Object Oriented UX
Object-Oriented UX (OOUX) is a design methodology that helps structure digital experiences around the core objects users care about rather than just focusing on tasks or screens.
Breakdown
Object-Oriented UX guides designers to identify key objects, define their attributes, understand how they relate to one another, and map the actions users can take with them. Focusing on objects first encourages designers to craft more intuitive, scalable, and user-centered systems. Especially for complex products like dashboards, online tools, or directories.
OOUX is really method that shapes the way you think and approach design. There are various ways one can practice OOUX, you can see more how I have learned to practice it here in the ORCA Method.
How I use it
I happened to stumble upon Object-Oriented UX early in my first year as a designer. I was very intrigued and I tried to think and use OOUX on a early design project. However, I struggled to grasp it and eventually stuck with the process and methods I had studied and knew better.
OOUX stuck with me though and I continually came back to it. After spending some dedicated time to understanding the concept I realized how true it was. I have always thought in object first. When going for a run, my thought process usually starts with objects.
Route (where will I run)
Running Shoes
Weather Conditions
Goal
Watch (to track run)
Once these objects are identified, I then think about actions.
Choose the Route I want to Run
Pick the Shoes I will run in
Check the Weather Conditions
Set a goal for my run
Start my watch to track the run
My mind naturally organizes the experience around things before deciding what to do with those things. This is the insight behind Object-Oriented UX. Thinking this way would completely redefine the way I see and practice design. To me it feels like absolute best way to conduct UX Product Design. When designing I am always looking for objects and working out their relationships to each other. This is how I am able to create concrete and reliable mental models for my designs.
