Usability vs. user experience

Are there usability standards?

There are many usability standards that must be followed, especially for products. For websites, ISO standards 9241, which outlines the ergonomic requirements for office suitability with display devices, and ISO 14915, which focuses on software ergonomics for multimedia user interfaces, are particularly relevant. Other regulations, such as the “Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV),” which mandates that websites be designed to be accessible, also apply. The German Ordinance on Workplaces and the Disability Equality Act also influence the standardization of usability.

What is user experience (UX)?

User experience, or UX for short, refers to the overall experience a user has and encompasses all the impressions they gather while using a software, service, or facility. In fact, the roots of user experience can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was believed that usefulness, strength, and beauty are the three main criteria for a positive user experience, determining whether the user enjoys using the product.

Is there an ISO standardization of user experience?

Like usability, user experience is also governed by ISO standardization. DIN EN ISO 9241 outlines the ergonomics of human-system interaction. More specifically, DIN EN ISO 9241-210 pertains to user experience and categorizes the activities of human-centered design into tasks associated with the individual product development process. These activities outline the planning of the human-centered design process, along with the analysis, understanding, and specification of the context of use. This also involves specifying usage requirements and the development of design solutions to meet those requirements. These activities also encompass evaluating the system and assessing whether the design solution meets the usage requirements. What may seem very theoretical at first glance serves a purpose: Companies view the standard for user experience as a valuable resource.

What are the four elements of good user experience?

To ensure a successful user experience, there are four essential factors that need to be measured to achieve the desired UX outcomes. Here are these four important metrics!

Utility value

The user experience can only be considered positive if a product is meaningful and useful. A product may be visually appealing and easy to use, but if it doesn’t fulfill the intended purpose or lacks relevant functions, it becomes useless to the user. The utility value is best illustrated with the example of Google Maps. The app is designed to offer users on the go helpful information and navigation guidance. Additionally, you receive updates from Google about traffic disruptions and alternative routes in case of an obstruction. Therefore, the utility value is fully achieved.
The utility value can be assessed through feedback forms and surveys to gauge the perceived utility in terms of content and features.

Usability

Usability can be equated with the user-friendliness of a product or application. It refers to how easy it is to understand and use the features and functionalities of a product. The higher the usability, the less effort and frustration the user experiences when interacting with the product.
The core elements of usability are outlined as follows:

Learnability

Learnability measures how long it takes new users to understand how the product works. The higher the usability, the quicker a system allows users to learn it effectively.

Efficiency

Efficiency refers to how easy and fast it is to complete a task using the product or system. When usability is efficient, it allows users to accomplish tasks quickly and without unnecessary steps.

Error prevention and recovery

A product with high usability can help users avoid errors and, if they do occur, allow for quick corrections.

Satisfaction

The usability satisfaction factor assesses how enjoyable it is to use the product or system, ensuring that users feel satisfied and successful after their interaction.

Memorability

A key aspect of usability is memorability. This means that even if users haven’t interacted with the product for a while, they can quickly recall how to use it upon their return. The higher the usability, the more productively even occasional users can work with the product.
To assess user-friendliness, usability tests can be conducted with real users, and the results can be used to derive a comprehensive analysis.

Accessibility

Accessibility means that a system is designed to be usable by a broad range of target groups, including individuals with visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments. This ensures that the product is inclusive and accessible to all.
In addition to perceptibility, which ensures that information and interfaces are designed to be easily perceived by everyone, the conditions for usability should also be considered. It is essential to design a system that can be used by all individuals without exception. This means that all information within the system and the overall interaction should be easy to understand and presented in clear, simple language.
Another important aspect to consider is the compatibility of the application interface with various technologies and assistive devices, such as screen readers, so that users with specific needs can use a website without restrictions.
Other examples of accessibility include text alternatives for images, subtitles for videos, and adjustable font size settings.
To evaluate your website’s accessibility, you can use helpful tools like Google Lighthouse to assess all your digital products.

Attractiveness (desirability)

Everything related to design: Attractiveness includes the visual design as well as the feelings and emotions that the design evokes in users. The greater the attractiveness, the more interest the product generates, which can lead to a positive emotional connection, as users enjoy using it.
Attractiveness is primarily evaluated based on visual design: appealing colors, clear fonts, and high-quality images give the product an “aesthetic” appeal. These elements trigger emotional responses such as trust, pleasure, and curiosity, making the user perceive the product as enjoyable.
A distinctive appearance also enhances recognition, leaving a lasting impression and contributing to a strong brand identity. Take the Apple iPhone, for example. The product’s attractiveness, combined with its interactive and functional design, has been pleasing fans for years, as it consistently surpasses their expectations.
You can assess the attractiveness of your product or system through A/B testing and visual design evaluations, where users provide feedback on key aspects such as aesthetic appeal.

Ease of use vs. user experience: What is the difference?

As previously mentioned, distinguishing between the two terms can be difficult. This is because they are fundamentally connected in a broad sense; the differences stem from the chronological context of each term.
While usability emphasizes the efficiency, simplicity, and ease of use of a product, user experience encompasses the overall user journey. This starts with the pre-use experience, where users form perceptions about the product before using it. During use, the experience is shaped by the effective and efficient completion of tasks without interruptions. After use, the experience is influenced by how users reflect on their interaction and their emotional connection with the product.
Usability comes into play during the usage phase and influences the outcome of the overall experience.

Is usability part of the user experience?

Consequently, usability is a subset of user experience. While the latter describes the overall experience and encompasses all aspects of interaction—from practical benefits to appealing design and emotional responses—usability focuses on operability and effectiveness.