UX in Daily life: Enhancing Everyday Interactions
Written by
Priyanka Jangra
UI/UX Designer
Pawan Jyani
UI/UX Designer
Table of contents
Build with Radial Code
Hey there π Have you ever stopped to think about how user experience design impacts your daily life? From the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night, UX design plays a crucial role in shaping how you interact with the world around you. Let's take a closer look at how UX design influences various aspects of our everyday experiences.
Don Normanβs seminal work, The Design of Everyday Things, sparked our interest in the user experience of physical environments. An insightful article on the UX of Disney World further fuelled this passion.
Body lotion bottles
A well-designed lotion bottle should be easy to hold, dispense the right amount of lotion smoothly, and minimize waste. The shape should fit comfortably in your hand, even with slippery hands.
Conversely, a poorly designed lotion bottle with a stiff pump or awkward shape can make dispensing lotion a hassle, leading to frustration and wasted product.
Ketchup Bottle
A well-designed ketchup bottle should allow for easy dispensing without the need for repeated shaking or tapping. Its shape should be ergonomic, fitting comfortably in the hand, and the material should facilitate a controlled squeeze. Innovative features, like an upside-down design, ensure that ketchup is always ready to pour, minimizing frustration and waste.
In contrast, a poorly designed ketchup bottle can quickly become a source of frustration. Traditional glass bottles often require vigorous shaking or tapping, which can lead to messy spills and an uneven pour.
Coffee Mug
The handle is well-sized and easy to grip, providing comfort when holding the mug, which is an essential aspect of good design.
This mug looks quite cute and innocent, right? π But try to drink some tea from it. It may cost you an eye! π¨
The mug's appealing visual design might lead users to believe it functions like any other mug. However, the practical experience reveals significant usability issues. This mismatch between appearance and functionality is a core UX problem.
Door Handle
Consider the design of a door. A well-designed door provides clear, intuitive cues about how it should be operated. A push plate on one side and a pull handle on the other immediately inform the user whether to push or pull.
On the other hand, a poorly designed door can be a daily source of frustration. If a door has a push sign but is equipped with a pull handle, it creates confusion and forces the user to think twice.
The Faucet
A well-designed faucet allows for easy temperature control and has a handle or knobs that are comfortable to grip and turn. The water flow should be smooth, and the spout should be positioned to avoid splashing. Modern touchless faucets add convenience without complicating usability.
A poorly designed faucet might have stiff or confusing controls, making it hard to get the water to the desired temperature. If the spout is too short or too high, it can cause splashing or make it difficult to fill containers.
Conclusion
UX is everywhere, shaping our experiences in ways we often don't notice. It makes interactions smoother and more enjoyable, enhancing our daily routines and simplifying tasks. Whether it's the ergonomic handle of a coffee mug or the intuitive interface of a mobile app, good UX design enriches our lives.
Recognizing these subtle yet significant design elements helps us value the effort behind creating products that not only meet our needs but also enrich our experiences.