What is user experience? That’s a good question. It is also a question with many different answers, depending upon whom you ask. It is not to be confused with user experience design. In my humble opinion, user experience is simply about how an object makes the intended user feel.
For me, user experience is more than just pixels on a screen, even though that is what it is most usually associated with, it is about whole experience. It is the experience that starts from the time I sit down in front of the computer until I shut it off. If it is good, I go away satisfied, if not, I go away frustration.
The goodness comes when my computer boots up, I log on, and open up any number of programs that will help me achieve my tasks for the day. If I am paying bills, I want to make sure that I can get online and the online banking web site is accessible. If I am writing a report, I need to make sure that the word processing program I am using is working and easy to use.
It’s all about experience. A friend of mine once said to me, “Technology should just work.” Agreed. User experiences should be pleasant and unencumbered.
What are your thoughts about user experience? Teach and learn at UXCamp DC.
User experience is making a person not have to think about what it is they are using so they can focus on the task at hand.
I agree – it works when the user no longer has to think about it, when it’s just ‘there’. Then, people will not hesitate to return
I agree – it works when the user no longer has to think about it, when it’s just ‘there’. Then, people will not hesitate to return
User experience is making a person not have to think about what it is they are using so they can focus on the task at hand.