University of Houston UX Lab

Following Lora Koycheva's excellent idea to promote our book, I wanted to mention that our edited volume: https://lnkd.in/dWgzuvmi is available for pre-order and will soon be out. A bit about my chapter- this was the first thing I wrote when I started working on #conversationdesign and #conversationalUX. Some of you might remember my naive questions from those early days. These were part of an ethnography I am building of conversation design and conversational UX at work- but in the meantime, I got sucked into the practice myself and now am teaching a course on it in the fall. As one of my interviewees described, conversation design / UX is a fascinating challenge, especially when designing for voice. UX without a screen? Find out more in my chapter! I am delighted to be alongside contributors like Angela VandenBroek, PhD, Patricia (Patti) Sunderland, Ph.D., Manisha Dikshit, Monali Longmailai, Camille Man?on, Lora Koycheva, Isabella K?lz, Scott Boylston, Sam Ladner, PhD, Matt Artz and a ton more. A big thank you to editors Christine Z Miller, Ph.D. and Jenessa Mae Spears, MA

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a subscription you didn’t even realize you signed up for? Or maybe you've tried to cancel, only to get lost in a maze of hidden options and confusing language? ?? You’re not alone. These tricky tactics are actually designed to keep you paying, often without your full awareness. Many websites and apps use strategies to make subscriptions easy to sign up for but a nightmare to get out of—like burying cancel buttons, using pre-checked boxes, or making terms intentionally confusing. It’s all about keeping you as a customer, even if it's against your intentions. ???? To avoid falling into these traps, take an extra minute to read the fine print, double-check your account settings, and regularly review what you're subscribed to. #UX #DarkUX #accessibility #DesignEthics #DigitalTransparency #UXTips

Let's talk about Dark UX! Dark UX uses manipulative design strategies to trick users into actions they didn’t intend, such as making unwanted purchases, sharing more personal data, or signing up for subscriptions they don’t want. These patterns prioritize business goals over user experience, often leading to frustration, mistrust, and a sense of being misled. Common Traits of Dark UX: - Deceptive language and hidden fees. - Difficult-to-find cancellation options. - Forced or confusing choices.

Information Architecture (IA)- is the organizing, structuring, and labeling content within digital products like websites or apps to help users find information efficiently. It’s like a blueprint for how information is laid out, making sure the structure makes sense. Check out this link for more information! https://lnkd.in/gGbjKEsa #informationtechnology?#UX

Users are more likely to choose, buy, and use products that meet their needs rather than their wants. But what do you do in order to understand their needs? An empathy map is just one tool that can help you empathize and assemble your observations from the research phase and extract unexpected insights about your users' needs. It outlines four main areas and gives an overview of a person’s experience—these also come in handy as a foundation when you create user personas! Download a free template for your own empathy map with our link below ?? https://lnkd.in/dDVYJYtP

Accessibility is the practice of designing products, services, or environments so that they are usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. In the context of UX design, accessibility makes sure that websites, apps, and digital content are usable for people with diverse abilities, such as those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Designing with accessibility in mind ensures that everyone can use and enjoy your product, no matter their abilities. From alt text to captions and high-contrast visuals, small details can create a big impact. Accessible design often includes features like: -Screen reader compatibility -Alt text for images -High-contrast color schemes -Keyboard navigation -Captions for videos #InclusiveDesign #DesignForAll #DigitalInclusion

In the world of UX, creating user personas is essential to building products that truly resonate with the end-user. Personas are more than just data—they’re stories that help teams empathize and design with a purpose. When developing personas, remember to strike a balance between real research data and compelling, relatable details. This ensures that both product decisions and the design process remain user-centered. Check out this link for more! https://lnkd.in/gbErpFSy #UXDesign #UserPersonas #ProductDevelopment #EmpathyInDesign #UserResearch #DesignStrategy #UXTips #uhdigm

Elizabeth Rodwell, Ph.D. researches interactions between human users and computer-generated partners. She was awarded a field-work based grant to study OratioNet, a Tokyo-based startup, which focuses in developing AI driven conversation design. AI is transforming conversational user experience (UX) design, revolutionizing interactions with digital assistants like Siri and Alexa. Conversational UX designers craft intuitive dialogues and enhance AI systems by addressing user feedback. However, they face challenges, such as navigating ethical concerns and ensuring inclusivity, especially for underrepresented groups. AI's potential requires a balance between innovation and responsibility, and designers must ensure these systems respect cultural communication norms and diverse user needs, paving the way for more human-centered AI. Check out the link down below learn more about how conversational UX design is shaping AI! https://lnkd.in/g8G_z_aC #AIUX?#ConversationalAI?#EthicalDesign #UX #uhdigm

Welcome back, Coogs! We're the UH UX Lab, a dedicated space for our community to conduct usability testing and innovative research. If you missed us at the DIGMSC welcome conference on Monday, don't worry—we have an exciting semester ahead, including the Indy study and more. Follow our socials for updates on the lab, UX insights, and upcoming events! #UX #UH #uhdigm #userexperience

We're back! (Well, I'm still out of the country, but the Coogs are holding down the UX fort!)