Beyond Usability — Design Tips for Creating Value and Satisfaction (Part 1)

Originally posted in 2007 on uxmagnet.com

Part 1: Pyramids and People

You probably know by now that a great UI (User Interface) can literally transform your project, product, business, into a success (or a failure).

You might also know that your bottom-line is directly impacted by the quality of the design behind your user interface.

Yes, of course.

But do you know why, or how?

Really?

In the indispensable Universal Principles of Design, authors William, Kritina, and Jill present a theory:

If you want to delight your users, you have to feed them first.

The Hierarchy of Needs

In order for these basic needs to be met, we have to identify them. Here we go:

• Creativity
• Proficiency
• Usability
• Reliability
• Functionality

Recognizing a pattern yet? These needs are stacked by order of support, and by contribution to the perceived value of a user experience. At the bottom of this list are the basic requirements that make things work. The basics. At the top are the things that can contribute to a truly valued experience. The cherry.

They’re originally adapted from the more familiar stack of needs, known as Maslow’s Hierarchy:

Consider the needs of your users and put that list next to this hierarchy. Compare those lists with the experience you want your users to have.

That should give you a starting point.

If you’re a Designer, it’s on you to ensure these needs are met through the experience of using your products and services. These needs are met through the variety of elements which create your UI, combined with your users context, goals, motivations, and emotions. So, your’e going to need to start with empathy.

Part 2: Start with Empathy

Coming next.