When designing a user engagement journey, what's the relationship between the message and the purpose?

The relationship between the message and the purpose is best described by the idea that the message is what you say to the user, while the purpose explains why you say it. In user engagement design, the message refers to the specific content or communication presented to the audience, such as text, images, or other elements that convey information or provoke a response. On the other hand, the purpose drives the reasoning behind that message. It defines the intention, outcome, or action you want to provoke in the user through the communication. This relationship is essential in user experience design, as understanding both aspects helps create more effective, engaging, and meaningful interactions.

In contrast to this understanding, other options mischaracterize the distinction or relationship between message and purpose. For instance, suggesting that the purpose is what you say diminishes its role as the underlying intent, and implying that the message and purpose are interchangeable overlooks the critical differences that clarify their unique roles in communication and design strategy.