The "Expectation and Reality Gap" is a term used in UX (user experience) design to describe the difference between what a user expects from a product or service and what they actually experience. It refers to the discrepancy between the user's preconceived notions about how a product should work and the actual functionality of the product.
In UX design, it is important to minimize this gap in order to create a positive user experience. This can be achieved by conducting user research, testing prototypes, and collecting feedback to ensure that the product meets the user's expectations.
When there is a large gap between what the user expects and what they experience, it can lead to frustration, confusion, and dissatisfaction. This can ultimately result in the user abandoning the product or service altogether.
To bridge the gap between expectation and reality, UX designers must understand the user's needs and preferences, create intuitive interfaces, and provide clear and concise information to guide the user through the product. By doing so, they can create a seamless user experience that meets the user's expectations and ultimately leads to increased engagement and customer loyalty.
When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bustling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity
— Dale Carnegie
Have you ever come across an app that seemed ideal? The copy on the landing page is crystal clear and promises to fix your problems in the exact way you’d like. But when you try the app you realize it does not.
This is about the disconnect between expectation and reality, and how misalignment between your design, writing, and development can ruin everyone’s hard work.
Expectations are created by:
✦ Your landing page
✦ Marketing material
✦ Your pricing page
✦ Advertising
✦ Social buzz
The reality is:
✦ How it feels to use your app