User experience (UX) refers to a person’s feelings when interacting with a system. The system could be a web application, a website, or desktop software and, in current contexts, is usually denoted by some form of human-computer interaction (HCI). Those who work on UX (also known as UX designers) analyse and evaluate how users feel about a system, taking into consideration things as ease of use, perception of the value of the system, efficiency, utility and so forth.

UX represents every aspect of the user’s interaction with a product, service, or company that make up the user’s perceptions of the whole. User experience design as a discipline is concerned with all the elements that together make up that interface, including layout, visual design, text, brand, sound, and interaction. UE works to coordinate these elements to allow for the best possible interaction by users. – UXPA, Usability Body of Knowledge, Glossary

Factors that Influence UX

In order to provide a meaningful and valuable user experience, information must be:
Useful: The content should be original and fulfill a need
Findable: Content needs to be navigable and locatable both onsite and offsite
Accessible: Content needs to be accessible to anybody, including people with disabilities
Credible: Users must trust and believe what you tell them
Usable: The website must be easy to use
Desirable: Image, identity, brand, and other design elements should determine emotion and appreciation

Why Is UX Important?

We could simply say: “It’s important because it deals with our users’ needs and wants — enough said,” and everyone would probably be satisfied with that.

IT Solutions Tonight - Defining User Experience