What does 'engagement' refer to in the context of UX?

In the context of user experience, 'engagement' encompasses a range of factors that indicate how users interact with a product. While emotional connection is a significant aspect, engagement also includes the time spent interacting with the product and the frequency of its use. All these elements work together to reflect the overall user experience.

Choosing only the emotional connection as the definition of engagement overlooks the broader understanding of user interaction. Engagement is a multi-faceted concept; it not only relates to how users feel about a product but also how often and how long they use it. Therefore, a comprehensive view recognizes that all these elements—emotional connection, the duration of use, and frequency—collectively define user engagement with a product. This holistic understanding is essential for designing experiences that resonate with users and keep them coming back.