Observations, experiences and tips I’ve learnt over the past few years

lessons on UX in the UAE11

• Who am I

• Content of this presentation

• Lean Start-up workshop Mohammed Abdulmajid@mxmajid mmajid.com

• Responsive design doesn't necessarily mean good UX. • Don’t test mobile responsiveness on your desktop, use a smartphone… A couple

of smartphones.

1

Everyone says they care about mobile experience…

While they secretly don’t!

• Multi-talented with different and contrasting skills are the only way to deliver great results.

• There is no one-size-fit-all UX process. • UX is a journey that many failed to go through on every project.

2

UX must be a collaborative and holistic effort.

• Please consider a responsive site first. It’s better in most scenarios, cheaper and more sustainable.

• Focus on one to three key tasks for your first app (MVP), then iterate. • Think about all the touch points and do your best to integrate.

3

People love to create apps…

Even when they don’t need one!

• Maybe you don’t need an intranet! Think about your employees and their core needs, then think about how various intranet applications can help them.

• Building a great intranet requires a specialized multidisciplinary team. • Use iterative approach to enhance design and usability “Continuous improvement”

Photo by flickr.com/photos/ilovehappy

4

Why should we care about usability on intranets?

After all, our customers are not using it!

• “A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

• Think of every element on your homepage, and remember that your homepage might not be the landing page.

* This is a made-up percentage for presentation purposes only!

http://www.thenational.ae/

5

90%* of websites in this region are over designed.

Your homepage doesn't have to include everything your website has to offer.

“If there's one thing you learn by working on a lot of different Web sites, it's that almost any design idea - no matter how appallingly bad -can be made usable in the right circumstances, with enough effort.” Steve Krug, Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability

• Don’t review designs before you ask about two things: (1) Business objectives and (2) User needs.

• Every business challenge is unique, and every design process is different. • Think about your user’s experience in every step of the process.

6

You have to understand the business first to do good UX.

• Balance usability, utility and desirability - the three elements of good design. • Dive deep to understand how design can help you meet your users’ needs and

speak to their aspirations.

8

Creating an app? Either focus on making it look good, or function well…

But why can’t we do both!

• Jargon doesn’t matter. • Offering 20 services with a team of four, doesn’t work. • Always trust what you experience yourself.

9

Don’t take the first advice…

Ask the right questions, and do your research!

• Even the signage on your office should be a part of your UX. • Think about UX even when designing infographics.

10

UX is not only for apps and websites!

• Always do your research and consult with others. • Research doesn’t have to be expensive and time consuming. • Read ‘Just Enough Research’ by Erika Hall

11

UX design without research is visual design.

Thank you@mxmajid mohamad@mmajid.comAny questions?