These visualizations create the steps a user would take to complete a task, or reach a goal. Establishing a path of least resistance, where the user can effortlessly navigate their way through a system, is good UX.
Wireframes lay the foundation of a site's functionality and structure by taking into account user journeys. This takes place early in the development process and prior to adding visual design and content.
When an idea takes shape, it usually follows a clear and repeatable process. A sequence of images representing user movement through an interactive experience are illustrated with hand drawn paper prototypes or with low-fidelity digital prototypes.
Observation of how a user group interacts with a product, as they attempt to complete tasks, is conducted repeatedly, from early development until a product is released. Usability testing is used to identify pain-points that inform the next iterative phase before the design is finalized.
It is of great importance to debrief immediately after the testing participant leaves. Observations of behaviors and insights begin to fade the moment the test is concluded. Documenting the interview with video, audio and hand written notes may not capture every detail.
Initial investment in UX design can significantly reduce costs in the future. UX Design and Design Thinking involve research, analysis, and testing. Therefore, possible usability issues, or problems can be identified prior to development, which is far less expensive.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) offer the best insights into how users interact with a product. This data is used to quickly determine the success of a product, and it measures the following:
1) Task success rate.
2) Time on task.
3) Search vs. Navigation
4) User error rate.
Some studies have shown that "stock" photos and other graphics add little value to a product. This is because most images are not customized to a particular application, nor are they contextualized to facilitate user needs.
Product design is typically regarded as ornamental and focused on making objects look good. In UX, product design revolves around structure and function, as it relates to the needs of users. The toolkit of a good user experience creative is strengthened by solid ethnographic research.
Often questions related to what usability is, as compared to desirability, are brought up in UX design and it is crucial to differentiate the two. A product may look good, but lack utility. Conversely, a product can be useful but lack desirability. The Neilson Norman Group concludes that there are four levels of user experience:
1) Utility - usefulness of a product.
2) Usability - efficiency, safety, memorability, learnability and satisfaction.
3) Desirability - the user wants to use a product in preference to another.
4) Brand Experience - does the customer feel good about the company.