I could not agree more on this article “User experience is strategy, not design”. Especially this definition:

User experience is a strategic framework, a mindset for approaching product and service challenges. In that regard, it is akin to Six Sigma or Total Quality Management.

I would have included the attributive “User experience is strategy, not the design deliverables from designers”. If you do not agree, learn more about Six Sigma and TQC.

The terminology of User Experience is new while the soul is not. One of the definitions of Quality is “fitness for purpose”. That is to say, the whole members in the organization should put “customer satisfaction” to the top priority. However, in today’s digital world, the terminology has been replaced by “user experience” as we care users more psychologically. Especially when companies provide the products with similar features, visible surface is the only difference which can be distinguished immediately.

In the software user experience design filed, especially web filed, a UX designer can be transferred by psychologists, visual artists, industrial designers, graphic designers or advertisers. I am fed up with listening to the complain like “why company does not respect design”, “we should do it in this way”, “how UX design is important in the organization”. People talk design loudly to grab enough attention and resources while some are for own business. I just want to skip the “design jungle” and back to normal. Let’s do it better instead of doing it loudly.

I totally agree with what was written in the book “About Face”:

Another term that has gained popularity is user experience (UX). There are many who advocate for the use of this term as an umbrella under which many different design and usability disciplines collaborate to create products, systems, and services. This is a laudable goal with great appeal, but it does not in itself directly address the core concern of interaction design as discussed in this volume: how specifically to design the behavior of complex interactive systems.

-Alan Cooper, Pxxx, “Why Call It Ineraction Design?”

To some, I just want to say something.

Stop talking how UX is important. Everyone knows it and knows it earlier. The strategy is considered from top to bottom. Being a staff in the organization is to execute the strategy. Use your design skill to balance the needs and solve the problems.

Stop talking UX. Designer is not design consultant. Do not lose the way in the theory sea while being titled “UX Designer”. In addition to understand who you are designing for, learn what you are producing and what others are doing. Consider to collaborate better under the structure of team, involve in the project proactively to achieve the team goal.

Stop complaining. Do not stand on the other side. Design is the bridge. Being a bridge means understanding both sides. It is impractical that a people who cannot communicate with people see every day can communicate well with the one who have never seen.

Most of things are common sense. There is nothing special from design field. Know your product technically as much as possible if you want to design it better. Just like a fashion designer understands how to make cloth and familiar with cloth texture and techniques.

You are working, for the better user experience.