User Experience and User Experience Design

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and interdisciplinary nature of User eXperience Design (UX Design). UX Design is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on creating meaningful and valuable experiences for users. This chapter explores the concept of experience and its relation to perception, emotions, and individual needs. It discusses the User Centered Design (UCD) philosophy, which places the user at the center of the design process. The chapter outlines the four main phases of the UCD process: specifying the user and context of use, specifying user requirements, producing design solutions, and evaluating designs. It emphasizes the importance of user participation throughout the design process and highlights various qualitative and quantitative methods used in each phase. The chapter also introduces different models and frameworks, including the Double Diamond model and the Design Thinking model, which provide structured approaches to problem-solving and innovation. Additionally, it addresses the misconception that UX Design is limited to digital products and emphasizes the broader scope of the field, encompassing both digital and physical interactions.