An introduction to object-oriented UX and how to do it

Well-defined leads to well-designed.

Object-Oriented UX (OOUX) fell into my lap a couple years ago during a brief Lunch and Learn at work. At the time, I was still getting my feet wet in UX, but I knew this OOUX stuff was on to something. I’ve since learned a great deal more and have designed an app with OOUX, and I seriously can’t imagine breaking into a new problem space without it.

A quick intro to OOUX:

OOUX is a method for structuring a problem space that emphasizes the objects, the things people interact with. Sophia V Prater, OOUX evangelist and teacher, gives the example of a coffee shop. If you were to enter a new coffee shop, what would you look for when first walking in the door? The menu, maybe a table, the register perhaps? You’re going to look for these things, these objects, before you even think about any actions you might take (how to order from the menu, how to sit at a table, how to complete your order at the register). Only after you get your bearings on the things available to you will you decide what you’d like to do with those things.

The objects of a problem space are the things that users are there to interact with.