Analyzing the Current State of UX Efforts in Software Development

The landscape of software development has undergone notable transformations influenced by advancements in artificial intelligence. To explore the impact and status of UX (User Experience) initiatives, SHIFT, a Tokyo-based company specializing in software development, conducted a comprehensive survey. This research follows up on their 2021 survey, focusing on how companies address UX and the evolving expectations of end users.

Key Findings from the Survey

The latest survey has revealed a dip in the commitment toward UX initiatives among software development companies in Japan. Here are some insights from the investigation:

- The percentage of companies actively pursuing or planning UX initiatives has decreased by 12% since the last survey, dropping from 53% to 41%. This suggests that less than half of the surveyed companies view UX as a priority in their development processes.
- A leading barrier for companies reluctant to engage with UX is a lack of understanding of its effectiveness and purpose, cited by 40% of respondents. This indicates a growing divide between companies that prioritize UX and those that do not.
- Among organizations engaged in UX efforts, 42% noted that their most significant positive outcome is improved usability. This indicates a shift from a “defensive UX” approach—focused on retaining existing customers—to a more “offensive UX” aimed at exceeding user expectations.
- With respect to challenges, 24% of companies recognized the potential of generative AI to tackle their UX-related issues, suggesting a proactive approach to innovation in addressing UX hurdles.

Survey Details

Survey Overview

- Title: Survey on UX Improvement Initiatives
- Duration: September 9-12, 2025
- Methodology: Online survey
- Target Respondents: Employees involved in software/system development in Japan
- Valid Responses: 700
- Conducted By: Cross Marketing Corporation

Insights into the Decline of UX Commitment

The findings suggest a considerable segment of companies no longer intends to engage with UX, indicating that some firms may struggle to recognize and measure its value. This discrepancy in UX commitment signifies a worrying trend where companies fail to allocate resources to enhance user experiences, potentially hindering their competitiveness.

As evident from the responses, the lack of clarity on the benefits of UX leads to a polarized environment—where some companies are eager to invest in UX, while others remain hesitant, investing their resources elsewhere.

The Evolving Definition of UX Effectiveness

Inquiries with companies that pursue UX initiatives revealed that their emphasis is primarily on usability improvements. Similarly, enhancing customer satisfaction is noted as a significant aim by 30% of companies. Interestingly, the importance of preventing customer churn, previously a top priority and rated at 35%, dropped to 17% in this survey. This indicates a shift in perspective towards creating richer user experiences rather than merely keeping existing customers.

Tackling UX Challenges with Generative AI

For companies struggling with their UX ventures, a collaborative approach is emerging, with 44% of respondents indicating that solutions are being developed across different departments rather than in silos. Notably, generative AI has been acknowledged for its potential to resolve complex UX challenges, underscoring an emerging trend wherein 24% of companies anticipate leveraging AI technology to enhance productivity and innovation.

Conclusion

The findings from this survey highlight an inclination towards a widening gap between UX-leading firms and those yet to adopt UX strategies. For effective navigation of the evolving landscape, it’s crucial for organizations to not only recognize the direct business impacts of UX but to also incorporate them systematically into their broader strategic frameworks.

Additional Insights and Future Directions

The report further explores various aspects of UX initiatives, including:

- The timeline and reasons behind companies' UX engagement or lack thereof.
- The challenges faced during the implementation of UX strategies and how these align with organizations' goals.
- Recommendations for companies yet to adopt or fully implement UX practices, along with potential strategies for enhancing UX across the development process.

In summary, the necessity for a strategic incorporation of UX efforts in the software development cycle becomes increasingly essential to remain competitive and relevant in today’s market. For a deeper dive into the findings and implications, please refer to the comprehensive survey report by SHIFT.