Object-Oriented UX (OOUX) is a framework for tackling complexity in digital systems by structuring design around users’ natural mental models of real-world objects, rather than tasks or features. It creates clear, scalable, and intuitive systems by focusing on defining core objects, their relationships, attributes, and the calls-to-action (CTAs) associated with them. This approach simplifies complex requirements, enhances user understanding, and improves collaboration across design, development, and business teams.
How OOUX Tackles Complexity
- Aligns with Mental Models:OOUX organizes information around tangible and conceptual “objects” (like users, accounts, or products) that people understand. This mirrors how users think about the world, making the digital product easier to navigate and use.
- Promotes Consistency:By standardizing objects and their attributes, OOUX creates a cohesive experience that remains consistent across different features and screens.
- Builds Scalable Systems:The object-based structure makes it easier to add new features or objects as a product evolves, without disrupting the overall framework or creating a tangled, hierarchical system.
- Fosters Clearer Information Architecture:Instead of a linear, tree-like structure, OOUX creates a “spiderweb” of interconnected objects, allowing for more context-driven navigation and reflecting the truth of the system.
- Simplifies Requirements:The framework provides a practical way to break down complex business requirements and user research into a clear, visual structure, facilitating communication with stakeholders and developers.
The ORCA Framework
A practical framework for implementing OOUX, ORCA, breaks down the process into key components:
- Objects: Identifying the core “things” or concepts within the system.
- Relationships: Mapping how these objects connect to each other, including details like cardinality, sorting, and dependencies.
- Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Defining the actions users can perform on or with the objects (e.g., edit, pay, search).
- Attributes: Understanding the details and characteristics of each object.
By focusing on these four elements, ORCA provides a structured way to organize complex systems and develop a clear, user-centric design before diving into detailed UI design.