Wikipedia defines User Experience as: a term used to describe the overall experience and satisfaction a user has when using a product or system. It most commonly refers to a combination of software and business topics, such as selling over the web, but it applies to any result of interaction design. Interactive voice response systems, for instance, are a frequently mentioned design that can lead to a poor user experience.

Nathan.com defines users experience as : The overall experience, in general or specifics, a user, customer, or audience member has with a product, service, or event. In the Usability field, this experience is usually defined in terms of ease-of-use. However, the experience encompasses more than merely function and flow, but the understanding compiled through all of the senses.

So what exactly is User Experience?
At the highest level it is the feeling a user has before, during and after using your site (or web application).

User experience mixes principles like usability, visual design, business objectives, information architecture and navigational design (to name a few) all together to produce a set result. If done correctly this result will be a website with a good user experience. Different types of websites produce different types of experiences however the fundamental principals are the same. You might compare user experience to baking a cake. The cake flavor may be different yet the core ingredients are the same.

Also, much like a cake where no one ingredient can stand alone neither can one experience principle. It is the collective whole that forms the basis of the experience.

Creating an experience that meets the need of your customers as well as your business is challenging. However, when done correctly the benefits of user experience is a big competitive advantage.

In the day of reality TV, makeover shows seem to be everywhere. You know the ones where the show take someone who may not put a whole lot of effort in their appearance, rather frumpy, and by the end of the show turn reveal a brand new person with a whole new confidence. Reality TV at its finest, right? Well the shows may not be for everyone but it did get me thinking about graphic makeovers.

One of the key principles of these shows is to strip (sometimes literally) down to the basics. Sort of a fresh start. The hosts learn what the person is about, features that make them who they are and then build from that. They understand what makes the person unique and work within the foundation they have developed. The shows don’t just apply some makeup, and buy some new clothes they makeover the person, the entire person.

Ask yourself “Is my website frumpy?”

If it is look at getting back to basics. Understand what your business strategy is and how it can be communicated online? What information can you provide about the products or services you offer? Are people finding the information on my site? Are customers even finding my website?
Website After
Be critical when looking at your site. Does it care about its appearance, looking professional or does it look sloppy, like it just threw on some sweatpants and headed out the door? Your website is often the first interaction your business has with potential customers. A professionally designed website is a critical part of that impression.

Does your website have clearly communicated message? Is it clear how customers place an order, request information or how to sign up for your companies newsletter? You need to determine what makes a visit to your website a success for both new and existing customers.

When looking to redesign a frumpy website take a bit of advice from reality TV makeover shows and get back to basics. Once the basics are defined then pour on the pretty. Designing a website that works and looks good can do a tremendous amount for the confidence of a business.

View our most recent designs in the Before and After Portfolio