Paul Boag

The challenge of context in modern UX design

Author:
Paul Boag
Email the author
Published:
14 November 2011
Categories:
Content Strategy Digital Insights User Experience
Reading time:
1 minutes

I was chatting with @bobscape this morning about a talk outline he has written (see below) and it struck me just how complex modern UX design is becoming now that the context users are interacting in is so varied. We have some serious challenges ahead. With the rise of mobile we, as web designers, now…

Designing Websites That Convert

Join a 4-hour live masterclass with Paul Boag and learn how to turn landing pages into conversions using design, copywriting, psychology and marketing — plus a live review of your own site.

Register and join me →

I was chatting with @bobscape this morning about a talk outline he has written (see below) and it struck me just how complex modern UX design is becoming now that the context users are interacting in is so varied. We have some serious challenges ahead.

With the rise of mobile we, as web designers, now have a few more things to worry about. No longer can we simply concern ourselves with browsers and screen resolutions. These are not the only things that impact how our design will be accessed. Now the physical environment in which our UX is used plays a huge role in the design process.

Web design is not just about building websites. Its about providing relevant content and functionality within the context users are accessing our services. In this talk Rob looks at how to understand your users context and the potential implications for the services that we provide.

Related reading

More on Content Strategy

Improve in UX, design leadership and conversion optimization.

Steve Krug – “his biweekly email is the only one I always look forward to reading.” – Author of Don’t Make Me Think.

You can unsubscribe in a single click and I will never share your email address. Learn more here.

  • Free access to 3 books including Click! that teaches you how to encourage clicks without shady tricks.
  • Choose between multiple email courses.
  • Choose between in-house or freelancers and agencies content.
  • Learn from an expert with over 30 years experience.

About me

I’m a UX consultant and conversion optimization specialist with 32 years in digital. I help teams create user experiences that work; winning support, improving results, and making change stick.

Contact me

Email: paul@boagworld.com
UK Based – Clients in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia.

how I help

  • UX Strategy – Spot what’s blocking a great experience and get a clear plan to fix it.
  • Improving Conversion – Simple, evidence-based changes that make every click count.
  • Coaching & Leadership – A sounding board to help you lead with clarity and confidence.
  • Training & Workshops – Hands-on sessions, playbooks, and self-learning so your team keeps improving.
Actionable Insights
Dylan Valade
Puma

Actionable Insights

Paul has the ability to see what is hiding in plain sight. He validated ideas under consideration and provided new, actionable recommendations. The most valuable insight was illustrating how our issues were symptoms of an inefficient UX project team structure.

Genuinely brilliant
Sarah Zama
Oxford University

Genuinely brilliant

Paul is genuinely brilliant to work with. He’s funny, thoughtful, and really good at meeting you where you are. He matches my energy, communicates clearly, and always seems to know how to say the right thing. Working with him feels easy, constructive, and properly enjoyable.

Demonstrates his prowess
CREATIVE BLOQ
Magazine Interview

Demonstrates his prowess

As we talk, a pronounced pattern in Boag’s patter becomes apparent: he enthuses about a topic, demonstrates his prowess and then knocks himself down with a swipe of self-deprecation.

Smart & Generous
Gerry McGovern
Author of Transform

Smart & Generous

Paul is one of the smartest, most passionate, most generous people I know in the web / online industry. He is truly committed to helping organizations become simpler and more customer-centric.

An inspiration
RICHARD HURST
QUEEN MARY’S UNIVERSITY LONDON

An inspiration

Paul is an inspiration, I only wish I’d worked with him earlier in my career. His ability to understand and break down problems and offer advice, drawing on his many years of experience is unrivalled. He genuinely wants to get the best out of you and your organisation and you can’t ask for more than that.

Invaluable
NONDAS PASCHOS
MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES

Invaluable

Medecins San Frontieres, being a decentralised international association, faces challenges in meeting the needs of a diverse global audience. Paul and the team at Headscape have been invaluable in helping us see the potential of digital for doing this. They have helped us recognize the changes needed to engage with our connected audiences, bringing clarity and innovation to our digital strategy.

Supportive and Challenging
JENNIFER RUSSELL
THE SAMARITANS

Supportive and Challenging

It’s been a pleasure working with Paul. He manages to be both supportive and challenging at the same time and has a very accessible approach. It’s been a really inspiring process and I would love the opportunity to work with him again.

Entertainingly Informative
JOANNA SOUZA
UNICEF

Entertainingly Informative

We can count on Paul to be entertainingly informative. When we bring him to speak at our workshops, people walk out of the session energized and with a better understanding of how a multichannel journey should be assessed and optimized. Thanks Paul!

Best investment
RIVKIE LIEBERMAN
MOTIF STUDIO

Best investment

You’re the best investment I’ve made thus far in my business, and that includes a previous coach, paid mentors and many courses! Your expertise is absolutely invaluable. Thank you!

Moves the Needle
Brooke Mills
Beginning Boutique

Moves the Needle

It’s not a question of whether I’d work with Paul again, but what we’re doing next. He takes the time to deeply understand your business and goals, then moves the needle across the growth levers that matter most.