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Designing Experiences
Designing Experiences by J. Robert Rossman & Matthew D. Duerden
What if creating unforgettable experiences was a skill you could master?
In Designing Experiences, Rossman and Duerden explore the art and science of crafting meaningful, memorable moments.
Today’s book was selected by Shaun Kessler, Founder of OFFSITE, NYC’s most evocative corporate meeting and experiential event venue. OFFSITE is the preferred venue of SMARTER GROWTH, facilitators of corporate workshops, book clubs, and newsletters to grow your people and business.
SMARTEST TAKEAWAYS
The Foundations of Experience Design
1️⃣ Experiences Are Designed, Not Accidental: Great experiences don’t just happen—they’re intentionally created. Rossman and Duerden emphasize the importance of deliberate planning and aligning every touchpoint with a clear vision.
2️⃣ Focus on Emotional Impact: The most memorable experiences evoke strong emotions. By understanding what resonates with your audience, you can design moments that are both impactful and enduring.
3️⃣ Map the Journey: The authors highlight the importance of mapping out every stage of the experience, from the first interaction to the lasting impression, ensuring consistency and purpose throughout.
4️⃣ Iterate and Innovate: Experience design isn’t a one-time effort. Rossman and Duerden encourage continuous feedback and iteration to refine and elevate experiences over time.
OFFSITE: NYC's only 5-star meeting space!
INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
The book recounts how a struggling amusement park transformed its business by focusing on the emotional journey of its guests. By redesigning key touchpoints—from the initial greeting to the farewell message—they created moments of delight that increased guest satisfaction and loyalty.
This transformation demonstrates the power of small, intentional changes to elevate the overall experience and drive meaningful impact.
A QUOTE TO REMEMBER
Mastering the Art of Time
“The design of time is fundamental to experience design, orchestrating the length and sequence of events to engage guests and create lasting memories.”
BOOK FACTS
Designing Experiences
Publication date: July 23, 2019
Print length: 224 pages
Ratings: 4.5 Amazon, 4.0 Goodreads
DID YOU KNOW?
The Power of Experience Design
Emotion Fuels Connection: Events designed to evoke strong emotions are 40% more likely to leave a lasting positive impression. (MPI Meetings Outlook)
Personalization Matters: Experiences tailored to individual preferences boost satisfaction rates by 30%. (Harvard Business Review)
Journey Mapping Improves Outcomes: Organizations that map out attendee experiences report 20% higher success rates in achieving event goals. (McKinsey & Company)
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