A Journey through Innovation to Impact

The term Experience Engineering (xe) is somewhat obscure, and I find that people within associated roles rarely understand it, never-mind the people we design for.

XE draws on a diverse set of disciplines across the design value chain, as it addresses the end-to-end user experience. It considers not only what the user will encounter firsthand, but all the hidden aspects required to bring the experience to life. An end-to-end experience traverses multiple touch-points and so one cannot presume it is limited to digital interfaces. XE is equally concerned with how a user interacts with a physical product, or for that matter, a physical space.

We are continuously sensing the space around us, a state of being that is shifting and evolving based on the feedback we receive. This space-time continuum is equally applicable to both digital and physical spaces. We use our senses to communicate with and interpret the environment around us. Added to this we are all unique in how we do so and the perceptions and conclusions we derive. As designers we aim to draw on these sensory mechanisms to create meaningful engagements, that leave a lasting memory or state of being, that positively impacts the user.

We are all unique in our needs, wants, fears, challenges and aspirations. Being able to craft an impactful solution is only possible through understanding the problem to solve first. The degree to which we can create impact through innovation is fully reliant on our level of insight into the challenge at hand. Despite having a good sense of what may be the right solution to the right problem, we are still faced with the complexity in translating it into reality, all while maintaining its integrity. It is in this delicate balance of crafting and evolving a solution to fruition, that I believe xe comes to life. It is the custodian, the relentless advocate for what the solution seeks to provide the recipient, ensuring that their lives are impacted in a meaningful and lasting way.

Delivering solutions that make a significant difference in people’s lives is not a once off exercise. We aim to deliver solutions that can manifest and scale change. This is in line with what our company’s brand mark stands for. The exponential ripple effect is what we aim to achieve through the work we do. One paves the way for another, and this is ultimately amplified.

When looking into the definitions of both words, Experience and Engineering, it reveals interesting insight into the title above.

Experience - An event or occurrence which leaves an impression on someone.?

Engineering - The action of working artfully?to bring something about.

With this in mind, our definition of XE is: The act of working artfully to bring about a positive lasting impression on the people we design for.

Written by Gareth Tresling , Immersion Group . Visit https://www.immersion-group.com/ for more.