The designer’s guide to AI-driven UX

This article was originally shared on - https://www.yujdesigns.com/the-designers-guide-to-ai-driven-ux/

Artificial Intelligence (AI) In brief, AI is the development of computers capable of tasks that typically require human intelligence. For example, speech recognition, problem-solving, learning and planning. There is a noticeable mind-shift. These days, laundry and grocery lists are being ordered by talking to a speaker from home. AI is moving fast. Although this experience doesn’t need to be fearsome.

Let’s understand few of the original goals of AI –

• Simulating higher function of the brain
• Programming a computer to use general language
• A way to determine and measure complexity of a problem
• Self-improvement

Emerging dominant functions
Applications of AI

Design moves around people and is here to make our lives easier. AI has a similar function at the core of creating better experiences for users, with the help of better technology.

• Machine learning: Using example data or experience to refine how computers make predictions or perform a task.
• Deep learning: A machine learning technique in which data is filtered through self-adjusting networks of math loosely inspired by neurons in the brain.
• Supervised learning: Showing software labeled example data, such as photographs, to teach a computer what to do.
• Unsupervised learning: Learning without annotated examples, just from experience of data or the world-trivial for humans but not generally practical for machines. Yet.
• Reinforcement learning: Software that experiments with different actions to figure out how to maximize a virtual reward, such as scoring points in a game.
• Artificial general intelligence: As yet nonexistent software that displays a humanlike ability to adapt to different environments and tasks, and transfer knowledge between them.

Evolution of UX/ customer experience
Contribution to the human experience in future

Customer experience has evolved through the years, it has gone beyond the digital screens. However, by using the right AI tools, one can gain more control over every aspect of the experience. A connected digital and physical experience. Implementing the right AI solution provides the means of driving visitors to make decisions and take actions faster, better, eliminating your most time-consuming tasks. And this, of course, enhances the all-important factor in customer experience: the human touch.

The process of designing meaningful AI-driven products or services comes with many challenges. As AI and tech continue to disrupt our lives in many ways, insights in how we might humanize certain experiences become increasingly important.

Future of Design = AI + UX
Better technology can provide, better customer experience.
In the coming future, UX design studios should consider shifting their outlook towards the technology as a partner rather than a revolution and being swayed by it. Develop a harmonious approach towards designing a harmonious human–machine interaction.

What do designers want?

The community of designers around the world have a dream. A shared dream. One where everyone has irrefutable respect for them. A place where they get ample creative freedom. A place where they get paid worthy of their services! The dream isn’t very far though.

Design is fast becoming the force to reckon with. And is finally getting the appreciation and attention it deserves. Getting aligned to the roles and responsibilities of a designer as seen from an overview, from a business (UX Design Studio) perspective and as a crucial part in the bigger scheme of things is important.

Just like how each player on a football team plays an equally important role.

See it, to Believe it.

To keep this state of euphoria alive, designers need to pass on these pearls of wisdom to their colleagues and counterparts as well. Any two departments can work best, once they understand how each team works. We believe mutual respect and liberty in problem solving are the starting points of a great co-working relationship.

Listen to your teams. Understand their work styles. And work out the best winning strategy.

Listen. Empathize. Respond.

This is the only mantra, we believe designers would expect their colleagues to master when it comes to working together. A wise man once said if you want to see a change in the world, change yourself. If you want a global change, start local. Start with yourself.

Goal-oriented, focused efforts with the power of collaboration are a definite success formula.

Good design is all about a set purpose. Intended for an audience who are going to benefit from the solutions. On a larger level, designers focus on well-informed designs that are the best possible solutions addressing business and user goals. Adding value to the overall service the design team provides in collaboration with other departments. On an individual level, what designers want is quite simple.

1.  In order to create truly great experiences, and become a good designer, one has to let go of the constraints. A variety in the projects, helps sharpen their skills. Broaden their understanding of various domains.

2.  Designers flourish in environments that provide freedom and autonomy to take design decisions. Systems where they can expand their skillsets and be better at their core skills.

3.  Designers want to be challenged at work. They aspire to work on projects that will test their capabilities and help them push their boundaries. They seek constant possibilities to gain more knowledge.

4.  Any ambitious designer prefers to work in an environment where there is scope for growth. A place where she/ he can explore and widen the skills in order to transform into a future ready designer. An eco-system where designers can develop their business acumen, strategic mindset, project management knowledge etc. to help them advance in their careers.

5.  In a top UX design studio, creativity and productivity are the key factors for an environment fit for the design team. In order to inspire the teams and drive growth, happiness of the employees at workplace becomes an imperative in business. The designers should feel they are adding value to the workplace, making an impact and leading the organization ahead.

The day a designer lands job at a UX design company that fulfils all these criteria, she/ he will become the best recruit, a happy employee delivering high results.

According to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends,

A productive, positive employee experience has emerged as the new contract between employer and employee.

Happiness levels of employees increase the overall productivity, solidifying the belief that happy designers should be at the top of every design studio’s agenda. With the backdrop of today’s work stress, more and more designers have become picky and are turning down job offers trading it for the places where they are more likely to feel happy, challenged and get inspired. UX design studios should take a note, and make their workplaces future ready for the employees by understanding exactly what is it that they want.

What Is Bad UX & How To Fix It On Websites?

This article was originally shared on - https://www.yujdesigns.com/what-is-bad-ux-how-to-fix-it-on-websites/

What is User Experience?

The User Experience term has gained enough traction in the business world. This is a good time to clear any misconceptions about User Experience of a website and its effects on the business returns. Before we dive into the good and the bad side of the website experience, let us revisit what is user experience. Experiences are those that usually revolve around what we expect from the environment that we’re in. If you are looking at a website, you will have certain needs and expectations from the website. You will want the website to answer some of the questions you have, gain information about the company, their work, or take a look at the available options to buy from etc.

Websites can be of different natures. E-commerce, corporate websites, websites for services and for a series of products, personal branding etc. Each website offers you a different ecosystem. Designing User Experience for these websites means designing UX for these respective ecosystems. Starting with understanding the users’ expectations and needs in that environment are important. If the businesses communicate and promote their offerings to the end users in the language they understand and can thrive on it, it is called good UX design. If and when there’s a gap in alignment of the design decisions to the business goals, that leads to bad UX.

How to identify or measure if your website has bad UX

There are mixed approaches that one can opt for. To name a few - quantitative approach, qualitative approach and data analytics.

The Quantitative Approach + Data Analytics:

Data analytics, which can answer questions like which are the pages that people visit often? And spend more time on? Which functions are being used more? What is the bounce rate? And quantitative research that provides information about traffic sources, website visitors’ demographics etc.

The Qualitative Research:

Through this approach it becomes easier to understand the mental model of the user. This method helps us understand the psychodynamics of the end users. Their expectations, needs, their preferences, likes, dislikes and their frustration points. This data helps us pre-empt the behaviour of the user and design an experience in a more efficient way.

These research methodologies together, can help you in determining whether the UX of your website is Good or Bad. An amalgamation of both research styles is important to build a strong design strategy to bring good UX to the end users. Good UX in turn, means good ROI for the business. Needless to say, Bad UX has its negative effect on the business growth. This research should be done periodically, at least quarterly, to stay relevant with the changing markets.

How to fix bad UX

1. Understand the reasons behind bad UX
2. Employ user centric design methodology to understand the stakeholders’ vision. Derive design goals from the above data.
3. Help the customers understand the concept of users possessing a specific mental model. e.g.- A hospital as per their goals and ambitions will have a different set of users on their website.
4. Understand user goals. Their expectations from a website like this. Become mediators between the business needs and the user needs.
5. Test the designs. Make formative corrections.

Make the most of this process, periodically. As it happens, many times the vision of the business stays the same but the market conditions change. This approach is important in keeping up with the changing factors and still deliver a good user experience.

Common UX mistakes a company makes while developing their website

1. Designs that do not reflect the business vision
2. Not establishing a process and science behind the design efforts
3. To fail to provide the information users are looking for
4. User-hostile messages that take over users’ screens
5. Lack of consistency in terms of design language
6. Lack of ease of use

These are some of the most common mistakes. It is highly important to understand that the fundamental goal of UX design is to help manifest the business goals.

About:
YUJ Designs is one of the best UX Design company in India providing consultancy as well as end-to-end solutions to B2B & B2C Fortune 500 enterprises

What makes an Ideal UX Design Company?

This article was originally shared on - https://www.yujdesigns.com/ideal-ux-design-company/

Today’s world is all about the people. We, as customers buy services, products that make a difference in our lives. An era where business leaders are investing in customer centered products rather than business centered products. UX Design companies being a major player in this transition have made a larger impact. Their design contribution has effectively facilitated channeling of the product objectives, resulting in business conversions on a much larger scale. They have practically partnered in building innovations and shaping our future.

Let’s Examine How Do We Identify An Ideal UX Design Studio.

1. The Chief
Inspiring Vision of the Future

Successful companies don’t just discover their path to success, but they succeed by exploiting the fullest potential of every opportunity and every talented resource that they have. These companies are led by visionaries, opportunists and excellent decision-makers. They envision a holistic view of the future and let data drive the decisions. At YUJ Designs, we open a two-way dialogue between the senior management and every person who represents YUJ, so that everyone can benefit from their wisdom and can share the same vision and work on it together.

2. The A Team
A Highly Motivated, Dedicated Team

82% of companies don’t believe they recruit talented resources. Out of the 18% who do, only 7% think they can retain the people.

Business leaders of top UX design companies know that talent is truly valuable and scarce. They work hard towards attracting and retaining the talent in the company. An ideal team of talented people, are an inquisitive bunch aligned with the organization on strategic agendas. Leaders, Project Managers who can make better decisions and execute clear strategies, who also use management models creating a level-playing field for all teammates. We YUJians take pride in the fact that we are an ever-evolving bunch of talented people, building a community with a purpose.

3. The Culture
An Unambiguous Environment

89% of employees at companies that support well-being initiatives are more likely to recommend their workplace to others.

Statistics like these, prove to us that a well-built company culture is an important step while seeking ubiquitous success. An inspiring studio culture sustains employee enthusiasm, which means better company performance. A culture where there is a baseline of openness, where people have freedom and take ownership of their responsibilities. Those who value learning attained through work and are united by curiosity. People who like to contribute in organizational changes. It is a matrix where every individual detail is as important as the bigger picture itself. Similarly, improving people relationships can change the company culture immensely and increase individual creativity and productivity.

It is no wonder that Amazon’s Jeff Bezos believes in seeking candidates who will positively influence the people they work with and bring a new strength to the company. This approach holds steady in our experience as well, where a balanced outlook and open communication helped us build an unambiguous culture that has fostered many accomplishments.

4. Modus Operandi
The Design Process: Backbone of Design

A well-defined design process minimizes the unnecessary explorations, wastage of time & financial resources and maximizes the work force & cumulative efforts for optimum results. In case of more dynamic projects, being able to adapt is crucial. And while staying loyal to the design process, always question the status quo. A work system where you continually evolve your design and embrace the importance of user testing. This in turn, aids the team to be timely, efficient and data driven at the same time. The Process is essential to the success, though adaptability even more so. We believe in meticulous execution of the process and design systems creating high-quality UX Designs. We are constantly working on adding value to the design system, our core strength.

 5. The Panoramic Approach
Achieving Business Goals & User Satisfaction

Among hundreds of consultancies, what sets an ideal UX company apart is their ability to approach their work in a holistic way. These companies focus on how effective the product is going to be to the user at the same time focus on accomplishing business targets, increased revenues etc. YUJ Designs has been known to work with clients to cultivate and deploy their ideas in an effective way, to achieve business goals as well as deliver a delightful experience to the end-users.

About Us:

YUJ Designs is a top-tier UX design studio in India. YUJ Designs has successfully crafted experiences for more than 100 international clients, many of them Fortune 500 companies. With a rock-solid experience of working on more than 2,000 design and research projects, we have earned a spot in the top 15 global user experience agencies. In the business of informing design strategies by a blended understanding of business ROI and user needs, our work ensures both, delightful product experience and a positive impact on the customer's top line.