Shared understanding expedites workflow. Let’s break down some common UX acronyms.
UI = User Interface
Simply put, a user interface is the presentation of information. User interfaces are more than digital experiences.
- Digital Interfaces
- Printed Media
- Signage
- Audio Interfaces
- User-Interface Design is enhanced by good user experience research.
- There are times when industry best practices and the goals of the users or the business don’t align. Great designers find the right balance.
UX = User Experience
The user emotions and experiences discovering and engaging with a service or product.
- How does a user get there?
- How do they feel?
- What inconveniences will they encounter?
- What do they need or desire?
- What do they care about?
XD = Experience Design
Defining the touch points for a product or service and how users and external factors will access, interact with and manipulate information.
- When and how does the user encounter the business throughout the entire customer journey?
- What outside factors influence the experience?
- What systems are involved?
- What outside factors does the product or service need to take into consideration?
- What factors will reach the sweet spot between users, technology and the business?
IA = Information Architecture
Defining and organizing information.
- Is the information grouped in a way that makes sense to users?
- Does the hierarchy provide obvious pathways for the user’s goals?
IXD = Interaction Design
Defining how a user will access and manipulate information.
- Do the controls make sense?
- Does the service or product follow best practices?
UCD = User-Centered Design
Goal-oriented lens examining user needs, wants, and constraints for products, services, and processes.
Bonus Definition: User
‘User’ is a broader term than is generally credited. They are discovering and engaging in a service or product. Examples can include:
- Point of purchase
- Attending an event
- Buying a coffee
- Eating a meal
- And, yes. Of course, browsing a website
The next time you are in a meeting that feels like hot acronym soup, challenge yourself to be more descriptive. Let’s reiterate what we ‘think’ we know and create shared understanding.