Have you ever heard someone say "design is just making something look pretty" or "redesigning this feature should not take more than a week" if not 2-3 days... Rings a bell? you're not alone.
Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that design is a simple and quick task that can be completed without much effort or thought. But as anyone who has worked in the field of digital product design knows, this simply isn't true.
Good design is about much more than just making something look nice. It's about creating a product or experience that is intuitive, functional, and engaging for the user. And to achieve this, you must go through a thorough and well-planned process. This usually includes research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.
For example, let's say a company is creating a new mobile app. The design process might involve conducting user research to understand the needs and preferences of the target audience. This could include surveying users, conducting focus groups, or analyzing data on existing apps.
Next, the you will use this information to come up with ideas for the app's features and layout. This is where the creativity and problem-solving skills of the designers really come into play. You might sketch out various wireframes and prototypes, trying out different approaches to see what works best.
Finally, the product will be tested with a small group of users to gather feedback and make any necessary changes. This could include adjusting the layout, adding or removing features, and fine-tuning the overall user experience. It's important to note that this process of user testing and iteration should continue throughout the development of the product, as it's essential to ensure that the final product meets the needs and expectations of the target audience.
So why is it worth investing the time and effort into good design? There are many benefits to be gained from creating a well-designed product.
First and foremost, good design can lead to increased customer satisfaction. If a product is easy to use and visually appealing, users are more likely to enjoy using it and come back for more. This can translate into increased sales and customer loyalty for the company.
Good design is also critical for building brand credibility. A professional, well-designed product reflects positively on the company and can help to establish trust and credibility with customers.
Finally, good design can improve the overall usability of a product. If a product is confusing or difficult to use, users are likely to become frustrated and give up. By investing in good design, companies can ensure that their products are easy and enjoyable to use, leading to a better overall user experience.
As a designer, you are not just "someone coloring things on the screen". You play a crucial role in the development and success of a digital product.
You bring a unique set of skills and expertise to the table, including creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail. You are responsible for creating the overall look and feel of a product, as well as ensuring that it is functional and user-friendly.
You also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the development team, including developers and project managers. You must be able to clearly articulate their design concepts and collaborate with others to bring those concepts to life.
it's clear that design is much more than just a "10 minute job" but it is neither a 2-3 days job. Whatever the scope, it's a complex and valuable process that requires skill, expertise, and a great deal of time. Good design involves thorough research, careful planning, and ongoing testing and iteration to ensure that the final product meets the needs and expectations of the user.
But all of this time and effort is worth it in the end. The benefits of good design are numerous and can have a significant impact on a company's bottom line. Increased customer satisfaction, improved brand credibility, and enhanced usability all contribute to a positive return on investment for UX design.
If you're interested in learning more about the ROI of UX design and how you can communicate it to clients so you can show them the benefice for their business, be sure to check out my blog post on the subject coming soon!. It will be packed with valuable information and insights that will help you communicate that with your clients.
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