Reflections On NM4210

Time really flies. In just a blink or so, we have reached the end of this semester. I still remember clearly the 1st lesson that I had. “What is User Experience Design?” Before that, I only think that user experience design is just to design certain application or products according to the needs of the customers. But after attending this module, this turn out to be entirely different from what I think it is. It is more than satisfying the needs of the customers.

The main focus is actually on the users whom will be using the system, rather than to cater for the customers’ requirements. What the customers think the users need might not turn out to be the exact needs of the users. Involving the targeted users in the process of the design is a better way out. “A good design doesn’t mean that the users will also have good experience when using it.”

“Good experience” is always tied down with “Emotion”. The latter means that one’s experience of a product is always based on his/her emotions when using the product. I feel that this is very true as, for example, a product can be very appealing in appearance but there are times when it does not serve its primary uses; “Appearance VS Functionality”. Thus, there is a need to seek for a good balance between the two so as to achieve the “Maximum” experience for the users. This really enlightened me that having an outstanding and appealing appearance, is not the main vital requirement of designing a product. Maximum experience for the users should be the top priority instead.

Next, I’m introduced to the 4 different types of “Pleasure” which will incur when interacting with the product or application. Wow! Even there are so many types of “Pleasure” that can exist; “Physio-pleasure”, “Socio-pleasure”, “Psycho-pleasure”, and “Ideo-pleasure”. It is really a great exposure for me. Designing a “user-based” product is such an “authentic skill”. This requires time and experience before one is able to come out with a satisfied product.

Besides that, product marketing and branding are also important factors that will influence users’ perceptive of choosing and using the product. It is now then I realized why most people will tend to prefer iPod to Creative players. It is the aesthetics and the branding of the product that made it so successful. People will tend to buy products of a particular brand despite of its high cost, when compared to the other brands that also provides the same specifications. This is also true for me; I prefer to buy Japanese Pop music CD from Japan, to buying it locally, as I believe that the aesthetics and the marketing strategies and the sound quality from Japan attracts me more. It is the “TRUST” of the brand that made one feel confident to buy its product.

Last but not least, I really feel that I have picked a lot of skills. Like looking and choosing products not only based on its aesthetics or specifications alone, it will be better to seek a balance or incorporated the two in a product. Marketing strategies and branding are as equally important as functionalities and experiences that a person will acquire throughout the process of interactions. I feel that this really helps me in designing any products or web applications in the near future. I feel that this is a must module to take up if one wants to know more about designing, in regards of any fields, as these concepts will come into handy somehow. I do enjoy the learning process throughout this course.

I would like to thank everyone for making such a nice “learning experience” for me. All the best! =)