User experience (UX) design plays an important role in how we interact with websites, apps, and digital products. As an experienced UX designer, I continually work to shift and refine my perspective on design, accessibility, and user-centred thinking.
UX and UI – More than just aesthetics
Many people think of UX and user interface (UI) design as interchangeable, but they’re actually two different but complementary roles.
UX design is the foundation – the research, strategy, and structure that make a product functional and intuitive.
UI design is the visual layer – typography, colour, and branding that make it appealing and easy to use. A good analogy is that UX is the blueprint of a house, while UI is the paint and furniture.
Thinking beyond the client
One of the most important aspects of UX design is the value in designing not just for the client, but for their consumers. It’s easy to focus on what the client wants their website or product to look like, but UX is all about making it accessible and enjoyable for the people actually using it. By stepping into the user’s shoes, you gain a new perspective on design decisions, from layout and navigation to font choices and colour contrast.
The role of design accessibility
Accessibility is central to good UX design, and it’s something I think about in every project I work on. I follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and they help make sure that digital content is usable for people with disabilities. Key accessibility principles we apply to our work includes:
Good colour contrast for readability
Clear typography and spacing
Alternative text for images
Making clickable elements large and easy to navigate
Simple design choices can make a huge difference in being inclusive, and part of my process is to check accessibility scores and evaluate contrast before signing off on any designs.
Finding those pain points
It’s important to be able to identify user pain points and solve them effectively. A well-designed product should not only be visually appealing but also solve a problem or make a task easier. Some common usability issues include:
Confusing navigation
Overloaded pages with too much information
Buttons or CTAs that aren’t clearly labelled
By considering these factors, you begin to approach design with a problem-solving mindset, making sure that users can achieve their goals easily and efficiently.
Spacing, white space, and typography – the small details matter
Effective use of spacing, white space, and typography is also often underestimated but you might be surprised by the impact they have on readability and user experience. Well-structured layouts with proper spacing improves understanding, while typography choices influence how professional and trustworthy a site appears. Attention to these finer details can transform content into something both engaging and easy to digest.
A user-centred approach
As a UX designer, you should always be looking to learn more and improve your skills. As my knowledge and experience has grown, I feel more sympathetic to the user and more critical of both good and bad design. I analyse websites, spotting accessibility issues and usability problems I might not have noticed when I first started designing. More importantly, I now have a user-first mindset, making sure that any design choices I make prioritise functionality, inclusivity, and ease of use.
UX design is more than just making something look good – it’s about creating digital experiences that people want to engage with and return to. If you're interested in enhancing your own digital presence with UX-focused strategies, get in touch – we’d love to help!
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