From Vibes to Variables: How We’re Measuring the Unmeasurable in UX (with Bill Albert)

Send us Fan Mail Why is it so hard to know whether people want to use what we design—not just whether they can ? Design research can (and should) go far beyond basic task success. Our guest Bill Albert joins us to show how to expand our measurement toolbox. By learning to measure desirability, emotion, and true engagement, we unlock clearer insights, align teams faster, and invest only in ideas that will actually resonate. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE Usability vs. desirability — why the distinction matters Quantifying emotion in UX: from frustration to delight Defining “engagement” (and the right ways to track it) Physiological tools in practice: galvanic skin response & eye-tracking Experience economy metrics — what today’s products must capture If today’s conversation helped you think more deeply about your work, I’d love it if you left a quick rating or review on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast listening app . It helps more thoughtful designers discover the show—and keeps these meaningful insights coming your way. Just a star rating or a sentence or two makes a big difference. Thanks for listening! Go to thedesignpsychologist.substack.com to get episode summaries right in your inbox so you can easily reference, save, and apply what you learn.