Understanding the Role of a User Experience Consultant
Introduction
When creating bespoke software, making sure it is easy to use is just as important as making sure it works. This is where a user experience consultant comes in. Their job is to ensure that people using your software find it simple, enjoyable, and efficient. A good user experience (UX) can be the difference between software that is successful and software that frustrates users. In this blog, we will explain what user experience is, what a user experience consultant does, and why their role is important in developing software.
What Is User Experience (UX)?
User experience (UX) refers to how people feel when they use a digital product, such as a website, desktop application, or mobile app. It includes aspects such as:
How easy it is to use
How quickly users can find what they need
Whether the software looks good and feels modern
How users feel when they are working with the software. Are they frustrated or satisfied?
A well-designed user experience helps people complete tasks quickly and without confusion. Poor UX, on the other hand, makes software difficult and frustrating to use. For businesses, whether they are a small company or large corporation, investing in bespoke software where a good user experience consultant is employed, means happier customers, more productive employees, and fewer complaints.
Steve Krug, a well-known UX expert, once said,“Don’t make me think”; meaning that good software should be so simple that people don’t have to struggle to figure it out.
Source: Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability Author: Steve Krug First Published: 2000 Publisher: New Riders Publishing
Context: This quote is the title of Steve Krug’s widely read book on usability. The core message is that websites (and software) should be self-explanatory and not require users to overthink or figure things out. It’s a guiding principle in user experience design.
Who Is a User Experience Consultant?
A user experience consultant is a professional who specialises in making digital products easy and pleasant to use.
They work with software designers and developers to ensure that users have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Their main goal is to ensure the software meets the needs of its users.
A great example of this comes from Don Norman, who helped shape the field of UX. He once said, “It’s not enough that we build products that function, we also need to build products that bring joy.” A UX consultant helps businesses achieve this balance.
Source: Talks, interviews, and often cited from his book The Design of Everyday Things Author: Don Norman Published by: Basic Books First Published: 1988 (original), revised edition 2013
Context: This quote encapsulates Norman’s philosophy that functional design isn’t enough—great products must also create positive emotional experiences. It’s a core principle in emotional design and user-centred thinking.
The Principles a UX Consultant Follows
These principles are based on established UX methodologies developed by experts such as Don Norman and Jakob Nielsen, who helped shape modern usability standards through research, usability testing, and design thinking. They identified key elements that make digital experiences better for users across different industries.
1) Focus on the User
User-Centred Design: A UX consultant starts by researching users, who they are, what they need, and how they behave.
Developing User Scenarios: Creating realistic examples of how different users will interact with the software ensures the design supports their needs.
Practical Example: A UX consultant designing an e-commerce website might interview frequent shoppers to understand their browsing habits and then design a checkout process that is quick and simple.
2) Usability
Easy to Use: Software should be simple and clear.
Intuitive Navigation: Users should find what they need without confusion.
Practical Example: A UX consultant working on a manufacturing company’s internal dashboard might introduce a clear menu system with logical categories to reduce the time employees spend searching for information.
3) Consistency
Uniform Experience: The design should look and behave in a predictable way.
Predictable Behaviour: Users should not have to learn new ways of doing things in different sections of the software.
Practical Example: A banking app should have the same button styles and functions across all pages, so users don’t get confused when making transactions.
4) Visual Hierarchy
Organising Elements: Important information should stand out.
Prioritising Content: The layout should guide users to key actions.
Practical Example: On a charity donation website, the “Donate Now” button should be bold and prominent, so users know exactly where to click.
5) User Control
Empowerment: Users should be able to undo actions and navigate freely.
Flexibility: Providing multiple ways to complete a task.
Practical Example: A UX consultant might ensure an email application allows users to retrieve accidentally deleted messages easily.
6) Accessibility
Inclusivity: The software should be usable by people with disabilities.
Inclusive Design: Considering the needs of diverse users, including those with visual or motor impairments.
Practical Example: Adding text-to-speech functionality to an educational platform so visually impaired users can access the content.
7) Clarity and Simplicity
Easy to Understand: Using clear, jargon-free language.
Minimalist Approach: Removing unnecessary elements to create a clean design.
Practical Example: A UX consultant designing a booking system might simplify the form so that users only enter essential details, making the process faster.
The Value of UX Consulting in Bespoke Software Development
A user experience consultant plays a vital role in ensuring that bespoke software is easy and pleasant to use. Here are some ways they add value:
Better user satisfaction – If software is simple and enjoyable, people are more likely to use it. Fewer mistakes and support calls – Good UX design reduces the number of errors people make. Lower development costs – Fixing usability problems early is much cheaper than fixing them later. Higher efficiency – Employees and customers can complete tasks faster. Increased adoption rates – People are more likely to use software that is well-designed.
Integrating UX Consulting into Bespoke Software Projects
A user experience consultant can be involved at different stages of a software project. Here is how they fit into the process:
Each of these steps helps make sure the software is easy to use and meets business needs.
Conclusion
A user experience consultant is essential for making custom software successful. They ensure that software is easy to use, meets user needs, and provides a great experience. Good UX leads to happier users, fewer mistakes, and better business results, no matter what industry your company is in.
At BSPOKE Software, we have over 15 years of experience creating tailored software for businesses across different industries. Our expertise covers desktop applications, web portals, and mobile applications. We prioritise user experience, ensuring that your software is not just functional but also intuitive and enjoyable for users.
Are you planning a bespoke software project? Our team can help ensure a great user experience from the start. Contact us today and tell us a little about your company and your project.
