“User Experience” is about looking past the visuals and functions, and towards the feelings and thoughts that a user has when using the product. Improving the user experience should make using a product more joyful, more convenient. It should lead users to stick to a product and feel a sense of progression once they are using it.
The key point of UX design is to look at users – from the perspective of the product, or the company that is making it. How can we serve our users better? How can we improve the experience of our users? How do the users feel?
Instead of looking at a user, a persona, an audience member – look at your product. Look at your product from the perspective of the human who is using your product. Ask yourself:
Why am I using the product?
Why am I not using an alternative product?
How does the product integrate into my everyday flow?
How does the product make me feel?
How does it help me become a better version of myself?
Switching sides is a great hack to get a better understanding of how your users tick, even when they are not using your product. It will help you to empathize with them and get a better understanding of the human beyond the user.
