1. Usability is a fundamental concept in UX design. As a UX designer, how can you improve website usability?

 

My goal is to put the user at the centre of the design and always keep in mind that their experience needs to be as smooth and satisfactory as possible.

Usability is a key factor – it’s what ensures the users get a seamless experience without any obstacles while engaging with the website, so I focus on understanding and anticipating the needs of the user, making sure that the navigation is intuitive. A website with good usability is not only aesthetic, but it helps users achieve their goals in an easy, fast, and safe way. For example, when I design, I always consider factors like the logical organisation of content and the adaptability to different devices.

 

2. What technological issues affect the usability of a website?

 

There are some technical problems that can influence usability. For example, an excessive load time on a website page can lead to unsatisfied users who end up exiting the page before getting the information they were looking for.

A website also needs to be adapted for different devices since it can compromise user experience, especially on mobile devices. Cross-browser compatibility issues, broken links, or complicated forms can be barriers to smooth navigation.

Thus, it’s crucial to consider the difference between the way a user sees the organisation of the information (UX information architecture) and how this information is stored and utilized in the intern systems (backend data architecture). If the information that shows on your screen comes from different databases, it could cause a rise in the server’s requests, extending loading times and increasing the system’s use of resources, potentially degrading user experience.

 

3. Could you share some examples of how improved usability has positively impacted a product or service you’ve worked on?

 

In one of the projects I was able to participate in, we found that the operations staff had difficulties with the payment monitoring system, as they had to check different interfaces to determine their status. So, we created a unified interface where the status of the payment could be consulted, allowing them to detect potential problems faster. The response time to an incident was drastically reduced from 4 hours to only 10 min.

Another example was the restructuring of the checkout process on an e-commerce platform. At first, clients were faced with a confusing and time-consuming buying process, resulting in a high drop-out rate. After detecting the existing obstacles, our team simplified the checkout stages, optimised page load times, and improved the forms interface.

 

4. What are the most significant challenges in achieving usability in digital products or services today, and how can designers address them?

 

Achieving good usability in digital products involves addressing several significant challenges, such as universal accessibility and the ability to anticipate user expectations.

Universal accessibility requires we design intuitive interfaces that address users’ needs, and for that, we need to perform iterative evaluation processes based on their feedback. It’s also important to understand and research how users expect the system to work in order to anticipate their behaviours.

To meet these challenges, UX designers must stay ahead of the latest technology trends and changes in user behaviour patterns. Adopting a user-centered design approach and maintaining an iterative process of testing ensures that digital solutions are functional and, above all, satisfying for users.

 

5. In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, what trends or changes do you foresee in the future of usability?

 

Usability trends point to the creation of more immersive user experiences through advanced interfaces such as augmented and virtual reality. In addition, app personalization will reach new heights, adapting to users in real-time thanks to artificial intelligence. In security, biometric-based methods will be adopted to improve user experience without compromising protection.

Thus, UX design will become more intuitive and accessible, and respond more effectively to users’ needs, strengthening their bond with technology.