User experience (UX) has come a long way since the days of basic desktop websites. What started as a solution to create functional and user-friendly sites has transformed into a sophisticated discipline that spans devices, platforms, and even realities.
As technology continues to evolve, so do user expectations. Understanding the history of UX and its ongoing progression helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and where we might be heading.
The Desktop Era: Laying the Foundations of UX
Let’s begin from where it started, the desktop.
Gen Z probably hasn’t worked on an old, clunky box with less memory than on their Apple Watches. In the 1990s, the web was primarily accessed through these desktop computers, and UX design was in its infancy.
Websites were basic and text-heavy, focusing on delivering information rather than aesthetics. Early UX efforts revolved around improving navigation and page layouts, ensuring users could find what they needed with minimal frustration.
The introduction of visual browsers like Netscape and Internet Explorer marked a significant leap forward. These platforms supported images, colors, and multimedia, making websites more visually engaging. However, the core focus remained functionality, as internet speeds and system power were restricted.
The Ten Usability Principles
The rise of Jakob Nielsen’s ten usability principles in the late 1990s emphasized simplicity and user-centered design, laying the groundwork for modern UX practices.
It talked about the consistency of layout and standards being followed in terms of design, color, and layout. All the UX elements we take for granted now, like flexibility, efficiency, and minimalistic design, were talked about in these principles thirty years ago.
The Mobile Revolution: Adapting to a Smaller Screen
The early 2000s brought the mobile revolution, which fundamentally changed how users interacted with the web. With the advent of smartphones, UX designers faced the challenge of translating desktop experiences to smaller screens.
Apple’s Steve Jobs’ unveiling of the iPhone in 2007 changed how people viewed the Internet. Before the rectangular touch screen, people browsed the Internet primarily on laptops and desktops. This was due to the fact that mobile screens of phones like Motorola or Nokia were too small and unremarkable.
Statista reports that as of 2023, over 59 percent of global website traffic comes from mobile devices. This highlights the enduring importance of designing for smaller screens.
Due to the touchscreen interface, responsive web design became a necessity. This approach allowed websites to adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, ensuring a consistent device experience.
Mobile-first design principles emerged, prioritizing the needs of mobile users and making features like touch navigation and streamlined layouts essential.
The App Ecosystem
Today’s shoppers rely on dedicated retail apps for everything from product discovery to secure checkout. In fact, 76 percent of online shoppers on mobile prefer to use the installed app, as it saves time.
Apps streamline the shopping process by storing user preferences, enabling one-click payments, and sending personalized push notifications about discounts or abandoned carts. For instance, apps like Amazon and Walmart provide real-time tracking and loyalty rewards, making them indispensable for frequent online shoppers.
Retailers who embrace this app-driven ecosystem can foster higher engagement and build long-term customer loyalty.
The Age of Personalization and Interactivity
User expectations are changing day by day. Modern UX is no longer about one-size-fits-all solutions but about personalization and interactivity. Websites and apps now adapt to user preferences and offer tailored recommendations.
Interactive elements, such as chatbots, voice assistants, and gesture-based navigation, are becoming more common. These features enhance usability and create more engaging and memorable experiences.
Hocoos suggests creating custom websites using AI tools, which can help with a better user experience as they are easily updated, providing users with the latest features.
There are plenty of AI website builder tools to explore, and they offer impeccable features and functionalities. All you need is to answer a few questions to get your website up and running.
The Multi-Device Ecosystem
We’re now in a multi-device era where users interact with digital content across various platforms, from smartphones and tablets to smartwatches, TVs, and IoT devices. This shift requires UX designers to think beyond individual screens and focus on creating seamless, cross-platform experiences.
For example, users might start shopping on their smartphone, add items to their cart on a tablet, and complete the purchase on a desktop. This user behavior is called device-hopping and is based purely on convenience.
Ensuring a consistent and uninterrupted journey across devices is critical for user satisfaction.
Voice-enabled interfaces, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, are becoming integral to the user experience. Designers must now consider how voice commands and conversational interfaces fit into the broader UX ecosystem.
The Changing Needs of Users
The evolution of user experience reflects our growing reliance on technology and our demand for seamless, intuitive interactions. From the static desktops of the 1990s to the immersive possibilities of AR and VR, UX has transformed to meet users’ changing needs.
Businesses, especially small ones, should embrace these changes by adopting flexible, user-friendly platforms that evolve alongside technology. By understanding and adapting to the evolution of UX, businesses can create experiences that not only meet user expectations but also inspire lasting loyalty.
