UX Metrics: The Good, the Countable, and the Yes-or-No

Breaks down UX metrics into continuous, discrete, and binary categories using simple pizza analogies.
Shows how each metric type reveals different insights about user behavior and product performance.
Highlights common UX examples like completion rate, NPS, SUS, and conversion rate.
Explains how understanding these metrics helps identify friction points and improve overall usability.

Last Update: 29 Nov 2024

UX Metrics: The Good, the Countable, and the Yes-or-No image

The Kickoff

Metrics are the unsung heroes of great user experience design. They’re the trusty yardsticks we use to measure how well our designs are doing. But when it comes to UX metrics, things can get a little tricky. Continuous, discrete, binary—what do these terms even mean?

To make it crystal clear (and fun), let’s turn to our trusty metaphorical sidekick: Pizza.
Yes, pizza!

We’ll use this universally beloved food to break down UX metrics. Because if there’s one thing that everyone understands, it’s pizza.

1. Continuous Metrics: The Pizza That Never Ends

Continuous metrics are like a pizza buffet where slices keep coming, and you can eat to your heart’s content. These metrics measure things that can be infinite, flowing, and smooth, much like your love for cheese.

UX Examples

Projects completed: How many projects have users successfully completed?
Time spent: How much time do users spend on your platform?
User sign-ups: How many users have signed up so far?

Pro Tip: If users are spending hours on your platform but not completing tasks, your UX might need a tune-up. Metrics like these reveal where time is flowing—and where it’s being wasted.

2. Discrete Metrics: Counting the Pizza Boxes

Discrete metrics are countable things—specific, quantifiable, and easy to tally. Think of them as the number of pizza boxes at a party. Each one tells a part of the story, like how hungry (or ambitious) your guests were.

UX Examples

Confidence rating: How confident do users feel about completing a task (usually rated 1–5)?
Net Promoter Score (NPS): How likely are users to recommend your product to others?
System Usability Scale (SUS): What score does your system get for usability?

Pro Tip: Discrete metrics help identify patterns in user sentiment. For instance, a low NPS could signal deeper usability issues that continuous metrics can’t pinpoint.

3. Binary Metrics: Pizza or No Pizza?

Binary metrics are as straightforward as asking, "Did the pizza arrive or not?" It’s a yes-or-no situation. These metrics tell you if something happened (or didn’t), and there’s no room for maybe.

UX Examples

Success rate: Did users succeed in completing a task? (Yes/No)
Conversion rate: Did users convert—such as signing up, purchasing, or subscribing? (Yes/No)

Pro Tip: If your binary metrics reveal high failure or low conversion rates, consider revisiting your flow or identifying friction points. Sometimes, a small tweak can lead to a big “Yes!”

Frequently Asked Questions

UX metrics are measurable data points used to evaluate the effectiveness of a product’s user experience. They help designers and product teams understand how users interact with a product, identify pain points, and measure success. By tracking metrics like task success rates, confidence levels, and user engagement, teams can make informed decisions to improve usability and satisfaction. Think of UX metrics as a GPS for user-centered design—they guide you to your destination of creating delightful experiences.

By Mediusware Editorial Team

Content Team at Mediusware

We are the Mediusware Editorial Team, passionate about crafting insightful content on technology, software development, and industry trends. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and engage our audience with well-researched articles and thought leadership pieces. With a deep understanding of the tech landscape, we aim to be a trusted source of knowledge for professionals and enthusiasts alike.