in the art of user experience design (UX design for short) and usability testing. In this article, we invite you to take a journey with us into the world of user-friendly software and understand why it is crucial.
What is UX design, anyway?
Imagine walking into a cozy coffee shop, sitting down at a table and ordering your favorite cof-fee. The barista is friendly, the music is pleasant-ly quiet, and the chairs are super comfortable. You immediately feel at ease, don’t you? That’s exactly how good UX design works!
UX design means designing software so that users feel comfortable in it. It’s about excellent usability and satisfaction at the highest level. A great user experience doesn’t just happen. It re-quires, among other things:
1. User research
Do you know who your target group is? What problems or goals do they have? Answering these questions is the first step. So let’s start with surveys and inter-views!
2. Information architecture:
Imagine you enter a supermarket and the shelvesare messy, without clear labels or categories. Shopping
becomes a frustrating treasure hunt. Just like in a wellorganized supermarket, UX design creates clear structures so users can easily find what they are looking for.
3. Wireframing and Prototyping:
What detailed blueprints and miniature models are for architects, wireframes and prototypes are for UX designers. They serve as blueprints and models for digital products before they are implemented in their final form.
4. Usability testing:
Think of a test driver driving a new car before launch to make sure it runs smoothly. Usability testing is like this test drive. Real users take on the role of test driver and check that your app drives smoothly
on the “usability road” before releasing it to the general public.
5. User interface design:
Again, think of the cozy café where the decor is tastefully designed. Just like in the café, the user interface design adds the final touch of aesthetics and appeal to your software. It is the visual charm that makes your application inviting and appealing.
Why is UX design important?
Good question, isn’t it? A great UX has some magical powers:
1. User satisfaction: Users will love the product. And happy users, are loyal users.
2. Efficiency: The software is like a Swiss Army knife–multifunctional and easy to use. This saves time and nerves.
3. Reduction of errors: Less errors means less headaches and frustration.
4. Competitive advantage: If the competition produces garbage but your app is a pleasure to use, users will reach for your product!
5. Cost saving: Early feedback saves a lot of money. It’s easier to fix problems before the whole world is using a product.
Conclusion
In a world full of software that brings more frustration than joy, you can make your users happy with great UX design. Remember the coffee shop at the beginning? Create a comparably engaging
environment in your application and users will keep coming back. So, why not get started and
make the world of software a little more friendly? Your users will thank you for it!
Our offer for you In a one-day workshop we will take a close look at your application or website and find out how we can create an excellent user experience.
Miriam Putschar
Team Lead UX Design
SVA System Vertrieb
Alexander GmbH
