User experience isn’t just confined to websites or apps; it’s embedded in everything we interact with.
Think about this from their point of view.
From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, every action we take is shaped by some kind of experience.
We live it, breathe it without realizing it! Whether we’re checking out in a grocery store, boarding a train, or navigating a brand-new product, we are the “user” in user experience. And that experience? It’s everywhere.
It’s for the users to grasp a holistic experience from beginning to end.
Although you may carry the experiences and stories of your own, it’s never about your own but how you get to empathize with your users. Let’s break this down further.
Empathizing with User Experience
When we think of user experience, our minds often jump straight to the digital world—smooth websites, intuitive apps, seamless transactions.
But here’s the thing: UX isn’t just an internet concept.
It’s the feeling you get when you walk into a well-designed shop, how easy it is to open a product package, or how a menu is laid out in a restaurant. UX is about crafting an environment where the user’s journey is seamless, whether they’re browsing online or standing in line at the local coffee shop.
Think about the last time you felt frustrated while waiting in a long line with no indication of how much time was left or trying to find help in a store with no employees in sight.
These moments are prime examples of poor user experience, where the flow of an otherwise simple task became unnecessarily complicated. On the flip side, imagine being in a place where everything is designed with you in mind, where the service anticipates your needs, and you glide through the process without a hitch.
When designing these experiences, it’s never about the business or the product itself; it’s always about how the customer feels.
- Are their needs met?
- Did they feel acknowledged?
- Was the process smooth?
So where do you start building a great user experience?
Where to do you start building a great user experience?
It’s all about empathy.
As someone providing a service or product, whether online or offline, the first thing to do is step into the shoes of your audience.
It’s not just about building systems or content; it’s about understanding the emotions, thoughts, and pains of the person on the other end. When you approach user experience from this place, you begin to craft a holistic experience that resonates from start to finish.
Here are a few practical ways to improve user experience, whether you’re designing for the web, working in a store, or running an event:
Know Your Users’ Pain Points
Before you can solve problems, you need to know what they are.
Ask yourself: What are the recurring challenges or frustrations my audience faces?
Dive deep into understanding their pain points.
It’s not just about superficial problems; it’s about getting to the core of their struggles.
- Is there a common complaint about a product or service?
- Do they often get stuck in one area of their journey?
When you’re understanding these pain points, you’re not just providing a fix—you’re showing that you care!
Anticipate Their Needs
Good UX anticipates what a user might need next or “where’s the fun in this?”
It’s like walking into a store and finding the products you’re looking for right at the front, without having to search the entire place. Or when a website auto-fills your shipping details after you’ve already entered them once. Make things easier for your users by thinking a step ahead.
Look for friction points and smooth them out before they even arise.
Focus on the Journey!
User experience isn’t just about the end result—it’s about every touchpoint along the way.
Whether you’re running a business, building a brand, or hosting an event, each interaction matters.
Consider how your users engage from the moment they first come into contact with your service.
- How do they feel throughout the journey?
- What do they remember after the experience is over?
Keep in mind that a good journey leaves users feeling cared for and valued, while a bad one leaves a sour taste no matter the outcome.
Takeaway from User Experience
At the end of the day, user experience is all about being of service.
It’s about stepping out of your own story and seeing the world from your user’s perspective. Are you helping them solve a problem? Are you making their life easier, even in small ways?
Remember, user experience is not a one-size-fits-all concept.
It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it’s always evolving.
Take time to reflect on the interactions you offer—whether through your business, your website, or your daily interactions—and ask yourself: Are my users feeling heard, valued, and understood?
Some actionable takaways:
Next time you’re designing an experience—whether it’s for your customers or even your friends—consider:
- How can I make this process smoother for them?
- What can I do to anticipate their needs and make them feel understood?
Sometimes, the smallest shifts can create the most meaningful experiences.