Putting the X back in UX
I've been doing a bit of reading about experience design. One thing that strikes me as interesting is the idea that sometimes in UX design we begin focusing on such minute things that it almost seems ridiculous. Like writing an entire article about whether or not you should write "submit" on your button or some other verbiage.
Not that I don't think that is important in its own way. (I certainly agree with the sentiment.) I just feel like the more important broad principles of human engagement get ignored by a myopic view of the user experience. In "10 Faces of Innovation," by Tom Kelley, he tells how he will ignore cracks, dust, and peeling wallpaper in a hotel that has an exceptional bed because that's what is important to him when he is travelling. He comes in late and gets up early. The most important part of the hotel is the bed since a good night's rest makes a difference to his traveling experience. A vision of how you can make the user feel about their experience with you will make up for little things that might get left undone. With that vision, you cut corners where it doesn't hurt as bad.
I once met a very rich man who said "If you take care of the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves." I agree that it makes a big difference to care for the little details, but if you piddle with the pennies at the expense of sticking your head out every once in a while to view the vista you miss a chance to build a base of followers and make a difference. Having a vision allows you share what you've seen.
Not that I don't think that is important in its own way. (I certainly agree with the sentiment.) I just feel like the more important broad principles of human engagement get ignored by a myopic view of the user experience. In "10 Faces of Innovation," by Tom Kelley, he tells how he will ignore cracks, dust, and peeling wallpaper in a hotel that has an exceptional bed because that's what is important to him when he is travelling. He comes in late and gets up early. The most important part of the hotel is the bed since a good night's rest makes a difference to his traveling experience. A vision of how you can make the user feel about their experience with you will make up for little things that might get left undone. With that vision, you cut corners where it doesn't hurt as bad.
I once met a very rich man who said "If you take care of the pennies, the dollars take care of themselves." I agree that it makes a big difference to care for the little details, but if you piddle with the pennies at the expense of sticking your head out every once in a while to view the vista you miss a chance to build a base of followers and make a difference. Having a vision allows you share what you've seen.
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