As we're always connected, users no longer compare a physical experience with a service with another physical experience. If they can manage to schedule a service so fast through an app, they expect to do the same in person or through a telephone call.
That said, UX designers must expand their skill set to provide the right inputs to the overall experience and improve the whole service journey and blueprint. Their work can float through exclusively digital, to physical (connecting both online and offline experiences) to exclusively offline scenarios to improve the experience.
They need to be prepared to aim for the right problem or need and craft the best solution. This new landscape has pushed UX design into the realm of user experience (UX) engineering, where UX designers must use their skills to optimize products for usage across different platforms.
At its core, UX engineering is about understanding how and why each user interacts with a product or website—whether it is on a mobile device, a laptop, or non-digital (such as paperwork)—and then using that information to continually refine the product, website, or service so that each individual’s experience is optimized.
As technology advances and users continue to demand seamless experiences regardless of device type or environment, UX engineers are being called upon more often to ensure these experiences are designed with both the end-user and the desired business outcomes for that product or service in mind. UX designers must also stay ahead of trends to create solutions that engage customers across all devices, focusing on product growth.
With advances in virtual and augmented reality technology, UX designers can take their designs into new realms, creating immersive experiences that can transport users anywhere they want to go. As computing power increases with time, UI (User Interface) and UX designs will have greater influence over how people access goods, services, and content online—so staying ahead of the curve is essential for success.
In this ever-evolving digital age, UX designers must also stay attuned to customer preferences to deliver solutions that meet their needs on multiple levels. By gathering feedback from clients throughout the design process and utilizing technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision or analyzing to product metrics, etc., UX engineers can build more intuitive products that anticipate customer demands before they arise.
This allows them not only to better serve customers, but also create positive brand experiences for companies looking for a leg-up in increasingly competitive markets. Knowing users' needs and behaviors, UX designers can help product teams stay ahead and help fill and prioritize the product backlog, as they may find new opportunities for business with user research.
Here is a list of the top 10 technologies UX designers need to embrace for the future:
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Virtual, Augmented Reality Technology, and Motion Capture Technology
• Voice User Interfaces
• Wearable Technology
• Flexible Design Systems with Built-in Accessibility
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Chatbots and Conversational Design
• Motion UI
The future looks bright for UX designers who are willing and able to embrace advancements in technology while taking customer concerns seriously, as these professionals will be essential building blocks in tomorrow’s hyperconnected world. By becoming master artisans when it comes to crafting digital experiences that respect privacy while delivering maximum usability, they will help shape an even better tomorrow than we can imagine today.
UX designers are becoming UX engineers responsible for designing experiences across various devices and platforms. By integrating the newest technology trends, staying attuned to customer preferences, and optimizing products through user feedback, UX designers can create immersive experiences that deliver on all levels while adhering to customer privacy.
