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UX Maturity

An organisation’s capacity and desire to effectively implement user-centric design and principles within its culture is measured according to its level of UX maturity. UX maturity encompasses a range of factors, including the rigour of UX research and design methodologies within an organisation, the prioritisation of resources, attitudes towards UX across teams and among leadership, and the knowledge and practice of UX. UX maturity significantly impacts business success as higher UX maturity levels lead to more enhanced user experiences, increasing user loyalty and satisfaction.

An indication of an organisation’s UX maturity level is provided at the beginning of the UX audit to identify the extent to which it implements user-centred design and research across all processes, recognises good practices, and indicates areas that might need improvement. The UX maturity survey sets the foundation for the relevant, actionable recommendations we provide as an output of the UX audit.

Understanding UX maturity 

The six stages of UX maturity

We assess UX maturity levels according to the model developed by the Nielsen Norman Group because it offers a clear framework for determining the degree of an organisation’s UX-related strengths and shortcomings. The model also reveals solutions for organisations to progress to the next UX maturity stage. The Nielsen Norman Group identifies six positions of UX maturity:

Absent
Level 1 (0 - 9%)
UX is disregarded or non-existent
Limited
Level 2 (10 - 29%)
UX work is uncommon, carelessly conducted and of little significance
Emergent
Level 3 (30 - 49%)
Although the UX work is useful and promising, it is also inefficient
Structured
Level 4 (50 - 69%)
The organisation has a widely used scientific UX methodology that has differing degrees of efficiency
Integrated
Level 5 (70 - 89%)
The organisation has a widely used scientific UX methodology that has differing degrees of efficiency
User-driven
Level 6 (above 90%)
Valuable insights and outstanding user-centred design outputs are a direct outcome of a commitment to UX at all levels

The four categories of assessment

The following four categories define what stage an organisation is in:
Strategy
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How effective is the prioritisation of resources, strategy and leadership in UX?
Culture
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How crucial are practitioners’ development and UX knowledge to the organisation?
Process
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How rigorously are UX research and design methodologies applied?
Outcome
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How frequently are the outcomes of UX work consciously defined and quantified? 

UX maturity is assessed by the results of a survey in which key team members within an organisation answer questions about their capabilities, awareness and understanding pertaining to UX. The responses from the survey are used to gauge the organisation’s UX maturity and indicate where the organisation sits on the UX maturity model.

The benefits of UX maturity 

Increased user satisfaction and loyalty

High UX maturity prioritises addressing usability issues, streamlining user navigation and implementing features that are aligned with user needs and preferences. As a result, this creates delightful user experiences, increasing user satisfaction and loyalty.

Improved conversion rates and user engagement

A high level of UX maturity within an organisation signifies that users are placed at the centre of principles and design decisions. An intuitive, user-friendly digital experience will increase internet traffic and user engagement, improving conversion rates and stronger brand visibility.

Competitive advantage in the market

Focusing on increasing UX maturity within an organisation provides a competitive advantage in the market by aiming to set high standards for user-centred design, build adaptability to market changes and trends, and establish itself as an organisation that values its users’ satisfaction.

Steps to achieve UX maturity

01

Establishing a user-centric culture

Cultivating a culture that places the user at the centre of all processes and principles is central to achieving a high UX maturity level. Encouraging ongoing learning regarding UX, conducting regular user research, integrating the feedback into design decision-making processes and staying up-to-date with UX trends are key ways to maintain a culture that prioritises the user. Ultimately, encouraging collaboration across all departments establishes a user-centric culture by creating a shared effort to commit to championing the users’ needs and goals.
Steps to achieve UX maturity - Establishing a user-centric culture
02

Conducting user research and testing

Gathering insights through qualitative and quantitative methods such as interviews, usability tests, surveys, A/B testing, and diary studies provides a data-driven approach to creating the user experience. Research methods such as usability testing allow for the iteration of designs based on real user insight, reinforcing a user-centric culture.
Steps to achieve UX Maturity - Conducting user research and testing
03

Creating seamless user journeys

Optimising information architecture is critical to achieving UX maturity as it is a foundational component of user-centred design and plays a crucial role in creating an accessible and user-friendly user experience. Enabling users to locate information quickly and easily through designing intuitive interactions and interfaces also reduces their cognitive load and leads to improved user engagement. 
Steps to achieve UX Maturity - Creating seamless user journeys
04

Iterative design and prototyping

Embracing an iterative design process is paramount to achieving a high level of UX maturity, especially when integrated with user feedback. Continuously refining solutions will result in user experiences that align most accurately with users’ needs and are most likely to meet their expectations.
Steps to achieve UX Maturity - Iterative design and prototyping
05

Measuring and analysing UX metrics 

Identifying relevant UX metrics and KPIs and leveraging data for data-driven decision-making is essential to improving UX maturity because they provide quantifiable insights into user behaviour rather than relying on assumptions. Focusing on metrics and KPIs also aids with efficiently allocating resources, which is a key indicator of UX maturity. 
Steps to achieve UX Maturity - Measuring and analysing UX metrics
06

Empowering and training UX teams

Building a skilled and empowered UX team is a key element involved in achieving a high level of UX maturity, as user needs and preferences are more likely to be prioritised in design decisions, and the team are likely to work cohesively to promote a work environment that places the user at the heart of the UX initiatives and strategies. Investing in ongoing professional development builds expertise within teams in user research and design, producing high-quality deliverables that align with the user across all touchpoints. 
Steps to achieve UX Maturity - Empowering and training UX teams

Conclusion

Understanding existing UX research and standards provides a comprehensive view of where an organisation stands in terms of UX efforts and reveals gaps and opportunities for enhancing UX processes and strategies. As UX maturity advances, the user becomes more central to processes and design decisions, which results in improved user experiences and increased business success.

Let's discuss your project

Zeenat M.
Partnerships Manager

Email
zeenat.motegheria@makeitclear.co.uk

Phone
075 8602 0607