5 Surefire Tips for Creating Great UX

As any person who’s really studied UX, there are tons more details that go into it than a pretty UI. These are the people I’m talking to now. Those that understand the roles interviews, psychology studies, color theory, average user tendencies, average education levels, surveys, and a whole bunch of other things play in defining the UX of a website.

Now having so many attributes that define UX does keep things interesting all the time, but it can lead to a lot of bad practices being used. That’s why in this article I’m going to give you five of my surefire tips in creating a UX.

Don’t Put Yourself In The User’s Shoes

Image Credit: Kaptain Kobold

As people who spend our days seeking the most ideal experience for users, it’s only natural to put ourselves in the user’s position. Well forget that natural feeling!

I’m saying forget this because it isn’t practical to do that. As a UXer you have a strong knowledge of how things are suppose to flow, and the underlying technologies in regards to their limitations. That type of knowledge isn’t something that easily can put aside.

Instead, you should opt to finding a few people that match your target demographic and ask them to take notes on their experience.

Have Conversations, Not Interviews

When in the research phase of your UX process, its never a bad idea to get information from actual ideal users. The technique many use to get users to give the needed information is by interviews, typically after some test case has been given. What if I were to tell you that this is not the best way to get the information you need?

Interviews do a great job in getting straight to the point and keeping things on a brisk pace. However, they also do a great job of creating a tense environment where many people will say make them feel uncomfortable and guarded.

Instead, get them comfortable with a good conversation. The difference in response quality will be worth the added effort.

Design In The Field

Now I’ve gotten some slack at times from this, but doing the majority of my design phase in the browser is the way to go! When you spend your time toiling away in PhotoShop, FIreWorks, Gimp, or another app you like you’re not living in the real constraints of your product.

Its like building a bookshelf meant for a library outside. When its time to bring that bookshelf into the library, you have to take it apart to bring it in the door.

Of course its going to be a difficult adjustment at first, but its something worth the time.

Create Task Driven Flow

For some reason everyone likes to think the human brain is really complicated. Its actually quite simple and easy to manipulate if you understand one thing, people love accomplishments. Since our childhood we’ve been raised on a system of doing a task and then getting a reward. The reward we’re going to be concerned with is continuation.

A continuation type of reward is great in creating a solid flow because it leads to a better feeling of integration from users. This feeling will lead users to be more curious to search through your site, or continue using your product.

Don’t Overthink Things!!!

Image Credit: MichErik

In this field there are a lot of things to think about at every stage of the creative process. Despite the benefits these mental challenges present, they do lead to a dangerous mental position. Overthinking!

Putting too much thought into things leads to errors you normally wouldn’t make and adds stress to your project. For an example, look back to your school days to test time. If you aren’t prepared you’ll end up overthinking every answer, which leads to missing more than you already would’ve.

All in all, keep your mind as light as possible at all times.