To provide services at the highest level, we use cookies as described in our cookie policy. By using our website, cookies will be placed on your device. You can change your browser settings at any time. Check our cookie policy.
Authors
- Marta Słomka
- Michał Koch
Authors
- Marta Słomka
- Michał Koch
Content
Defining UX (User Experience) can be challenging because everyone has a different definition. However, UX has evolved significantly over the years from simply managing the usability of interfaces to a comprehensive methodology or way of thinking about designing digital services or products.
The Two Dimensions of UX
The Business Dimension
In UX, we consider whether the product or service we're creating has a place in the market and if it's needed. UX involves a business market analysis, where we need analytical skills to gather business requirements and verify them with market needs. This process often involves talking to potential users through interviews, surveys, and focus groups to validate ideas.
The Design Dimension
On the design side, UX focuses on the interface level. We design user paths step by step, creating simple interface sketches and wireframes, which evolve into detailed designs and, finally, the UI. The UI is the elegant, shiny visual part that can either impress or remain neutral, fulfilling its purpose without distracting from the primary goal.
The Role of UX in the Software Lifecycle
Historically, UX worked in more waterfall-like processes, starting with quick market research, analysis, and interface design. Today, the software development process is much faster and requires more interdisciplinary teams. Integrating UX early in the process is crucial for agile development and ensuring that products effectively meet user needs.
"From day zero, it's essential to have someone on the project or product team focused on solving business and customer problems and challenges. Depending on the type of organization, this could be a Product Manager, Product Owner, Business Analyst, or UX Designer," says Marta Słomka, UX Expert at SILK Software House. These combined skills drive innovative solutions and eliminate impossible ideas early on. Quick feedback from technical team members prevents unfeasible ideas from progressing too far."
"From day zero, it's essential to have someone on the project or product team focused on solving business and customer problems and challenges. Depending on the type of organization, this could be a Product Manager, Product Owner, Business Analyst, or UX Designer," says Marta Słomka, UX Expert at SILK Software House. These combined skills drive innovative solutions and eliminate impossible ideas early on. Quick feedback from technical team members prevents unfeasible ideas from progressing too far."
The Collaboration Between UX and Developers
Close collaboration between UX designers and developers is crucial, especially with budget and time constraints. This collaboration ensures that budget and time are used efficiently and potential issues are identified and resolved early. The UX designer's role in mapping out user flows and identifying potential issues early saves money by catching problems before implementation. Once user flows are mapped out and issues identified, these can be translated into visual designs, following best practices.
"Clearer tasks and well-thought-out designs make developers' jobs easier and more efficient," adds Marta.
"Clearer tasks and well-thought-out designs make developers' jobs easier and more efficient," adds Marta.
The Practical Application of UX
"UX involves brainstorming an idea, validating the concept, and designing solutions step by step," explains Marta. This process often starts with user flows, mapping out all possible user paths in the system. Identifying potential bottlenecks early saves money and avoids costly redesigns during implementation.
In UX, established design patterns developed over years of testing interfaces for ergonomics and usability are crucial. Following these patterns is important because they are effective for a reason. While creativity has its place, UX is more about practical, user-focused design.
In UX, established design patterns developed over years of testing interfaces for ergonomics and usability are crucial. Following these patterns is important because they are effective for a reason. While creativity has its place, UX is more about practical, user-focused design.
Educating About UX
"When I joined SILK Software House seven years ago, I thought working with developers would be challenging," shares Marta Słomka. "However, there was a lot of openness, and they quickly appreciated the value of UX work. Clearer tasks and well-thought-out designs made their jobs easier and more efficient."
Clients are not inherently resistant but are often concerned about budget and time constraints. Sometimes, it's better to release a minimum viable product (MVP) and iterate based on market feedback, although this can sometimes cost more than thorough early validation.
Clients are not inherently resistant but are often concerned about budget and time constraints. Sometimes, it's better to release a minimum viable product (MVP) and iterate based on market feedback, although this can sometimes cost more than thorough early validation.
Cost-Effective UX Testing
Marta Słomka points out that while thorough user testing can be costly, corridor testing or quick user interviews can provide some validation without significant expenses. These methods do not replace proper testing but can help catch logical errors early on. These approaches allow fundamental issues to be quickly identified and corrected, saving time and resources in the later design stages. Additionally, quick user interviews can provide valuable feedback that can be used to refine the product further. This ensures that the final product is more aligned with user needs without incurring the costs associated with full-scale testing.
The Importance of Risk Management in UX
UX is a way of thinking about modern product creation involving business and design dimensions. Its success lies in risk management, helping prevent business and financial risks early on. UX involves interdisciplinary roles, including business analysis, testing, management, and design principles. While some UX designers also handle UI design, Marta focuses more on the business-analytical side, assessing interfaces based on design patterns.
The Role of Workshops in UX
"In software houses like SILK, UX often involves initial client workshops to understand their business needs and challenges," explains Marta. These workshops help plan project processes accurately, defining and planning development and design processes based on client insights. Workshops are crucial for aligning team members and stakeholders on project goals and expectations.
Final Thoughts
"UX is an interdisciplinary field that combines various roles to create user-centered products. By managing risks early and involving UX from the beginning, businesses can save time and money, ensuring the success of their products," concludes Marta Słomka.
For more insights and expertise on UX, consider exploring works by Steve Krug, Don Norman, Marty Cagan, Eric Ries, and Jakob Nielsen, which provide valuable knowledge and best practices in the field.
For more insights and expertise on UX, consider exploring works by Steve Krug, Don Norman, Marty Cagan, Eric Ries, and Jakob Nielsen, which provide valuable knowledge and best practices in the field.