THE 7 CHARACTERISTICS OF USER-FRIENDLY SOFTWARE
In this article:
- User Experience: Get away from complexity!
- The characteristics of user-friendly software
- Why is user experience important in the software sector?
- Digital signage: A great example of intuitive software
- UX as a criteria for choosing software
- The future development of user experience in the software sector
- Conclusion
User Experience: Get away from complexity!
Ideally, software optimizes internal processes and increases efficiency – in this respect, the requirements of companies are clearly defined. However, many applications are complex and difficult to use due to the various functions. Therefore, another aspect has gained a lot of relevance, namely user experience.
Many software applications do not meet the requirements in the area of user experience. They lack flexibility and intuitiveness. To address these challenges, software developers are increasingly paying attention to the user experience. Two aspects are focused on here: Making applications easier to use and that businesses make adjustments on their own.
In this article, we take a closer look at the relevance of user experience in the software sector. We name key characteristics and what the future development looks like. We also give an example and why companies should also use usability as a decision criteria when choosing software.
The characteristics of user-friendly software
Intuitivity
User-friendly software is self-explanatory and easy to use. Familiarization phases are unavoidable, but should take little time. Core functions quickly catch the eye, and use is without queries to developers or manuals. A clear user interface encourages interaction between people and the application.
Adaptability
Even industry-specific software often fails to meet the diverse needs of companies. Depending on the product or target group, customizable solutions are required. This also plays an important role in terms of design, because every company has a corporate identity. Standardized software does not offer a target-oriented solution here.
Flexibility
The flexibility of software is based on two characteristics. First, it should be possible for several people to work on an application at the same time. Second, software should ideally be compatible with multiple end devices and operating systems. This facilitates targeted collaboration and the design of efficient processes within the team.
Helpful
Software without a support function is often of limited use. In such cases, the only option is to consult with customer service, but this costs time. Developers should provide a help area or FAQ section so that users can overcome challenges on their own.
Accessibility
Accessibility has become increasingly relevant in recent years.This does not only refer to the use by people with disabilities, because the focus is mainly on situational accessibility. Example: You want to watch a video on the train and have forgotten your headphones.Without subtitles, you can’t understand the content.
Situational accessibility is relevant in the use of software. Every day, entrepreneurs edit their videos on their tablets or organize their teams on their cell phones. In this respect, it should be possible to use applications in any location and without restriction.
Accessibility should not be confused with mobility. The latter refers to ensuring that applications function flawlessly on mobile devices. Accessibility concerns unrestricted use in various situations.
Sustainability
This does not refer to ecological aspects, but to ensuring that software remains up to date in the long term. Depending on the industry, product and target group, requirements change and developers must adapt to changing customer needs.
Meeting expectations
Usability is not just based on ease of use or that an application works across different devices. Most importantly, software must meet high expectations. The focus is still on the benefits of software, and with that comes certain expectations regarding functionality. Meeting these forms is a core characteristic of user experience.
Why is user experience important in the software sector?
There are more and more location-independent start-ups or companies that have largely digitized their processes. Therefore, there is a greater dependence on apps and other technical applications. Many companies no longer function at all without software.
With the current development in the field of AI and the increasing complexity of business ideas, the requirements for software are also increasing. Here, developers are faced with the challenge of meeting customer demands while providing a good user experience.
Software with poor user experience requires a long learning curve with many queries. This is compounded by difficulties in implementation, which slows down processes. Lack of customizability means that software does not provide the desired individual added value. And these difficulties cause additional costs or an increased expenditure of time.
UX as a criteria for choosing software
The most important decision criteria when choosing a software are costs, efficiency, individual benefits and competitive advantages. One aspect often takes a back seat here, namely the user experience.
As already mentioned, a poor user experience costs your company resources. In addition, a lack of adaptability can cause difficulties in connection with individual requirements. Such criteria definitely outweigh the economic aspect. While choosing cost-effective software saves more money, hurdles in terms of user experience are more expensive in the long run.
Digital Signage: A great example of intuitive software
User-friendly software is easy to operate and accessible via various end devices. In addition, there is ideally the possibility to make individual adjustments. However, there are other ways to make software more user-friendly – including allowing multiple people to use an application at the same time.
FRAMR’s digital signage software also meets these requirements. During development, our team made sure to combine customer requirements with user experience elements. In addition to ease of use, flexibility and customization, it is also possible for multiple people to use the application at the same time.
Through an interactive interface, our customers create appealing designs with a manageable amount of work. A wide range of design options enables an individual target group approach in the corporate identity. Digital signage solutions are also industry-independent and can be used via mobile devices. In case of difficulties regarding the application, our support area is at your disposal, which deals with all important questions in detail. In addition, we offer a free trial version to familiarize yourself with the application in advance. Feel free to try it out and see for yourself!
The future development of user experience in the software sector
The demand for high-quality software is increasing. The primary desire of users is to make applications as simple as possible. At the same time, users want a wide range of functions and individual application options. However, in terms of user experience, the two are only compatible to a limited extent. Sebastian from our marketing team also experiences this on a regular basis. He reports:
As a hobby musician, I use software for various tasks. Creating electronic drums and guitar riffs, cutting audio, creating videos, and so on. I’ve noticed that while there are more and more options and application scenarios, software is becoming more complex at the same time. Hardly any application can be used without a YouTube tutorial. Even a free video editing software with limited functions requires a three-hour training phase.
One of the biggest challenges in software development is to meet higher demands while at the same time fulfilling user experience requirements. On the one hand, customers want more individuality and functions than with competing products. On the other hand, software is becoming more complex as a result – user-friendly solutions are relevant here.
Conclusion
Software must meet user experience requirements in order for companies to fully realize efficiency benefits. Digital signage is a good example of this. However, more steps in user-centricity are important to unite advanced functionality and UX.
Image: © Canva.com
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