UX in spaces

The terms UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) are often paired together. UI design is concerned with the elements users interact with, while UX design focuses on how that interface impacts our feelings—whether the information is presented intuitively and is easy to understand. In short, UX design focuses on the perception and response of users, aiming to create interfaces that offer the smoothest and most enjoyable experience possible.

As mentioned earlier, these terms are usually associated with digital product design. However, Don Norman, the originator of the term, stated that "user experience encompasses all aspects of the end-user's interaction with the company, its services, and its products." So, why not apply this approach to spatial design?

People develop their own mechanisms for creating and shaping space. Although a space may be predesigned, its actual function can differ from the initial intent. This highlights the importance of considering people's activities, desires, and needs when designing spaces.
While considering these aspects is essential in any project, it is vital in the design of interactive spaces, where people respond to various elements and take an active role in the experience of the space through technology, activities, or interactions.

In short, although some factors influencing space usage are unpredictable, starting a design project with the questions "why?", "For whom?", "Where?" and "how?" are key to creating a space that users can intuitively understand without needing explanations.

UX design begins with user data research, which informs the entire design process. This initial analysis leads to human-centred solutions and speeds up decision-making, optimising the design process.

Applying this research to spatial design also has a positive impact on effectiveness. However, this perspective is not always taken into consideration. For example, in architectural projects, the focus on space, aesthetics, or ergonomics sometimes leads to a more superficial user research phase.

Another reason why UX design is so effective is its iterative methodology, which involves launching prototypes that are adjusted based on user feedback. This methodology can be challenging to apply in architecture, where project management tends to be linear and sequential in nature.

Space design involves various disciplines, and not all of them can easily adapt to the UX methodology. Specifically, architecture follows a more rigid and expensive method that makes prototyping more difficult. However, it is possible to use virtual reality and methodologies from the tech sector to gather feedback before executing the final version of the project.

One of the first questions we ask before beginning any design is: Who is our audience? Empathy is essential in user experience. That's why UX design uses Design Thinking tools, which can also help us understand how to design a space tailored to our users.

• Buyer persona. Create a fictional representation of a typical user. Throughout the design process, this tool helps us make decisions that cater to our target user type. If you want to explore the buyer persona figure and apply it to your project, this article will show you how.

• Empathy map. A diagram in which we ask a series of questions to help us understand what our user is like and what their preferences and needs are: What does the user think and feel? What do they hear? What do they do? What do they see? What are their needs and pain points?

• Customer journey. A diagram that breaks down the steps a user takes through the space—before, during, and after their visit. It can help us identify problems in flow, elements that are confusing or frustrating, and ultimately, it allows us to design environments that offer a satisfying user experience.

Centring our design decisions on how users feel when interacting with a space -whether in schools, museums, hospitals, or commercial environments- enhances satisfaction for those who use it. Nowadays, designing a space means creating an environment that goes beyond function and generates emotional connections with its visitors.

Applying a UX approach in spatial design helps avoid negative experiences, such as feeling lost or frustrated. A designer can achieve this through proper zoning, appropriate signage for each area, and accessible wayfinding resources.

Elements such as materials, colours, furniture, and lighting also affect the user's sensations and perceptions. For example, dark colours and dim lighting can create an intimate atmosphere. In this way, we can develop environments that connect with our audience in different ways - something fundamental in commercial space design.

Furthermore, we can utilise ambient design to transform public spaces into more welcoming environments, as seen in hospitals, where spatial interventions help mitigate a hostile atmosphere.

Using UX design tools when transforming spaces can also help detect needs that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, although most schools follow similar layouts, adopting a people-centred design approach can lead to innovative solutions that promote learning, socialisation, and inclusion.