Looking at the interactions through the lens of the product tells a partial story. Same through the lens of 1 individual. Same through the lens of 1 context.

Hi everyone, Kevin here.

For the purpose of a presentation, I’m currently revisiting this simple yet effective way to explain UX to non-designers (see picture 1) by Jennifer Aldrich.

Picture 1 — Experience emerges from interactions between people & products/services.

Although I think this picture is good in its simplicity, I would also say it misses one other key aspect of what makes an experience and what makes design, UX, and research important: context.

Expanding on the original idea, here is my take:

  • Picture 1: Experience emerges from interactions between people & products/services;
  • Picture 2: Interactions are constrained by context and define perception, expectations, and meaning (what one can make sense of).
Picture 2 — Interactions are constrained by context and define meaning, perception, and expectations.

What are your thoughts?

Thank for reading! 🙏