The power of Coherence
Hi All! It has been a while since I wrote something on this blog, and I have to say, it has been a really busy yet unique time out here doing things.
In May, I willingly left my job at Reebok, but my love and commitment to UX did not stop there. Today, I want to talk about coherence, which is very important in User Experience and life (don’t forget!).
Why coherence? Lately, I have worked on a project, VirtusMush, where I was tasked with rethinking and designing the entire user experience. This encompassed both physical elements like containers and labels, as well as digital components such as the website, logo, and even the company name! It was a very exciting project, but what I think was key for me to always keep in mind was COHERENCE. When dealing with a large project like this one, it is important to remember that everything needs to flow. The digital journey you design must translate seamlessly into the physical products.
Let's define coherence in more generic terms. Coherence in UX design, whether physical or digital, means creating a consistent and unified experience for the user. It's about ensuring that every element of the design aligns with the overall vision and goals. This includes everything from visual elements like color and typography to functional elements like navigation and interaction patterns. When all these elements work together harmoniously, it creates a seamless experience for the user.
Furthermore, keep in mind that coherence in a one-person project is very different from coherence within a business. When working on a freelance project, it is up to you to keep everything consistent, and it is vital that you always check in with yourself. But what happens when it comes to dealing with other people? This is where our lovely 'logic' comes into play. It is important to voice your thoughts and ensure coherence through logical reasoning. Never overstep others' opinions and always value them. Be the judge if you are in charge of the project, or be the ultimate supporter to whoever is leading. Help them find the right path to a coherent delivery. This is something I had to deal with a lot at Reebok, and it was beautiful. Working alongside different teams, from tech developers to marketing, everything always came out beautifully. What drove it all was the constant reminder to be humble, coherent, and LOGICAL!
So, how do we achieve coherence? Here are a few tips:
1. **Clarity of Purpose**: Understand the ‘why’ behind your design or actions. What are you trying to achieve? What are your core values and goals?
2. **Consistency**: Ensure that every element of your design or action is consistent with your purpose. This means paying attention to the details and maintaining a high standard of quality. Write it down as you go! Define clear steps with the client and other teams involved.
3. **Feedback and Reflection**: Regularly seek feedback and take time to reflect on your progress. Are you staying true to your purpose? Are there areas where you can improve?
4. **Adaptability**: Be open to change and willing to adapt as needed. Coherence doesn’t mean rigidity. It means being flexible and making adjustments while staying true to your core values and goals.
In UX, coherence leads to a better user experience. In life, it leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and peace. So, let’s strive for coherence in all that we do.
Until next time, stay coherent and keep designing a better world!
