How can we tell whether something is good or bad UX?

User experiences can be broadly categorized into benevolent intent or misdirected intent. The former is the most ideal state: the interface is designed in a way that not only satisfies business needs but also helps users without harming them. In the latter, however, good designs are derailed as business needs are prioritized without benefitting the user.

Benevolent intent leads to Good UX, and misdirected intent leads to Bad UX. In this article I'll show you how some companies prioritised user experience. And how some missed it.

I'll start with FreeFileSync.

FreeFileSync is a free open source data backup software which helps you compare and synchronize files and folders on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Now most open-source and free applications displays advertisements or cross-over promotions during installation. They do so in the hopes of introducing useful products to users. But more often than not, these extra bloats don't help. Instead they ruin user experience. FreeFileSync understood that advertisements would turn away potential users. So in place of ads, animal pictures are shown. This seemingly small difference demonstrates that FreeFileSync understand its users on a more human level, thus retaining their end users more effectively.

Next, let's talk about MailChimp.

MailChimp is a marketing automation platform for email marketing and newsletter.

Unlike its competitors, MailChimp gave its web application a face. Though not a human one. But that of a monkey. This chimp, their mascot, appear all across the application. Again this small change creates a human connection with the users; clearly improving user experience. 

Now let's look at an example of Bad UX. 

We are all familiar with the WhatsApp delete message feature. Now when you delete a message, it still shows a notification in the receiver's chat box. Thus defeating the whole purpose of deleting a message.

An intuitive UX and robust coherence is a key to bringing users together. This definitely won’t be easy given the limitations while incorporating them. Nevertheless, holistic UX design is key to helping a lost user feel comfortable again — making for better business and user outcomes.

That's all for now. Until next time.