When creating public-facing digital products and services: remember, you’re not the user. Nor is your boss. Neither, in all likelihood, is their boss.
It might sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget. We all have our preferences, but what really matters is understanding what your audience actually wants and needs. So, step into their digital shoes, do your research, and create user-friendly experiences that speak their language. In design, it’s not about you; it’s all about making the users’ lives easier in the digital world.
Instead of relying solely on your instincts, gather insights directly from your target audience. Conduct user interviews, review behavioural data, or do usability testing to get real-world feedback. This hands-on approach will help you uncover pain points, preferences, and expectations. When you’re in the design trenches, always ask yourself, “How would our users feel about this?” and “Is this making their digital journey better?” This simple mindset shift can lead to more user-centric design decisions, ensuring your digital products and services are as effective as possible.