Chapter 4: Instructions and Usability
Section 4.3 User Experience
User Experience
User Experience (UX) refers to how a user experiences a product, tool, or process, especially in terms of how easy that product, tool, or process is to use. When we discuss User Experience, or UX, in Technical Communication, we typically define it through how a user experiences a website or web application through it’s ease of use. Because people use the internet and web and mobile applications daily, it is important these products are not only visually appealing, but easy to use.
The UX Honeycomb
A good way to think about user experience is through the UX Honeycomb, a framework created by Peter Morville. There are seven criteria that make up the UX Honeycomb.
Figure 4.4. UX Honeycomb. (Source: UX Collective)
- Useful: Does the product or service fulfill a user’s needs and provide a purpose?
- Usable: Is the product or service easy to use and understand?
- Desirable: Does the product or service evoke positive emotions and create a pleasurable experience?
- Findable: Is it easy for users to locate information and navigate the product or service?
- Accessible: Can people with disabilities use the product or service effectively?
- Credible: Is the product, company, and service trustworthy and reliable?
- Valuable: Does the product or service offer value to the user and the business?
The UX Honeycomb serves as a guide for designers and technical communicators who work with digital designs to ensure they are considering all aspects of the user experience when developing a product or service. It encourages a holistic approach, reminding designers to balance these seven facets to create a truly effective and enjoyable user experience. When usability testing is performed, these seven factors are taken into account during testing.
