“Let the Experience Begin”
-Frank Gehry
As I read the quote “Let the Experience Begin,” by famed Architect Frank Gehry I was struck by something quite profound. This notion that when you see a piece of artwork for the very first time, be it some inspiring painting, a thought provoking design, or an awe inspiring piece of architecture such as the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao Spain, one relishes in the moment of revelation. Where the world seems put together in a fashion that makes sense. Where emotions and feelings of awe sweep across you in waves of clarity.
It’s that same feeling you get when you fall in love. On one hand the feelings so vivid and describable down to the very last detail yet somehow, on the other hand, so completely foreign and beautiful as your mind tries desperately to make sense of it all.
Its about surprise and wonderment within these moments that have the ability to take your breath away. The unexpected Whoa!
Yet in the end its about something much more isn’t it? Its about being connected to something. Its about the Experience one gets when looking, listening, interacting, or just being apart of something unique, something special, something that changes how you view your world. Its an imprint, a feeling, an emotion. Most of the time not easy to put your finger on yet powerfully unforgettable!
My first reaction after seeing the Guggenheim for the very first time was not one of “wow I wonder how he (Frank Gehry) did that” but rather one of curiosity as I wanted to experience more of it. My reaction wasn’t about the technology behind the scenes that made such a marvel possible but rather this connection that made me go “whoa” and stopped me in my tracks. Its the very same reaction I had the fist time I picked up an iPhone. It wasn’t one of “I wonder what’s driving the back-end” but rather it was the shape, the scale, and weight of the form that made me smile. It was so foreign yet instantly familiar. Initially it had nothing to do with the technology. Thus the quote “let the experience begin” now takes on new meaning.
Because I’ve already made an emotional connection independent of technology the ensuing experience must deliver. Before you begin to see transitions, interact with on-screen elements, or even walk through the doorway of a building you’ve already made an emotional impression with the user, be it good or bad. So we must deliver on the good impressions and change the perception of the bad. And the only way to do this is through a great user experience. How the functionality of the design interacts and moves you through the space without the sense of being overwhelmed and loosing the user. The subtle handholding as visual and audible cues become markers for the user. Where experience meets great design, this is where technology shines! Not as the outward facing hero but rather the silent partner given life to a vision. To simplify it; technology is an enabler of great design.
There is always an immediate reaction to something profound. And when your mind races to catch up with your emotions then, and only then, do you begin to experience it.
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