Experience
Traditionally associated with digital products, experience design (often abbreviated as XD) focuses on the entirety of the user's interaction with a product, system, or service. Translating this to architecture means considering not just the physical structure but also:
How users interact with the space.
Emotional responses elicited by design elements.
The ease of navigation and functionality.
To design a space that improves the user’s experience, evokes positive feelings and improves physical and psychological health it is necessary to study the behavior of the users. There are different strategies for creating a successful user experience. An empathic viewpoint of the designer is the basis to understand the needs of the potential user's. Originally spaces were design oriented, but with the importance of integrating the needs of the user, new concepts are becoming user oriented [5]. The interaction between the user and the space is optimized with the help of a user journey, where the user’s experience is mapped to his path throughout the built surroundings.
This experience is affected by factors like interaction time and duration, visiting frequency and the occupation type. Creating different user personas with empathy maps helps to understand the future needs of the users. To design a human-centered space it is crucial to ask the right questions in the design phase and to analyze the needs of the potential users.
The future of architecture is undeniably interdisciplinary. As architects embrace principles from experience design, understand nuanced user journeys and personas, and integrate insights from neuroscientific studies, the resulting spaces promise not just shelter but holistic experiences.