Imagine for a moment that you’re transported to a world in which digital and physical realities blend, a world where you can interact with holograms as naturally as you do with tangible objects. Welcome to the realm of mixed reality (MR)—a fascinating convergence of the real and virtual worlds that has the potential to revolutionize our experience of life.

Ever since I first saw Apple Vision Pro, I’ve been spellbound by the amazing experiences that this technology offers. It’s like an entirely new universe has just come to existence, and we’re all explorers in these unexplored territories. However, this doesn’t mean we should wander aimlessly. Read More

It’s hard to believe that I first started in the field of User Experience 25 years ago. In 1998, I began the Master’s degree program in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at DePaul University. Since then, I’ve worked for four different companies—as both a generalist UX designer/researcher and as a UX research specialist.

In this column, I’ll look back at the changes I’ve observed in UX research over the last 25 years. My goal is not to provide a definitive history of UX research during that period—just to note the changes that I’ve noticed and share my perspectives on them.

UX Education Expanded

The number of UX-related degrees and nondegree certificate programs has grown over the last 25 years. When I started in the HCI program at DePaul University, it was one of a much smaller number of schools with programs in HCI or similar degrees. I don’t think any of these programs used the term User Experience back then. Now, there are many more colleges all over the world with UX courses and degrees. In addition to degree programs, there are many UX design and research certificate programs and bootcamps, too. Read More

If there has ever been a time when UX designers have seen their role profoundly questioned, that time seems to be now. As artificial intelligence (AI) demands our collective attention, the profession of UX design is reeling from both this technology’s extraordinary possibilities and the huge unknowns that come with its adoption. What are the opportunities and threats that AI presents to the UX design profession?

The performance and creative potential of AI and, in some cases, the ability for anyone with little or no technical expertise to use its capabilities, have become fuel for thought on the future of the discipline of UX design. What will continue to make our profession distinctive and indispensable? Read More

Coupon Web sites play a crucial role in helping shoppers to access deals on products and save cash. With the global digital-coupon market forecast to close out 2023 with a cool $29.7 billion in value, the competition is fierce. But, with countless coupon Web sites vying for consumers’ attention, it is essential that site owners prioritize creating a seamless user experience that goes beyond simply offering discounts. A well-designed, user-friendly coupon site would not only attract more visitors but also keep them more engaged, encourage repeat visits, and cultivate a loyal base of users who would spread the word and help you build your brand.

On a coupon site, delivering a seamless user experience involves careful consideration of various factors, including intuitive navigation, the clear presentation of offers, and effortless redemption processes. This requires our understanding user preferences, technological advancements, and industry trends. Read More

The ecommerce landscape is growing rapidly. With a staggering 2.64 billion online shoppers now frequently engaging with ecommerce retailers, digital brands need to step up their game if they are to compete with industry giants.

The question is: how can you ensure that you build an online store to handle this increase in online traffic? Can the company’s Web host handle a the necessary bandwidth? Is the content up to scratch for a diverse range of users?

It’s no secret that a positive, online user experience drives conversions. The key requirements for consumers who are making online purchases include high-quality content, streamlined navigation, and a fast-loading Web site. These should be priorities for any digital retailer that wants to perform well. Read More

Now more than ever, ecommerce businesses strive to create captivating online experiences that can help keep their customers engaged and drive sales. In the digital landscape, every element of a Web site’s design plays a crucial role in capturing the attention of potential customers and influencing their purchasing decisions.

Among these design elements, colors evoke emotions, establish brand identity, and create a visually appealing user experience. Did you know that a whopping 85% of consumers say that color alone is their primary reason for purchasing a particular product? This eye-opening statistic highlights the undeniable impact that color can have on consumers’ behaviors, as well as their willingness to purchase.

Strategically incorporating colors and other design elements into an ecommerce Web site lets you create an immersive, persuasive environment that maximizes sales and enhances the shopping experience. In this article, I’ll explore how you can leverage color and design elements to optimize ecommerce sales. Read More

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines that we’ve programmed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. In recent times, AI has successfully carried automation to the next level with its wide range of capabilities. AI is bringing about the transformation of industries across diverse domains. The information technology (IT) industry is no exception. In fact, the IT industry has enthusiastically embraced the immense potential of AI to transform virtually every aspect of its operations. Professionals within the IT sector have engaged in extensive discussions regarding the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI-driven technologies.

Although market analysts have connected the rapid rise and widespread adoption of AI to recent downsizing at major IT firms, it is crucial that we harness the potential of AI to benefit the IT industry. Highlighting the positive aspects of AI-driven technologies is of the utmost importance. Read More

We know that a robust UX design can help a business build a digital platform that efficiently and transparently communicates with its audience and drives results. Right? But the need for good UX design goes beyond companies. Charity foundations need good UX design, too. It’s crucial to convey the essence of their work and earn people’s trust. You can achieve these goals through powerful visual communication and design solutions.

These are the tools that Lazarev.agency utilized when we were working on a volunteer project: a Web-site redesign for one of the biggest nonprofits in Ukraine, Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation. This nonprofit focuses on collecting donations, strengthening the Defense Forces of Ukraine, and providing aid to civilians.

What challenges did we solve, what approach did our team take, and how did everything turn out? Through this case study, you can discover the outcomes of this project. Read More

Many believe that an expert must conduct UX research, who does some magic to improve a product’s user experience. In fact, the belief that asking the right questions is the art of creating the perfect user experience is a mere myth. The perfect UX research script does not exist—one that would help researchers to clearly understand the painpoints, needs, and expectations of users and be solely responsible for the outcome of research studies.

The only thing that users expect of UX researchers is the depth of their understanding of the users’ stories. These stories are not mere data. They can take UX researchers to a whole new world of emotional values. Users expect UX researchers to hear them at an emotional level. Read More