Web designers study the effects digital applications have on human behaviour, via computer interface design and product testing. However, experience design is concerned with how the whole business operates, not just the end consumer browsing the web.
User Experience (UX)
UX design is primarily concerned with on-screen interactions, how the app functions, but also considers the physical environment in which an app is being used. Our smart phones are full to the brim with competing apps and notifications, so UX designers make sure the on-screen controls are easy to operate. We optimise layouts for smaller phone screens as a priority, working our way up to large desktop computers. We refer to this design structure (implemented with CSS stylesheets) as Responsive, adaptable to your device.
Designers learn, through user testing, how people feel while interacting with computer screens, whether that’s a website, phone app or kiosk like a ticket machine in a train station.
Customer Experience (CX)
CX design considers the entire customer journey, from browsing a product page and filling out a checkout form to the products delivery tracking system, confirmation emails and the physical delivery itself. Digital shop assistants are often chatbots, though we still need human support via telephone. Designers consider the human aspect of payment transactions, how customers connect with support staff via the product’s app.
Employee Experience (EX)
The reliability and usability of intranets or workplace software affects productivity and job satisfaction. The Employee Experience might include checking stock levels, running apps on the firm’s intranet, writing promotional content or analysing sales data. A positive experience in using workplace technology is as important as designing a nice experience for customers. When software is clunky or error-prone, quality of service may drop and employees become less productive, because they can’t do their job properly.
Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
It’s a challenge for product designers, when considering the array of desires and pain points people face. The array of contexts in which we use computer screens, whether at work or as a consumer. Life is made easier when designs are tested on real people, who might be grouped by demographics, common interests or as work colleagues in a factory or office. Though ultimately our interactions with a computer is a personal experience.
Good experience design helps us to be more efficient in our work and daily activities online. Apps should be easy and quick, why user testing is crucial to the design process. Real human emotions must be considered, whoever you work with or wherever you are located.