Best practices for a successful UX

UX Design is a process that aims to create an effective and pleasant experience for the user of a product/ service. Simply put, we put the experience before the product. And to achieve this goal, some basic principles are to know and apply. And if you want to understand why it’s important to think UX, you can read our previous article on the subject.

The main point, user knowledge

The success of a project (website, application or product) depends on a thorough knowledge of the users. This is the very principle of UX Design, the user is placed at the center of the process, in order to create a suitable path, precisely meeting his needs and expectations.

You are not the user !

Based on this principle, it will be necessary to identify:

• Their needs and expectations: What are they looking for when using your product or browsing your site? Intuitive navigation, specific features, an immersive experience... ?
• By identifying users' needs and expectations, you can adapt your design to offer a relevant and functional solution, and anticipate or even exceed their requirements.
• Their uses and contexts of use: Use is defined as what the user is looking for when coming to your site (e.g.: information search, online purchase, communication, entertainment, etc.). This includes actions, their behaviours and habits. The context of use refers to the environment, circumstances and conditions in which users interact with the product. This may include the physical environment (home, work, lighting, noise, screen size...), time and frequency of use, constraints and distractions. This context significantly influences user behaviour and needs. Taking this into account, you can design features that naturally adapt to their daily needs, improving the overall experience.
• Their perceptions and motivations: The way users perceive your product and what drives them to use it (personal goals, interest and pleasure, external pressures, previous experience,...) can significantly influence their experience. By analyzing these points, you can adjust the interface and design to create a positive visual and emotional experience.
• Their fears and obstacles: What could dissuade them from adopting your product or browsing your site? By anticipating these barriers, you can design solutions that reassure and facilitate adoption.

Adopt simplicity and conviviality

To guarantee a satisfactory user journey, the interface must be simple and intuitive, facilitating the user’s search. Simplicity is not simply a clean aesthetic, but rather an approach aimed at eliminating any form of unnecessary complexity, allowing the user to navigate smoothly. Friendliness goes beyond functionality, creating a pleasant experience that makes you come back. When the user feels emotional satisfaction during their interaction, it goes beyond simple practical use, prompting them to return and explore further. Eliminating potential obstacles on the course is essential to avoid frustration and thus ensure a fluid and positive experience. Obstacles can be complex interfaces, complicated processes or poorly designed features.

Prioritize and be consistent

The clear structuring of information makes the user experience more fluid. We must determine what content and features must be present, highlighted, in what order to present them?

• Content and functionality hierarchy: What information is essential for the user? What features are likely to meet its priority needs? By establishing a clear hierarchy, we ensure that the user is directed to the most relevant elements from the beginning of his journey.
• Organize in a logical order: In what order will the user be exposed to these elements? Organizing information logically, following a natural flow that corresponds to the user’s logic ensures an easy understanding of the path and allows the user to progress intuitively.

Think responsive design

In the field of user experience, the responsive design approach is essential to ensure a product that is accessible and adapted to all screen sizes, from the smallest mobile screens to the widest desktop. The main objective is to maintain a smooth and intuitive experience, regardless of the device used.

In 2022, Médiamétrie’s statistics indicate that mobile is the preferred device to access the Internet in 75% of cases. This trend highlights the importance of responsive, as the majority of users browse the web via mobile devices. Neglecting adaptability to small screens could result in a significant loss of audience and opportunities.

Accessibility to create an inclusive experience

Taking accessibility into account, especially for people with disabilities, makes it possible to create an inclusive user experience offering optimal use to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Accessibility should not be an option, but rather an integral fundamental element from the outset of the design process. This involves considering several aspects such as:

• Colours and contrasts: Choose appropriate colour combinations and contrasts to ensure optimal readability.
• Audio or visual information: Make sure that the information presented is accessible both visually and aurally.
• Keyboard compatibility: The integration of keyboard compatibility allows users to navigate easily without the need for a mouse, improving accessibility for those with motor limitations.
• Readability: Choose appropriate fonts and text sizes to ensure optimal readability.
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