UX has been a huge buzzword in the digital sphere for a few years now, but what exactly is it? The main role of a User Experience (UX) Designer is to make a product usable and enjoyable to the end user. How do they do this? Research, data analysis, user testing, wireframing and design prototyping are just some of the many skills they use to strategically design solutions to problems that users and businesses, new or established, face.
User Experience (UX) Design is a strategic approach to designing new products or improving products that are already out in the ether.
So how can it help YOUR business?
- Reduce cost down the line
• There’s always a certain amount of risk you take when you’re starting a new business or revamping an established one; UX Design is based on research, data analysis, testing and design iteration, so you set yourself up for success by focusing on this at the beginning stages of any design project.
A lot of usability errors can be caught and resolved during the prototyping and testing stage of the design process. Which makes for very quick and easy edits. Plus, it saves you a headache down the road!
Taking time to truly understand your client base (their wants, needs, habits and frustrations) can help you design the perfect end-product for them and to prevent potential usability issues that can be a costly fix down the line. Especially since it’s less costly to make design changes than the very costly development changes.
- User retention and acquisition
• The easiest way to lose a customer online is by having a poor user experience. Not being able to find a product or service that users are looking for will likely make them click away and find a new solution for their problems.
Focusing on user needs, wants and avoiding frustrations will encourage customers to use your website for prolonged periods of time. And if the product/website satisfies them they’ll likely talk to their friends and family about your company or services which can capture new customers.
- Good UX can help increase your conversion rate.
• At the end of the day, humans can be impatient, especially when we have been trained to expect a certain amount of instant gratification. If users have to navigate through 20 different pages to find and finally purchase a product they are looking for… Well, they’re simply going to find a website that is easier to navigate and satisfies their needs.
Reducing the level of effort users have to put in to navigate your site by simplifying and optimizing your website using the UX Design perspective will keep the customer on your site and contact or buy from you.
Make it as easy as possible for your customer to interact with your website. The aforementioned 20 different pages to get to a product? That should be reduced and made into the smallest amount of steps possible. You should also make your navigation clear and easy. Finally, your call to action buttons should have a clear meaning (think: “shop now!” or “book an appointment”).
With the digital landscape always changing and improving, your business has to ensure they have a strong online presence. Competition is always coming up and you want yours to stand out, while also maintaining and growing your customer base. Using a UX Design approach to improving your business can help.