Probably you’ve heard not once your techies-friends discussing the great UX of a product or the poor UI of a new application. Is it a kind of a secret language that only a few can understand? Or do they use such words just to look cool? Neither the first nor the second. UI/UX design is an indispensable part of modern technology and if you’re even slightly into it, you should differentiate these frequently confused notions. And we’ll try to do it simply and understandably.

So, let’s start from the beginning and define what UI/UX design is.

What is UI/UX design?

The notions your friends have been discussing are two elements that have been in theory for centuries and now are finally defined in the tech industry as UI/UX design.

UX or user experience design is an experience and impression that a user gets while working with the interface. It reflects their satisfaction in the process of achieving their aim — how difficult or how easy it can be achieved. In other words, it’s a human-oriented way of designing products. We can apply this term to a vegetable peeler or a mobile application, the aim of UX design is always the same — to create an easy and pleasant user experience.

UI or user interface is the way an interface looks and the physical characteristics it receives. User interface defines how convenient will it be for a user to press the buttons, read the text and if the colors are easily perceptible, the ability to intuitively use the product, etc. The user interface is the look and feeling a user gets while using a product and unlike user experience it’s a strictly digital term, reflecting user’s interaction with a digital device.

Both elements go hand in hand and are crucial for a product. Though, now you can see how different are their roles as to the reference to completely dissimilar aspects of product development process and design.

So, what makes good UX?

According to Peter Morville, a pioneer in user experience and information architecture sphere, high-quality UX contains these seven factors.

#1 Good UX is useful

Unless the product is beneficial for users, what’s the point to release it? The market is full of high-quality goods and any product that is going to be brought in the market should stay competitive in the matter of users’ demand.

#2 Good UX is usable

The ability of users to easily and effectively achieve their goals while using a product encompasses its usability. Usually, the first generation products suffer the most from the lack of usability, as they are not perfectly thought-out.

#3 Good UX is credible

No user forgives lies! The product provided must be trustworthy not only in the matters of the function it’s supposed to perform but also in the matters of being long-lasting. Remember: modern users don’t give a second chance.

#4 Good UX is desirable

If you can choose between Cartier and Swatch, which watch will you pick up? Of course, Cartier. No, we don’t mean Swatch is low-quality, but the image Cartier has penetrated into our cognition through its identity, branding and luxury image, which makes it desirable for a user. The more desirable a product is — the more likely a user is to opt for it.

#5 Good UX is findable

If you can’t find a product, you won’t buy it, it’s as easy as ABC. Make sure your product is well-advertised and the content you deliver is a high-quality one.

#6 Good UX is accessible

Unfortunately, the needs of disabled people are often neglected while creating UI/UX design as they belong to a small segment of users. Though, according to the World Health Organization report, about 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. Can you now imagine how many users can you lose because of neglecting the accessibility of your product?

#7 Good UX is valuable

Good UX is valuable for both sides: for its creator and its users. No value means no success.

Where do you go from here?

You don’t need to be a business analyst to get the impact of good UI/UX design on business. Delightful UI/UX design that motivates users to come back to a product and to use it over and over, boosts your business and generates loyalty. If you need one, our QU’ARTE team is eager to help.