1. RESEARCH

Before you can begin to create an arresting UX, you must first get to know your ideal user. Decide who your site is to be designed for and spend time getting to know the needs and wants of that specific demographic. Market research is crucial to designing a winning UX. Through the use of surveys, questionnaires, and analysis of similar projects, you can create a detailed picture of your average user.

Once you have an idea of who will be visiting your site or app, you can tailor your UX to them by implementing design features that are relevant and appropriate. An intimate knowledge of your user has lasting and significant benefits at every stage of UX design.

2. PLAN

With an average and ideal user in mind, you can set about planning the perfect design. By creating a detailed plan, you ensure the project is consistent in tone and usability throughout. A well-planned project will be demonstrably more cohesive and brand-aware than one designed with little or no formal strategy.

Create a service blueprint to delineate the path a user could take while navigating through the site. By producing a physical map of possible user pathways, you can clearly identify and correct any issues, thereby streamlining the UX.

3. PERSONALIZE

Your UX should be personal to the user but also to your brand. Weave your personality throughout all aspects of the design and copy while being careful not to infringe upon the functionality of practical design elements. Use your research of brands that have achieved a successful balance of personalization and professionalism for ideas on how to implement it in your own UX design.

The user’s experience on the site can be individualized by making personal recommendations based on their previous browsing or purchasing history. If you can convince the user to create an account and log in every time they visit, it becomes infinitely easier to personalize their experience. If the user feels valued and remembered, they’re statistically more likely to hold a positive view of your brand and business.

4. SIMPLIFY

Great UX doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact, some of the best designs are so uncluttered as to border on spartan. Less really is more when it comes to UX, so eliminate anything that doesn’t directly add to the practicality and functionality of the design. Clarity is immensely important and a crowded or messy web page or app will frustrate users and potentially decrease conversion rates.

Ease of use is a critical component of great UX design. The easier and less obfuscated a user’s time on your site is, the better and more profitable it’ll be for your business. Be ruthless in your eradication of superfluous content, menus, images or links.

5. ADJUST

When all the planning, designing and implementation is finished, the real work begins. The key to developing a great user experience is constantly adapting your creation in response to feedback and changing market needs. Many excellent websites have been ruined by the failure to adapt to mercurial user demands so there’s no time to rest on your laurels if you aspire to maintain a first-rate UX.

Time, effort and money are needed to sustain a profitable UX and companies or individuals that stand still will get left behind. Keep on top of your UX by scheduling regular reviews and updates for all aspects of your project. Make it as easy as possible for your users to provide feedback and be proactive in addressing their concerns.

UX, when done well, can be a major contributing factor in the profitability of any online business. Providing the best user experience possible is the most efficient and effective method of encouraging sales, engagement and growth, so neglecting it is not an option for anyone serious about creating a successful website or app.