What is UX Design? Guide to User Experience

By UXDLAB Team

From the apps we use to order food, to the websites we browse for shopping, and even the everyday objects we interact with—design shapes how we experience the world. Each of these interactions leaves an impression, good or bad, and collectively, they define what we call User Experience (UX).

At UXDLAB, we believe UX design is more than just a discipline—it’s the foundation of creating meaningful digital products that people love to use. In this guide, we’ll explore:

• What UX design really means
• How UX differs from UI
• The principles behind a great user experience
• The step-by-step UX design process
• Real-world examples of websites with excellent UX

What is UX Design?

UX, or user experience, focuses on how people interact with a product, service, or system. It’s about putting the human first—ensuring that every touchpoint feels seamless, intuitive, and valuable.

The term was first coined by Don Norman, author of Designing Everyday Things, who described UX as:

“A product is more than just the product. It is a cohesive, integrated set of experiences—from first use to ongoing support.”

In short, UX design is the practice of strategically shaping experiences that not only solve problems but also delight users.

UX vs. UI: What’s the Difference?

Many confuse UX (User Experience) with UI (User Interface)—but while closely related, they serve different purposes.

• UX Design focuses on the bigger picture: research, user journeys, usability, and how the product functions end-to-end.
• UI Design zooms in on the visuals: typography, colors, layouts, and the aesthetic layer users directly interact with.

Think of it this way: UX creates the blueprint and flow of a website, while UI brings it to life visually. Both roles are essential, working together to create products that not only work well but also look and feel engaging.

What Makes a Good User Experience?

Great UX isn’t just about usability—it’s about creating experiences that are useful, intuitive, and memorable.

Designer Peter Morville identified seven core principles of good UX, often referred to as the UX Honeycomb:

1. Useful – Solves a real problem or fulfills a clear purpose.
2. Usable – Easy to navigate and accomplish goals efficiently.
3. Findable – Content and features are easily discoverable.
4. Credible – Builds trust with consistent, honest communication.
5. Desirable – Creates emotional engagement through branding and design.
6. Accessible – Usable by people of all abilities.
7. Valuable – Delivers overall value to users and the business.

A well-designed product combines all of these qualities, ensuring that users walk away with a positive impression.

The UX Design Process

Designing a great user experience isn’t guesswork—it’s an iterative, research-driven process. At UXDLAB, we follow a structured yet flexible approach:

1. Ideation & Definition

• Understand business goals and user needs
• Conduct stakeholder workshops
• Define KPIs and success metrics

2. Research

• User interviews & surveys
• Market and competitor research
• Usability testing on existing products

3. Analysis

• Build user personas to represent target users
• Map user journeys to understand interactions step-by-step

4. Design

• Create wireframes as blueprints
• Establish information architecture for clear navigation
• Craft microcopy to guide users with clear, on-brand language

5. Testing

• Build prototypes for hands-on feedback
• Conduct user testing with real audiences
• Run in-house validation with the product team

6. Launch & Iterate

• Roll out with a beta launch to gather early insights
• Collect user feedback
• Continuously refine to improve the experience

5 Websites with Great UX Design

To see UX in action, here are five standout examples that showcase how thoughtful design improves usability and engagement:

1. Jung Design – A portfolio site that balances clean navigation with engaging visuals, making it easy for clients to explore work.
2. Extra & Ordinary Design – An eCommerce experience with seamless filtering, detailed product pages, and smooth checkout flow.
3. Mikaela Rubin – A service-driven site combining storytelling, search functionality, and well-organized content.
4. Noni Ceramica – A mobile-friendly website with intuitive menus and fast purchasing options.
5. HERoines – A non-profit site using parallax scrolling, strong CTAs, and inspiring design to drive engagement.

At UXDLAB, we believe UX design is the backbone of digital innovation. Whether it’s a website, mobile app, or enterprise solution, investing in user experience means investing in long-term success.

Good UX doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of research, empathy, and continuous refinement. By embracing UX design, businesses can build products that don’t just meet user needs, but also create lasting impact.

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