User experience
User experience extends beyond individual screens. A portal example distinguishes the interface from the experience of the wider service.
User experience (UX) concerns what people experience when interacting with a company, its offerings and its services. Expectations, use and subsequent support can contribute to it. The design of individual screens is one part.
Example and distinction
In a hypothetical customer portal, placing an order is easy. Yet the promised confirmation never arrives, and support cannot find the order. The interface may be successful while the overall experience disappoints.
A UX assessment therefore needs a defined journey and the perspective of the people affected. An attractive screenshot alone does not show whether someone achieves their goal. UX extends beyond the interface and beyond the usability of an individual task.
Sources
Related terms
- User interfaceA user interface enables interaction with a system. Labels, feedback and responses to actions matter alongside the visual layout.
- User researchUser research investigates tasks, needs and conditions of use. Observations and their interpretation must be kept clearly separate.
- UsabilityUsability concerns use by particular people for particular tasks and conditions. An attractive interface alone is insufficient evidence.
- Focus orderFocus order determines the route through focusable elements. It should preserve meaning and operability, including during dynamic changes.
- Keyboard trapA keyboard trap leaves keyboard users stuck within a region. Deliberately containing focus in a dialog needs a keyboard-operable exit.
- Skip linkA skip link bypasses repeated navigation and leads to the main content. The destination must also work for subsequent keyboard navigation.
Articles on this topic
Design & UX with ASES
User experience, interfaces and brand presence