Object-Oriented UX: The Secret to Scalable SaaS Interfaces

As a UX and product designer, I'm always looking for ways to enhance my approach to complex systems. Around 2021, I fell in love with Object-Oriented UX (OOUX). I began implementing it in 2022 when I was invited to build the information architecture of a management system in the health industry. About a year ago, I completed the fascinating course 'The Fundamentals of OOUX' by Sophia V. Prater on Udemy. Today, I want to share 5 key insights and how they've upgraded my design approach:

1. New Perspective: OOUX opened up a new way for me to view complex systems. Now, I start every project by mapping the central objects in the system, allowing me to build clearer models.
2. Identifying Objects: I learned to identify and define the 'objects' in each system - the central entities around which interaction occurs. This completely changes how I analyze and design interfaces.
3. Shared Language: I realized again how important it is to create a 'common language' between users, designers, and developers. OOUX provides an excellent framework for this, improving team communication and leading to better results.
4. Object-Oriented Approach: I adopted the 'object-oriented' approach of building spaces that contain very clear objects where the relationship between them is easy to understand. This allows for understanding the system conceptually even before wireframes with elements from the library.
5. Integration with Traditional Methods: I learned to combine OOUX principles with traditional user experience mapping methods, giving me stronger tools for user-focused design.

OOUX isn't just a design methodology; it's a communication tool that bridges the gap between design, development, and business. - Sophia V. Prater

6 Practical Advices for Implementing OOUX

1. Start with Object Mapping: Before diving into wireframes or user flows, map out the key objects in your system. This creates a solid foundation for your design.
2. Use CORDs (Core Object Relationships and Details): As Sophia Prater, creator of OOUX, suggests, "CORDs help designers focus on the right things at the right time." Create a CORD for each main object, listing its attributes, relationships, and actions.
3. Create an Object Map: Visualize how your objects relate to each other. This can be as simple as circles connected by lines, showing relationships and hierarchies.
4. Validate with Stakeholders: Use your object map and CORDs to discuss the system with stakeholders. This ensures everyone is on the same page before detailed design begins.
5. Design Around Objects: When you start designing screens, organize information and actions around your defined objects. This creates a more intuitive interface for users.
6. Iterate and Refine: As you learn more about user needs, refine your object definitions and relationships. OOUX is an iterative process.

For SaaS companies, implementing OOUX can be a game-changer.

As Sophia Prater explains, "OOUX isn't just a design methodology; it's a communication tool that bridges the gap between design, development, and business." This approach is particularly valuable for complex SaaS products where clear organization and intuitive user interfaces are crucial.

By focusing on objects first, we create more stable, scalable, and naturally intuitive interfaces. This can lead to:

1. Reduced user cognitive load

2. Faster onboarding for new users

3. Improved system scalability

4. Better alignment between design and development teams

Quotes and Sources

"OOUX isn't just a design methodology; it's a communication tool that bridges the gap between design, development, and business." - Sophia V. Prater.

"OOUX is about designing the skeleton of your system first. It's about defining the objects that will be in your interface before you start drawing boxes and arrows." - Sophia V. Prater Source

Imagine if you owned a car, a motorcycle, a dog, and a home. Add to that scenario the fact that you must provide for yourself and a small infant. These are the objects in your life. If people were to think action first, they would have to say something like, “Today I want to refuel.” And then, based on that action, they would be presented with a menu of objects which can be refueled: the car, the motorcycle. “Today I want to brush.” Menu of objects: dog, baby’s hair, my hair. “Today I want to wash.” Menu of objects: motorcycle, home’s windows or siding, car, my hair, my baby’s hair, my dog.

When I am learning something new, I break it down into small parts and remind myself of this. ??

In writing this article, I aimed to connect with two main groups: those who've heard of Object-Oriented UX (OOUX) but haven't had the chance to explore it deeply, and those encountering it for the first time.

You might be a manager looking to empower your product team and reduce the need for micromanagement. Perhaps you're a designer seeking more autonomy in your work. Or maybe you're a freelancer like me, eager to quickly understand and adapt to new business environments.

Regardless of your background, I hope this piece has illuminated how OOUX can be a powerful asset in your professional toolkit. It's a versatile approach that can streamline your workflow, enhance communication, and lead to more intuitive design solutions.

If you've found this helpful or have any questions, I'd love to hear your thoughts. OOUX has been a game-changer for many, and I'm excited to see how it might transform your work as well.

Here are some templates you can use right away ??

Have you used #OOUX in your work? How has it impacted your process?         

I'd love to hear your experiences and discuss how we can implement OOUX in your SaaS product!        

Additional Quotes and Sources

OOUX helps create a solid information architecture that serves as a foundation for the entire UX process

By focusing on objects first, we create more stable, scalable, and naturally intuitive interfaces. - Sophia V. Prater

OOUX helps teams align on a shared mental model of the product, reducing ambiguity and improving collaboration between designers, developers, and stakeholders. - Amanda Worthington

My Past posts about OOUX ??

#SaaSDesign #UXInnovation