Key Factors That Influence User Experience How to Make Your App Stand Out

In our fast-paced digital world, where thousands of apps and websites compete for users' attention, user experience (UX) has become a crucial factor in determining an app's success or failure. If you think design is limited to manipulating shapes, colors, fonts, and icons, you're far from the truth. Design—especially in the context of user experience—is a delicate art that combines creativity and diversity. Design and improving user experience are no longer just a luxury or a cosmetic addition; they are an integral part of any successful digital product and a fundamental necessity for ensuring user satisfaction and loyalty. When a user feels comfortable and easy while using an app, they not only continue using it, but also become its ambassador, recommending it to their friends and colleagues.

But what exactly is user experience? Why is it so important? And what factors can make your app truly stand out in the eyes of users?

In this article, we'll answer these questions and address the key factors that contribute to improving user experience and making your app shine in a highly competitive market.

What is User Experience (UX)?

User experience (UX) is a concept that describes the complete and comprehensive interaction between a user and any product or service. The product could be an electronic application, a website, or even a physical device such as a smartphone. In other words, it's everything a user goes through when using a product, from the moment they open the application to achieving the goal or purpose that motivated them to use it in the first place.

So, it represents the end result of a set of interconnected factors, such as the aesthetic design of the user interface (UI), ease of use, speed of performance, and system responsiveness. For example, when you open an app on your mobile phone, if the design is attractive and easy to use, with fast page loading and smooth page transitions, you'll feel satisfied and will return to use the app again. Conversely, if the app is complex or slow, your experience will be negative, and you may seek an alternative that better meets your needs.

Although the concept of user experience (UX) is not new and dates back decades, having been used by major companies like Apple and Microsoft to improve their products, the term itself did not appear until 1993. It was first coined by design expert Don Norman while working at Apple, to describe the growing importance of understanding how users interact with products and achieving the best experience for them. Since then, the term has become a key concept in product design, as companies strive to create products that not only meet users' needs but also provide an enjoyable experience that keeps them coming back for more.

The Importance of User Experience (UX)

As we mentioned at the beginning, user experience is one of the most important factors that can determine the success or failure of any digital product or service. This summary requires us to elaborate on the aspects that make a successful user experience so important.

First, a successful user experience increases user satisfaction and retains them as loyal followers. It makes them feel satisfied when using the product and increases the likelihood of them returning to use the application again. This satisfaction can translate into long-term loyalty, as users often prefer to continue using the product rather than constantly searching for alternatives.

Secondly, a successful user experience sets you apart from your competitors in the market. It's no secret that most markets in this field are full of options. Therefore, an excellent user experience can be the differentiating factor that distinguishes your app from others. For example, between two apps that perform the same function, users will prefer the one that offers an easier, faster, and less complex experience.

Thirdly, a successful user experience boosts conversion rates and sales. If the app provides a smooth and intuitive experience, users are more willing to take decisive steps such as completing a purchase, registering for a service, or even interacting with specific content. Imagine owning an online store that doesn't offer a smooth product navigation experience, clear product descriptions, or a fast checkout process. A user will never complete a transaction and purchase from the site.

Fourth, improving the user experience can reduce technical support and development costs. When a product is thoughtfully designed and has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, the number of issues users encounter is reduced. This means reducing the need for extensive technical support, saving time and resources that would otherwise be spent resolving issues. Furthermore, investing in improving the user experience from the outset may reduce the need for costly modifications later in the product development process.

In short, you cannot ignore investing in designing a successful user experience, as it has gone beyond the cosmetic aspect of products and has become the core of success in the digital age.

Factors of a Successful User Experience

When we talk about user experience (UX), we're referring to a set of factors that are divided into key components that together form the overall user experience. These factors don't operate separately, but rather complement each other to create a comprehensive and integrated user experience. The most common of these can be summarized in the following points:

• Product Value and Benefit: The value or benefit a product adds is what determines whether it's worth using. The product must have a clear purpose that meets a specific user need and provide real value to the users and the business to which it belongs. Benefit isn't limited to providing scientific information; it can also include entertainment aspects. The most famous example of this is video games, which may not provide tangible scientific benefit, but they fulfill users' desires for entertainment.
• Usability: The product must be easy enough to enable users to achieve their goals efficiently. For example, if your website doesn't work on mobile devices, this will be a problem that hinders a successful user experience.
• Findability: Findability refers to the ease of accessing a product and its related information. In the case of digital products, this refers to how easy it is to find content and navigate its various pages. If a user has difficulty finding the information they need—whether on a website or an app—they will become frustrated and may switch to another product that offers a smoother experience.
• Reliability: Reliability is a critical factor in user experience. When a product is reliable, users feel confident using it, increasing their loyalty and retention. Reliability relates not only to the quality and actual performance of the product, but also to the accuracy of the information provided and the long-term stability of the product. An example of this is a banking app that ensures the security of personal information and the speed of financial transactions, which enhances user confidence and motivates them to rely on it more.
• Desirability: Desirability of a product stems from an attractive design and distinctive visual identity that creates a positive feeling in users. A desirable product enhances the user experience, making them proud to use it and share their experience with others. For example, companies like Apple achieve great success not only because of the quality of their products, but also because of their unique and attractive designs, which make them highly desirable.
• Accessibility: It is essential that a product be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. This includes providing designs that appeal to all groups, such as using high-contrast colors, easy-to-read text, and the ability to control the product with assistive devices. By ensuring accessibility, more users can interact with the product effectively.

Finally, if you have a company offering a product, you should seek to hire a professional UX designer in this field to ensure that your product is able to meet users' needs and achieve the desired goals. This designer should be a good analyst of user behavior and anticipate their needs, and they should also work closely with the technical team to ensure the necessary improvements are implemented effectively.