18 User Experience (UX)

User Experience is a term that has been in common use in certain fields for nearly a century, particularly within industrial design, public administration and public service design, and in more recent decades in digital hardware and software design, where the shorthand “UX” is ingrained in the digital design lexicon. UX refers to the overall experience that a person has while interacting with a product, service, or environment. In the context of design, UX encompasses all aspects of a user’s interaction with a product, including ease of use, accessibility, usability, and enjoyment. The goal of UX design is to create products that are easy to use, intuitive, and provide a positive experience for the user. This includes considering the needs of people with disabilities and making sure that the product is accessible to as many people as possible. UX design takes into account factors such as the user’s emotions, needs, and motivations, as well as the physical and digital environments in which the product will be used. Ultimately, the aim of UX design is to create products that are usable, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.  UX is also the precursor to other human-centered design frameworks, including universal and inclusive/co-design.