UX Design Market
A brief overview of user experience design and the current market
What is UX Design?
In business, there are always problems to solve. UX design is an approach that places humans at the center of these problem-solving processes. The effectiveness of user experience design lies in its depth of understanding implicit human behaviors, needs and capabilities.
Why UX Design?
There is a pressing need for problem-solving using this approach, with one of the most apparent challenges being at the customer level. Users derive the highest satisfaction from products that not only accomplish their end goal but also addresses their challenges seamlessly with the least amount of friction.
For businesses, good UX offers great return on investment as increased customer satisfaction ties into brand loyalty and engagement. It also tackles the challenge of product strategy and improvement as data-driven insights, through effective user experience design research, is used to properly align the business’s value proposition with the expectations and behaviors of their target audience.
Less echoed in the field of UX, which I personally advocate for as a fundamental reason for better designs, is the idea that through it — the fear and stigma of advanced technology is gradually being alleviated among the general public. One way this has proven to be possible is with product designs becoming more accessible and inclusive, putting a spotlight on the benefits of assistive technologies in society.
Advancements in UX
Despite facing criticism for its artistic approach to analysis and implementation, UX is emerging as a formidable force to be reckoned with. A great contributor is the increasing advancements in brain function research (Neuroscience) and accessibility to research technologies. Through this, more knowledge is being leveraged to facilitate the understanding of human-computer interactions.
For example, in the early 90’s eye-tracking machines were commonly used only in specialized laboratories but as it’s become more compact and affordable, these devices are now well-established when conducting UX studies. Eye trackers are currently being used to provide UX researchers with critical insights into their users areas of interest when interacting with an interface.
Playing field
As many industries are beginning to recognize the importance of having a comprehensive digital strategy when crafting their business model, they are increasingly adopting the concept of placing their users first. From e-commerce, to healthcare and even entertainment, digital systems are being incorporated to generate new revenue streams, manage larger scale projects, improve accuracy etc. However complex the business is, it will invariably need intuitive design across all aspects. Failing to effectively incorporate UX as they make such transition can have the undesired effect.
Example: The VAR system
An illustrative instance can be seen with the incorporation of the Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) system into the game of football on March 3, 2018. Designed to interfere minimally by reviewing certain refereeing decisions, the VAR system in recent times has received major backlash from league managers and sport pundits due to its inaccuracy and delays in making decisions. It begs the question, why was it then introduced?
Solution: Design thinking in UX
While avoiding an exhaustive exploration of the VAR system and its numerous instances of errors, it’s conceivable that a human-centered approach aligned with the principles of UX design thinking could improve the current system. One step to a possible solution could involve conducting multiple extensive usability tests, comprising not only the on-field and assistant referees but the footballing supporters as well. Insights from such studies could prove to offer solutions to errors and time lost in the system completing its core task.
Conclusion
The influence of good UX Design is all around us and it will continue to gain prominence over time. It will go on to play a crucial role in humanity’s transition into the digital age. My bet is if we fully embrace the art of thinking and problem solving UX design offers, we will eventually bridge the gap between humans and computers.
Written by
(UX Designer & User Researcher)
