What is UX?
User experience or UX is the term used to describe the overall experience of a person using a product such as a website or app.
A good user experience is one where the website is easy or pleasing to use while a bad user experience where the site is complicated or not intuitive can quickly turn people off.
UX lies at the heart of modern design, shaping how individuals interact with products, services, and technology.
It's about creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also functional, accessible and intuitive.
UX encompasses a user's emotions, attitudes, and perceptions when interacting with a product, system, or service.
The synergy between usability, accessibility, and aesthetics can determine how satisfying and effective the user's journey is.
UX extends beyond the visual and functional aspects of a product or service it also looks at emotional connection and overall satisfaction of the user.
Why is UX important?
The value of UX becomes particularly evident when users find products easy to use, enjoyable, and aligned with their needs. A positive user experience encourages brand loyalty and customer retention and enhances the perception of a product's quality.
Furthermore, by focusing on the user's needs and preferences, organisations can develop solutions that lead to increased engagement and improved results. A website or page with a good UX will result in more people clicking through and engaging with the site, while one that does not take UX into consideration will simply turn people away.
UX in the UL Web Team
In the continued pursuit of exceptional user experience, the Web Team at UL has recently expanded to include two UX specialists- a UX researcher and a UX designer.
UX Researchers
UX Researchers delve into the minds and behaviours of users, conducting studies to understand their needs, motivations, and pain points. Using research surveys, interviews, and observational studies UX researchers can generate valuable insights that when implemented into a new design process will greatly improve the user experience.
UX Designers
UX designers take the data gleaned by the UX Researcher and redesign a new webpage based on the users’ needs.
In the UL Web Team our UX researcher and UX designer work hand in hand and in conjunction with the wider Web Team to deliver tailored products and experiences that resonate deeply with users, ultimately resulting in meaningful and impactful designs and a better-performing webpage or site.