User experience plays an important role in determining whether your product can succeed or not in the market. If a web or mobile app, or any digital product, satisfies the needs of its intended audience, chances are high that it will thrive despite the stiff competition.
According to the description of Peter Morville – a pioneer in the field of UX, seven elements can affect user experience:
- Useful
- Usability
- Easy to find
- Reliable
- Worth desiring
- Accessible
- Valuable
Let’s discuss these factors further.
1. Usefulness
It is crucial to pay attention to the usefulness of a product when thinking of UX design. Ask whether it can be helpful or not? Reflect on why you want to supply it to the market.
Users always focus on the function of a product, so if it does not have a clear purpose, it is very difficult to position it in the market. Besides the basic benefits, developers also need to think about potentially unnecessary additions like play or aesthetics.
If you are to incorporate a game or artwork into your app, will it be of any help to users?
2. Usability
Product usability helps developers achieve their ultimate goal for creating a product. For example, if a computer game is designed with three sets of control pads, it would be very inconvenient for users who prefer to play alone, as multiple players are required.
The available resources can influence the lifespan of an application. But regularly evaluating its features and making data-based changes along the way can make it last longer in the market.
The first MP3 player lost its position when the iPod, a product with greater usefulness, was launched. The iPod was not the first music player, but it was the first truly useful product of its kind. iPod’s designers collected feedback from MP3 users and used it to update their invention. From there, they were able to launch a device with better usability.
3. User-friendliness
Clear and fuss-free navigation is also essential to enhance user experience.
Elements and categories must be properly organised, so users will quickly find what they are looking for. Visitors will likely leave if an app’s interface is too complex or if the search and filter buttons are not working.
Put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. How will you make their browsing experience more enjoyable? Which features will need to be eliminated to make their journey seamless?
4. Reliability
The market’s response to your app gives you an insight into its value. Does it deliver on its promises? Is it making its users’ lives simpler?
A navigation app, for instance, must contain accurate information. Its purpose is to guide its users as they go from one location to another. It must provide clear directions and it must be a breeze to use, too.
Misleading or false information will drive users away. And without trust from the target audience, the digital product would not survive.
5. Desirability
Desirability can be captured in designs through brand image, identity, aesthetics, and emotional design. A product that people crave is more likely to win positive word-of-mouth. And recommendations from real users can result in a wider customer base, creating additional revenue streams for the company.
Mobile apps with similar functions can gain or lose loyal supporters depending on how the market perceives them. Any app stands to incur losses if its competitors offer more efficient, cost-effective, and visually-attractive solutions.
6. Accessibility
Accessibility is about delivering solutions that all users can access, including people with disabilities. Most designers often overlook this factor when developing UX friendly solutions, thinking it will cost a lot of money, but this is not true.
Look into the needs of all your potential users. The research and enhancements may take longer, but the results are likely to deliver greater revenue for your business and assert your position on the market.
Keep in mind that to ensure accessibility, products must be easy for everyone to use.
7. Value
Finally, a product must provide value to its users, because only then will it create value for its developer.
Gather reviews from real users to find out if your web or mobile app is responsive to their needs. Monitoring feedback allows you to identify weaknesses to address and gaps to take advantage of. It also brings you closer to your target audience, helping you build a loyal customer base.
For more expert advice on enhancing user experience for digital products, follow our blogs. If you require custom IT solutions, leave a message at https://www.user.com.sg/contact/ and one of our professional team members will get in touch with you.
