The User Experience

When designing a brand new interface, a catchy website design, or a brand new fully-functional application, it is critical to first bear in mind the users who will be utilising them on their devices. Different users have different computer skills, as well as different methods of interpreting task flows and problems that may arise.

These users generally fall into either one of two categories. There are the everyday web users: those who know their way skilfully around Facebook, can send emails, pay online bills, Blog, etc. However, these users, when it comes to working with a new application, or CMS, will often find themselves at loggerheads to figure out how everything works. The pressure is on for the everyday user to complete his own problem solving, to ensure his own user goals: a product that works for him. If the user cannot solve these problems, how can his clients expect to take him seriously as a professional?

On the other hand, more computer-literate users probably already know their way around countless applications, gadgets, interfaces, and whatever else may be floating about the web. These users are perhaps better able to solve their problems, and come up with their own alternatives; however, they are also more likely to detect any bad design or flaws in usability than the casual everyday users. And this will only frustrate them further.

Whether a website designer or developer, the users must always be considered first. Users should always be given the option to test the applications or CMS, or be provided with adequate training beforehand. Younger users (generally the more 'computer-savvy') are those who are usually more inclined to be up to date with how things work and can problem solve quickly, while those who were introduced to the web as an adult may struggle. It is always best to analyse the main target group, and adapt the design for those extra needs. The designer in particular has to bear in mind that all areas of the user spectrum need to be analysed, and the product designed to provide the easiest solution from the technophobes to the computer-literate. You are designing for everyone, and generally their goals meet the same requirements: a well-designed, user friendly and user controlled environment that works for everyone. Design for those who need it most.

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