First impressions matter a lot. Research shows that it takes users less than one second to form an opinion of a site upon first contact. What they see and experience within that time decides whether or not they’ll remain on your site. What’s more, the impression formed will determine their reaction to your brand in the future.
And that’s why a good user experience is essential. But what does that mean? What factors determine whether a user experience (UX) is good or bad? This post answers those questions as it offers a brief user experience 101.
User Experience Defined
UX is a whole field on its own that completely centers around users. It involves how a user interacts with a website, application, or product. And whether or not he views those sites as easy-to-use, timely, and effective.
Yes, as a designer, UX requires you to think from the perspective of your users. After which, you take steps to improve the quality of interaction between your users and your service(s).
But what points influence that quality of interaction? Or rather, what factors decide whether a user will have a good experience or not? Without delay, let’s move to the chase.
Factors influencing User Experience
- Accessibility of your product
- Its Value
- Its Usability
- Is it wanted (its desirability)?
- Your product’s trustworthiness
1. Accessible
No doubt, the first factor that personally concerns a user is its accessibility. Can you easily get access to the product in question? If not, it will negatively affect your user’s opinion of your brand.
2. Value
Does the product offer any desired value? This factor has a lot to do with your target audience. Why? Take, for example, your website centers around fashion as a whole. Without a doubt, you won’t offer any value to someone looking to purchase electronics. Thus, you’ll provide no particular experience to such users.
3. Usability
The most crucial factor that influences user experience remains its usability. What does that even mean? It refers to whether or not your product provides the means to use it. To illustrate, have you bought a phone or PC without a power button or charger? Or have you visited a messenger app that doesn’t display your keypad? No, right?
After all, the charger, power button, and keypad are needed to use the respective products. That is what usability is. However, for a good user experience, usability shouldn’t only be present but also high. In other words, it must be easy to use.
And for that, another factor is essential – navigability. Can you find your way around the site? If so, you are one way closer to a good UX.
4. Desirability and Appeal
Do you desire the product in question? Many sub-factors go into increasing a product’s appeal or making it more desirable. Some of these include your branding, use of visuals, and designs.
5. Credible
Last on the list but plays a vital role from your user’s perspective is your product’s credibility. Are your services trustworthy? Your ability to reassure your users and convince them will greatly improve their experience.
Wrapping Up
There are lots more factors influencing UX. That’s a given. After all, anything can slightly alter your user’s perception of your product. With that said, isn’t it impossible to keep your users engaged? Well, no need to fret. This is where UX design comes in.
As the name indicates, UX design is the design method whereby a designer ensures your site has what it takes to provide a good experience to your users. There are various UX designers out there ready to help you upon contact.
At Kraftle, we offer skills and experience that are guaranteed to draw in users and give them a good first impression of your website, thereby increasing their staying time and potential to purchase your services. Remember, the impression formed upon first contact will determine if users will involve themselves with your brand in the future. It can build or tarnish your reputation across the net. With that in mind, take action on your UX design ASAP.
