Characteristics of a good user experience

Primary characteristics of a good user experience are usable, equitable, enjoyable and useful. These characteristics can help you evaluate a product’s design.

Usable

Usable means the product's design, structure, and purpose are easy to use and straightforward. You can ask questions:

• Is everything in the design easy to find?

• Is functionality easy to understand?

• Can users accomplish specific tasks within the design?

Equitable

Equitable means the design is helpful to people with diverse abilities and backgrounds. You can ask questions:

• Are the needs of a diverse group of users considered?

• Does the product’s design address the needs of traditionally underrepresented and excluded groups?

Enjoyable

Enjoyable means the design delights the user. The design reflects what users think or feel and creates a positive connection with them. You can ask questions:

• Are there aspects of the design that consider the user’s feelings? 

• Does the design inspire delight in the user?

• Does the design keep the user engaged throughout their experience?

Useful

Useful means the product solves user problems. A useful product is not always usable, and vice versa. Usability refers to the product working well and being easy to use. Usefulness refers to the ability to solve users’ problems. You can ask questions:

• Does the design add value to the user’s experience?

• Does the design solve a problem for the user?

• Does the design help the user achieve a specific goal?