31 Dec Ux and Architecture as reference for Omnichannel experiences
“The areas of consensus shift unbelievably fast,… the bubbles of certainty are constantly exploding. Any architectural project we do takes at least four or five years, so increasingly there is a discrepancy between the acceleration of culture and the continuing slowness of architecture.”
Rem Koolhaas
My passion for architecture led me to an interview with Rem Koolhaas in which he made the above succinct statement. In my view, this quote expresses an affinity between UX and architecture, especially as relates to the need for Koolhaas to always understand the “area of consensus”. This need is also clearly reflected in UX, through an understanding of the importance of integrating the constant state of change of user’s mental models.
Moreover, even though physical and digital projects may differ in some ways, there can still be affinities between them. For example, architects and UX designers may both seek to create immersive and meaningful experiences for people; thus, may prioritize user-centered design and the consideration of context in their work. Omnichannel experiences, which involve providing a seamless experience for users across different channels or devices, also demonstrate the overlap between physical and digital design.
Bearing this in mind, the following paragraphs will explore the affinities between UX design (i.e., processes and principles) and the work approaches of architects Rem Koolhaas, David Adjaye, and Zaha Hadid.
REM KOOLHAAS
Rem Koolhaas is a highly influential architect and theorist known for his innovative and often controversial ideas about architecture and urbanism. He has worked on a wide range of projects around the world, including the Seattle Central Library and the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing. Koolhaas is also the founder of the OMA architectural firm and has taught and lectured at a number of prestigious institutions around the world.
Koolhaas has spoken about the importance of creating architecture that engages all the senses and evokes a sense of place, which is similar to the way that UX designers seek to create digital experiences that are immersive and engage users in an omnichannel experience. In addition, Koolhaas’s focus on creating user-centered design, aligns with the principle of user-centered design in UX, which involves considering the needs and desires of those who will be using the spaces or products being designed.
DAVID ADJAYE
David Adjaye is a Ghanaian-British architect known for his innovative and culturally sensitive designs. He has designed a number of iconic buildings, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. and the Idea Stores in London. Adjaye’s work has been widely recognised and he has received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the field of architecture.
Adjaye’s focus on creating buildings that are responsive to their context aligns with the UX principle of “situational awareness,” which involves considering the context in which a product or experience will be used and designing it to meet the needs of the user in that context. Adjaye’s work on virtual reality experiences also aligns with the UX process of prototyping and testing, as it involves creating a simulated version of a product or experience and gathering user feedback to inform the final design.
ZAHA HADID
Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi-British architect known for her futuristic and avant-garde design style. She was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize and was widely regarded as one of the most important and influential architects of her time. Hadid’s work includes a number of iconic buildings around the world, including the Guangzhou Opera House in China and the London Aquatics Centre.
Hadid’s use of futuristic and avant-garde architectural design elements freeing the three-dimensional curve from the constraints of gravity aligns with the UX principle of “innovation in the face of constraints,” as it involves finding creative solutions to design challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Hadid’s work on virtual reality experiences also aligns with the UX process of prototyping and testing, as it involves creating a simulated version of a product or experience and gathering user feedback to inform the final design.
TAKE AWAY
The above and many other useful parallels can be drawn between UX design and the work of various architects (including the likes of Frank Gehry, Bjarke Ingels, and Peter Zumthor) in order to enhance all user’s experiences of digital products and services.
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