Ever wondered ‘What is the difference between usability and user experience?’ While usability and user experience sound similar, the two terms have distinctly different meanings. When you learn UX design, you’ll likely come across both words regularly, so it’s important to understand what sets them apart.
When designing a product—such as a website or piece of software— the way your users interact with and interpret it is crucial. You’ll want your audience to understand how to use your product and enjoy its benefits without much difficulty.
That’s where the terms user experience (or UX) and usability come into play.
In this article, we’ll define these two important terms—and explain their differences—helping you become a better UX designer.
So, what is the difference between usability and user experience?
What does ‘usability’ mean?
‘Usability’ is a broad term. In general, we define it as follows:
“Usability describes a system, product, or service’s capacity to allow users to perform tasks effectively, effectively, and safely.”
In simpler terms, usability is all about how easy it is for someone to use something. It’s not enough for your product to function; it must also be usable.
For example, let’s say you’ve created an app to help people find cheap petrol in their local area. You’ve programmed the app correctly and everything functions as expected—but your users have trouble figuring out how to sign in. In this case, your app might be functional, but its usability is low.
For a product, system, or service to achieve a high usability score, it must be:
– Effective and efficient
– Easy to use
– Easy to learn
– Error-free
– Satisfying or enjoyable
Essentially, to achieve high usability, an average person should be able to use your product without thinking too much or jumping through hoops.
Why usability matters
High usability is more than beneficial—it’s crucial. When your users can’t easily interact with your product, it’s essentially useless.
When you create an app or system that’s easy to learn and use and provides a consistently satisfactory experience, both you and the consumer will benefit. A highly usable mobile app, for example, will garner many more downloads than an app that’s frustrating and confusing to use.
You can achieve high usability by setting appropriate goals and KPIs. For example, you might set a maximum error frequency or a minimum memorability rating.
What is the ‘user experience’?
Now, let’s discuss the user experience. Usability, as defined above, is a vital part of the user experience—but it’s only one element. There are many more.
For users to genuinely enjoy their experience when interacting with your product, it needs to be more than just usable. There need to be elements that draw the consumer in, give them what they’re searching for, and keep them coming back for more.
An appealing and functional user interface is only the beginning. To achieve a positive user experience, you should also consider:
1. Does the product meet the user’s needs?
2. Can the user find your product?
3. Does the product provide enduring value?
4. Is the product accessible across multiple channels?
5. Does the user trust the product and your company?
6. Does your product please the user or offer extra benefits?
As you can see, there’s much more to the user experience than functionality and usability. If you’re working towards a UX design career and are building a portfolio, the first thing you should consider is who the user is—their interests, needs, desires, and expectations. Only once you have tackled these questions can you start creating a positive user experience.
Even if your product is functional, usable, enjoyable, and meets your target audience’s expectations, there’s still more to think about.
Many UX designers, for example, fail to compare their app or program to their competitor’s existing products. Big mistake!
One major way to improve the user experience is to ensure your product is distinctive and stands out from the rest. You can achieve this goal by providing benefits not offered by your competitors or better meeting your target audience’s needs.
How to learn UX design and improve the user experience
Improving the user experience is highly beneficial for businesses and designers. You’ll keep your users happy and encourage them to tell their friends and family about your product.
But how exactly can you improve the user experience?
Well, it largely depends on the type of product you’re designing. For example, if you’re creating a website, you might implement light and dark modes to make it easier for users to browse your site at certain times of the day.
Here are a few other ways to instantly boost the user experience:
1. Optimise page load times by compressing images and videos.
2. Implement appealing calls to action.
3. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and responsive.
4. Use white space to increase user attention and improve readability.
5. Break up information with paragraphs and bullet points.
6. Use images and diagrams where appropriate.
7. Avoid excessive form fields and data entry.
8. Gather customer feedback through quick surveys.
9. Interview your users.
10. Include language translation, audiovisual chat features, and closed captions.
11. Minimise errors and 404s.
By taking all the steps you can to improve the overall user experience, your audience will develop a more positive relationship with your product or brand.
Usability vs. user experience: summarising the differences
So, let’s sum up.
In short, usability describes how easy it is for a person to learn about and use a program. At the same time, the user experience involves factors such as functionality, accessibility, and much more.
Usability, of course, is a crucial part of the user experience—but it’s not the be-all and end-all. Effective UX design considers audiences’ needs from start to finish, including before and after discovering your app, program, or service.
Conclusion
Usability and user experience are similar-sounding terms, but the two have distinct differences. With your new knowledge about these familiar phrases, you’ll have a fantastic headstart on your journey to learn UX design.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can improve the user experience, or about UX design in general, get in touch with the UX Philosophy team. We offer products, free tools, and guides to kickstart your UX design journey—without the need for a pricey degree.
