While it might seem almost impossible to fathom, the modern-day version of the internet as we know it will turn just 30 this year. In that relatively short space of time, the web has completely transformed all facets of modern life and become an integral tool for both business and social interaction.
Today’s web is almost unrecognizable from the simple HTML page posted by Tim Berners-Lee back on 6th August 1991. As software, hardware, programming, devices and connection speeds have all advanced and developed over the years, so the range of tools and scope of services available to website designers and developers to build their web platforms has led to tremendous advances in terms of what the modern web can offer.
What is User Experience (UX)?
As the name might suggest, User Experience (UX) is a generic term used by web professionals to express the accumulated experience of a user visiting or using a website, application or software. UX is very closely tied to another user element – namely User Interface (UI). The UI of a site, app or software provides the direct connection between the user and the service – typically via a navigation system, images, input boxes or text.
The realization of the importance of User Experience (UX)
It should be remembered that web development and design have come a very long way in a relatively short time compared to other, more established media. In the early days of website production, design was very much placed at the forefront of most development projects – almost to the exclusion of other considerations. This skewed bias towards design was caused mainly by the fact that most web design firms came very much from a print and graphic design background. Indeed, it was typical for early design firms to first produce mock layouts in Photoshop or other similar photo editing packages with little to no regard for download times, UIs or UX and instead placing unjustifiable importance solely on graphics and layouts. However, many modern agencies, such as a trusted Miami web design company, have complex strategies when implementing proper UI and UX, and make sure the visitors enjoy every moment on their websites.
Designers are like artists – developers are like architects
Successful web development requires two main skills (design and programming) that lie pretty much at the complete opposite ends of the talent spectrum. Designers tend to think artistically, are creative and will normally excel at art, music or writing. At the other end of the scale, developers usually have powerful analytical and mathematical skills and think more in terms of logic.
One of the best ways to distinguish between the different skills is to think of how artists and architects might approach the same task. If you were to ask an artist to draw a picture of a building, they might produce a stunning piece of work giving you a visual representation of the structure – but with zero consideration of how that building might eventually be used. Conversely, an architect would likely produce an incredibly detailed drawing of the same building but, in their version, with thought given over to how the building would actually function with people in it – everything from the plumbing for the toilets to lifts and emergency escape exits.
Combining these two approaches is key to providing an enjoyable User Experience. Skilled design and development firms like Web Presence have proficiency in producing aesthetic and effective UXs that pull on the strengths of both designers and developers resulting in highly adaptable layouts that can change, adapt and grow to your requirements, as described at https://webpresence.digital/uk-blog/agile-ux-inbound-marketing.
In summary
User Experience (UX) can often be quite hard to define and pinpoint but most of us inherently know when something feels right. Good UX combines elements from both design and programming to produce the world’s most streamlined, intuitive and easy-to-use websites and apps. In fact, good UX is such a subtle art form that most people don’t even notice it – yet are adept at noticing when things aren’t right.
