I started working on the Experience Design Factors framework in 2019. At the time, Miami University’s MFA in Experience Design was just a few years old. As I taught more courses and began researching experiences, I realized I needed to figure out what experiences were. I started asking questions like:
When we design an experience, what are the main concerns? What can we design for? What are the parts of an experience design? If we define the parts of an experience, can we measure which caused “good” experiences or “bad” ones?
That work continues today, but the framework has seen some significant changes. It most notably started as “Aspects of Experiences for Design (AoE4D).” I used the word “aspects” to emphasize the many qualities of an experience the framework addressed. After using AoE4D for almost five years, I learned the word “aspects” wasn’t as usable as I needed it to be. When I discussed “aspects” in class, I’d ask something like, “What aspect of the experience is causing it to feel “special” for users? I also found that the acronym “AoE4D” was a heckuva mouthful.
In 2024, I changed the framework to something more useful and usable. “aspects” have become “Factors.” Experience Design Factors. It’s more direct and explicitly says “experience design,” and “XDF” is much easier to say and remember. More importantly, when presenting or teaching, I can say things like, “What factored into the negative experience?”
Words make a difference. The right words disappear—they assist communication. The not-so-right words can feel forced and get in the way. So, Experience Design Factors are here. Let’s design for memorable experiences!
