Selecting Software: 3 Tips for Evaluating User Experience

From agency management software to time-tracking tools, the choices can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about picking the tool with the most features. It’s about finding one that makes your life easier. If the user experience (UX) is clunky or confusing, you’ll end up frustrated and wasting time. On the flip side, software that’s user-friendly can really streamline your workflow. So, how do you sift through the options and find the best fit? 

Here are three 3 to help you.

Task-Oriented Navigation

Nobody wants to waste time clicking through endless menus. Task-oriented navigation is all about making sure you can get your work done quickly and easily. When you’re checking out software, see how easy it is to find the features you need. Are they buried under layers of tabs, or can you get to them in a couple of clicks?

For example, if you’re looking at time-tracking software, find one that lets you log hours right from the main dashboard. The easier it is to complete everyday tasks, the less time you’ll spend fumbling around. And don’t forget to think about the learning curve. If you need a week of training just to figure out the basics, that’s a red flag.

Deep Customization

Every team has its own quirks, so why should software be one-size-fits-all? Customization is key for a positive user experience. You want a platform that lets you tweak things to fit your workflow—like adjusting dashboards, creating shortcuts, or automating repetitive tasks.

When checking out software options, dig into what you can really customize. Can you personalize your dashboard to show the info you care about most? Are there automation features that can take care of routine tasks for you? Take a project management tool, for example. The best ones allow you to set up workflows and automate task assignments based on your team’s unique needs. Really, you shouldn’t have to change how you work just to fit a piece of software.

User-Driven Updates

Long-term happiness with your software often comes down to how well it evolves. Platforms that listen to user feedback tend to get better over time, and that’s a huge plus. When you’re evaluating UX, look for software that encourages user input—whether it’s through built-in feedback forms, active forums, or regular updates.

Some software even have a feature request system, letting users suggest improvements directly. If a product is consistently updating based on what users want, you know it’s a solid choice. For instance, many popular development tools roll out new features based on user requests, which keeps the software fresh and relevant.

Finding software with a great user experience isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about choosing a tool that fits seamlessly into your team’s daily routine. So keep an eye on task-oriented navigation, deep customization options, and user-driven updates!