Hey UX colleagues!
Pull up a chair, grab your favorite cup of coffee (or tea, if that's your thing), and let's have a candid chat.
You know, every field has its fair share of myths – those pesky misconceptions that somehow weasel their way into common knowledge.
And UX?
Oh boy, we're not exempt.
So, as we take a sip of our chosen brews, let's jump into a few unconventional truths that I've been mulling over lately.
1) "Emotion isn't a primary UX metric."
If you've been ensconced in the world of clicks, scrolls, and bounce rates, you might be tempted to relegate emotions to the sideline.
But think about this:
User A: "I found what I needed quickly on the app."
User B: "The app made me feel confident and empowered."
Which feedback would you prefer?
Sure, User A had a functional experience, but User B had an emotional connection.
↳ Clarified: "Emotion amplifies user experience."
2) "All feedback is equal."
Collecting feedback is vital.
However, not all feedback weighs the same.
Imagine this scenario:
UX Designer: "We received feedback from 100 users. 90 of them loved feature X!"
Product Manager: "But who are these 90 users? Are they our primary user base?"
If those 90 users aren't your target audience, their feedback might steer you off course.
↳ Clarified: "Feedback is crucial but weigh it by relevance."
3) "Consistency trumps contextual design."
Consistency in design is essential.
But an overzealous drive for uniformity can smother creativity and the user's need for contextual relevance.
Picture a health app: On the workout page, a lively and dynamic interface might excite users. But the same style on a sleep tracking page? It could be counterproductive.
↳ Clarified: "Harmonize consistency with context."
4) "Data always knows best."
We live in the age of data. But data reveals correlations, not always causations.
Consider this dialogue:
Data Analyst: "We've noticed users drop off when they see our pricing page."
UX Lead: "So, we need to redesign the page?"
Data Analyst: "Or, maybe it's the pricing itself."
Always ask the why behind the what.
↳ Clarified: "Data informs, but human insight illuminates."
5) "Aesthetics is a secondary concern."
While functionality should be at the forefront, don't dismiss aesthetics.
Beauty isn't just a superficial layer, it influences perceptions of usability!
Take two identical platforms. One has a modern and appealing interface; the other looks like it's from the early 2000s. The former is perceived as more intuitive, even if the functionality is the same.
↳ Clarified: "Aesthetics shape usability perceptions."
6) "The UX job ends post-launch."
It's so tempting to breathe a sigh of relief after the launch.
But the world of UX is one of iteration and evolution.
Visualize this:
UX Manager: "We've launched our platform with the latest design trends!"
Team Member: "Yes, but trends change. We need to be prepared to adapt and refine."
We need to always be prepared for the next wave of change.
↳ Clarified: "UX is an evolving journey, not a destination."
In the ever-evolving landscape of UX, questioning assumptions and challenging misconceptions is crucial.
it's all about adapting and fine-tuning.
Let's make sure every user feels seen and understood on their unique journey! 😃
—Marina
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