How Product Design Helps Push the Boundaries of UX and UI

While Product Designers look at the entire design and development process, User experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) designers are responsible for developing products that address the user’s needs. UX and UI are intrinsically linked to product development, and when executed well – combine to create a functional, usable product, which not only fills the needs of the user, but also triggers an emotional desire.

In this article, we’ll look at the close relationship UX and UI design plays in product design, and how they are helping drive innovative change.

Key takeaways

• UX stands for ‘user experience’, which encompasses how people react to a product and how they feel about it.
• UI means ‘user interface’ and refers to anything a user might interact with when using a digital product or service.
• Product design can have a massive impact on user experience because it dictates how a user will interact with the product, how they feel about it aesthetically and if it is fit for purpose.
• There have been several impressive examples of design that have significantly impacted UX and UI in recent years, including 3D-printed medical designs, specialist vacuums and UV hygiene units.
• A great product or service is made by empathising with your user and solving their problem in an uncomplicated way.

Why are UX and UI so important?

What is UX

UX stands for ‘user experience’, which encompasses how people react to a product and how they feel about it. For example, if you want to turn on the extractor fan in your bathroom, you’ll likely have to interact with a pull cord. The design of this cord, including its physical appearance, colour, material, and even ergonomics, might impact how you feel about the experience of using it.

What is UI

UI, on the other hand, means ‘user interface’ and refers to anything a user might interact with when using a digital product or service. It includes screens, touchpads, keyboards, sounds, lights, etc. A really important thing to remember is that while UX design encompasses an entire process, UI design is a step within that process.

Both UX and UI are vital to keep in mind when creating a product because although you might have a great idea about what your product will do, UX and UI define how your customers will use it, how they’ll feel about it and how you can position it in the market.

How does product design affect UX and UI?

The way your product looks, works and is interacted with are all areas of product design, and they all affect UX and UI. When people buy or use a product, they usually evaluate it based on usability, function, value and appearance. Therefore, when designing a product, you need to keep these things in mind for your users to rank its UX and UI positively.

German industrial designer Dieter Rams once said:

“You cannot understand good design if you do not understand people.”

A great product or service is made by empathising with your user and solving their problem in an uncomplicated way. Product design is not just how your product will look, it also affects how people will perceive it, how they interact with it, how they feel about it and whether it is fit for purpose.

In the same regard, product design can make all the difference in helping a product stand out from the crowd and fill a niche or need that wasn’t occupied before.

Examples of designs that have improved UX or UI

The best design helps users do what they need to do. It removes friction from the customer flow and eliminates potential barriers and sources of confusion. It also evolves as time goes on, to meet the changing needs of its targeted users.

A great example of industrial design that improved user experience is the classic Coca-cola bottle we know today. Originally, Coca-cola came in a smooth bottle. However, the change to their iconic ‘contour’ bottle was both aesthetically more pleasing and allowed for better grip, while helping it stand out in a crowd. In addition, its plastic form also allows the bottle to be under tension without deforming easily.

Similarly, the Dyson Dual Cyclone Vacuum Cleaner stood out amongst its competitors even though it came with a much higher price tag – all thanks to its design. This Dyson Vacuum was one of the first of its kind to be bagless, which meant that although it came with a higher upfront cost, users didn’t have to purchase bags to use it. It was also quieter and easier to clean than traditional vacuums. Because it improved user experience so much, this excellent example of industrial design has been a market leader for almost two decades.

In the medical field, 3D printing is changing cast design. Where you would normally receive a plaster cast after a broken bone, now there is a 3D printed version being tested that improves user experience dramatically. If you’ve ever had to wear a plaster cast, you’ll know how difficult it is to take a shower with it on and how itchy and uncomfortable it can be. However, a lightweight, waterproof 3D printed version with plenty of gaps for itching can make the healing process much more bearable.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambridge Design Technology pioneered a UV soap dispenser which provided a sanitiser/soap dispenser attached to a UV light loop that a user could use to check their hands had been thoroughly disinfected. It combined a convenient touch-free system with a simple way users can check effectiveness. The product made hand cleaning in industrial, commercial and clinical settings easy and effective and came about as a way to make sure users felt confident after disinfecting their hands. It was an upgrade from traditional hand sanitisers but with a much better user experience. You can read more about the project here.

Create innovative products which people love

User experience is no longer optional when creating a product. Now, users expect more from the products and services they invest in. Great design is the way to ensure that your product is functional, effective, attractive and offers your users the best possible experience.

If you need support with industrial, medical or other product design, Cambridge Design Technology are specialists that can help make your product a reality.

Read more on our website or contact us today on +44 (0) 1223 662300 or via our online contact form.