Design Relax’s Post

Tips of the week Designer to follow: Peter Merholz He is an experienced design and product management executive with 20 years in digital media. In 2016, he co-wrote Org Design for Design Orgs with Kristin Skinner, the first book on building and managing in-house design teams. From 2017 to April 2018, he was VP of Design at Snagajob, leading its rebranding to Snag. He left after being laid off, despite loving the job. In 2001, he co-founded Adaptive Path, a premier user experience firm that grew into an international consultancy. He later led the global design team at Groupon, growing the team from 30 to 60 and overseeing the first redesign of Groupon.com. He is passionate about design's impact on improving lives and continues to engage in user experience practice, focusing on strategy, research, and conceptual design. He has been a dedicated thinker, writer, and public speaker about user experience for over 15 years. In 1999, he coined the term "blog," which is now in the OED. Book to read - Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things By Don Norman Emotions are inseparable from how we humans think, choose, and act. In Emotional Design, cognitive scientist Don Norman shows how the principles of human psychology apply to the invention and design of new technologies and products. In The Design of Everyday Things, Norman made the definitive case for human-centered design, showing that good design demanded that the user's must take precedence over a designer's aesthetic if anything, from light switches to airplanes, was going to work as the user needed. In this book, he takes his thinking several steps farther, showing that successful design must incorporate not just what users need, but must address our minds by attending to our visceral reactions, to our behavioral choices, and to the stories we want the things in our lives to tell others about ourselves. Good human-centered design isn't just about making effective tools that are straightforward to use; it's about making affective tools that mesh well with our emotions and help us express our identities and support our social lives. From roller coasters to robots, sports cars to smart phones, attractive things work better. Whether designer or consumer, user or inventor, this book is the definitive guide to making Norman's insights work for you.

Design for Longevity: How to Make Your Products Relevant a Decade Later Let’s play a quick game: Think about the products you used 10 years ago. How many of them still feel useful or relevant today? Now consider this: Why does a classic chair design like the Eames Lounge still feel modern? Why does Gmail (launched in 2004!) remain a daily essential for millions? The answer lies in designing for longevity—a mindset that extends usability, relevance, and value far beyond trends. Here’s how to make your designs stand the test of time: 1. Prioritize Timeless Problems Trends change, but human needs—like communication, health, and convenience—remain constant. Focus on solving fundamental problems. 💡 Example: WhatsApp’s simplicity prioritizes universal human need: seamless communication. 2. Build Scalability Into Your Design Your product should grow with your users. Create frameworks that adapt to new needs, technologies, or contexts. 💡 Example: Figma didn’t just design a tool; they built a collaborative ecosystem that evolved as remote work surged. 3. Marry Functionality with Aesthetics Trendy designs age fast. Focus on simplicity, clarity, and elegance to ensure enduring appeal. 💡 Example: The minimalist design of Apple products remains iconic, no matter the year. 4. Design for the Ecosystem, Not Just the Moment Longevity comes from being part of a larger ecosystem. How does your product integrate with or complement other tools and workflows? 💡 Example: Slack thrived by integrating with countless apps, making it indispensable for teams. 5. Test Against Future Scenarios Ask: What happens if user behaviors change? What if tech standards shift? Consider scalability and adaptability during the design phase. 💡 Example: Google Maps adapted from desktop to mobile-first, and now integrates AR for the future. 🚀 Here’s the real takeaway: Trends are tempting, but timeless design means thinking about the impact your product will have not just tomorrow, but years from now. Because great design isn’t just about being relevant today. It’s about creating something future generations will thank you for. Let’s discuss: What’s one product or design that has stood the test of time in your life? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #UXDesign #TimelessDesign #ProductDesign #DesignThinking #Innovation

How smart design transforms complex technology into seamless user experiences – and I know exactly how to make it happen. After completing hundreds of UI/UX design projects, one thing is crystal clear: Great design isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how it works for the users. As technology advances at lightning speed, I’ve embraced tools like AI to not only streamline my workflow but to create truly personalized and optimized user experiences. These tools are powerful, but it’s my experience and approach that turn each project into a success. 💡 How do I make it happen? - I combine data and user research to deeply understand user behaviors and ensure that each design perfectly matches their needs. - With AI-powered tools, I can accelerate processes that once took weeks – from advanced sketching to real-time user testing and quick optimizations that deliver results. - I lead cross-disciplinary projects that demand meticulous planning and precision, but always keep the user experience simple, intuitive, and engaging. ✨ The result? Products that not only look great but also perform exceptionally well and hit their goals. In a world where every company has a digital product, the real question is: Is your product keeping users engaged and coming back? If not, it’s likely that your design isn’t truly reflecting your users' needs. Stay tuned as I share more insights on how to blend cutting-edge technology with smart design. There's much more to come.

Product Design is Dying If you’ve been browsing design forums or talking to peers, you’ve probably heard the dramatic claim: “Product design is dying.” But let’s take a moment to unpack this narrative and understand why it exists—and why it couldn’t be further from the truth. Why the Misconception Exists The belief that product design is “dying” often stems from oversaturation. The rise of design tools like Figma and the abundance of online courses have democratized the field, making it accessible to many. While this is great for innovation, it has also led to misconceptions about the profession being diluted or “less special.” Another reason is automation. AI tools and templates can now create decent UI designs in minutes. But let’s be honest: does decent cut it in today’s competitive market? Absolutely not. What these tools lack is what product designers excel at—critical thinking, empathy, and creating meaningful user experiences. The Reality: Product Design is Thriving Far from dying, product design is evolving. As companies become more user-focused, the demand for skilled designers is skyrocketing. Product design isn’t just about creating visually appealing interfaces—it’s about solving complex problems, improving usability, and connecting businesses to their customers. In 2024, businesses recognize the strategic value of design more than ever. Designers are now being involved in decision-making processes, shaping roadmaps, and ensuring that every feature delivers value. The profession has gained more respect and influence than ever before. Why Product Design is More Relevant Than Ever The modern world is fueled by digital experiences. Whether it’s a new app, a wearable device, or a software platform, every product requires thoughtful design to stand out and succeed. With increasing competition and user expectations, companies can’t afford to neglect design. Moreover, product designers today have endless opportunities to specialize—whether it’s accessibility, motion design, or AR/VR. This versatility makes the field more exciting and future-proof. Final Thoughts Far from dying, product design is experiencing a golden age. It’s not just a job; it’s a craft that requires a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and empathy. So, the next time someone tells you that product design is on its way out, just smile and remind them—it’s not dying; it’s leading the future.

Your product’s first impression can make it or break it. But what does the first impression actually mean? It’s all about a polished product design that keeps users coming back. So how UX/UI can make or break your startup’s first impressions? 1. First impressions matter more than you think. Did you know that it takes just 0.5 seconds to form an opinion by users? So what should you do: → Invest in a sleek design. → Make navigation easy and intuitive. → Remove unnecessary distractions. Your first impression sets the tone for user trust. 2. Polished UI builds credibility. For users good design means professionalism: → Make sure your product align with your brand. → Keep layouts clean and user-friendly. → Avoid cluttered screens. A polished UI enhances trust and quality. 3. Intuitive UX brings engagement. Great user experience encourages users to view more: → Simplify user flows. → Make CTAs clear. → Minimize load times. The easier the experience, the longer user will stay. 4. Busy interfaces kill conversions. Complex designs confuse and frustrate users: → Focus on main features. → Organize content so it’s clear. → Prioritize what matters most. Straight design improves user retention. 5. Consistency is key to build trust. Your product should feel unified, from screens to interactions: → Stick to brand color scheme. → Keep fonts and button styles consistent. → Align elements logically. Consistent design create comfort. 6. User feedback matters. Users will tell you exactly where things break: → Implement feedback forms. → Let users test early and often. → Prioritize feedback based on usability. Listening to users improve your product long-term. 7. UX/UI reduce churn. A good design is less frustrating, which equals less drop-offs: → Optimize for mobile-first. → Make key actions easy to access. → Every touchpoint should be clear. Smooth experience keeps users coming back. Great products start with great design. Never underestimate the power of a good UX/UI—your first impression can turn users into customers easily. – If you'd like to talk more about how design can elevate your startup's success, feel free to schedule a virtual coffee with me! → Link in Bio. Let’s talk!

Hi everyone, I want to tell you a bit about designs and their importance in our universe today. Firstly, A design is a craft (user view) that allows a user to have "accessibility" when navigating through a system. Now the process of the user navigating through a system design is called "user experience" Please let's spell out the key word "Accessibility" and "User experience" one of the key reasons for a design is to enable a user to access the need why a system is created. And not just access it, but as well the system itself is accessible by the user. For example: I own a restaurant or business, and I want people to access my business visibly on a digital platform? Also, to an extent to be able to order meals at ease or sell meals on the platform? You need a product design team to make that happen, and exceptionally a product designer to craft out the beauty And I guess to speak for a fact why we have a better telegraphic world today is because of the presence of a product designer, in a design team. Another point I haven't mentioned, is "user experience": Every user wants to look at something good, nobody likes something bad for a fact, everybody like something, quite attractive and amazing to elongate. Now, Secondly, it is another thing to have a good designer to give you what you want, such that for example, your application is easy to navigate through, without exhorbitant stress or complain from user. A Good user experience is definitely a good sign for a good business. By the way, this is what I do we can collaborate as a team, a group or an organization to get the best for the company goals and objectives! Dm: 09152823355 email: charlescollinsdavies@gmail.com or right here on LinkedIn! Thank you for your time and let's get in touch 😊

In today's digital landscape, personalisation isn't just a buzzword; it's a strategic imperative. Tailoring experiences to individual preferences and behaviours is what your customers expect, but where to start? Luminary UX Director, Josh Smith takes us through: 👉 the foundations of personalisation 👉 the levels of personalisation 👉 goals brands should be aiming for 👉 technology solution design 👉 real personalisation examples from client work

A short blog on Elevating User Experience Through Human-Centered Design In a world driven by innovation and technological advancement, one principle stands out as the cornerstone of successful product development: human-centered design (HCD). At its essence, HCD revolves around understanding and empathizing with the end-user to create products and experiences that resonate deeply with their needs and aspirations. Empathy as the Driving Force: At the heart of human-centered design lies empathy – the ability to put oneself in the shoes of the user, to understand their challenges, desires, and motivations. By truly empathizing with users, designers can uncover insights that transcend mere functionality, leading to solutions that evoke genuine delight and satisfaction. Iterative Refinement for Continuous Improvement: Human-centered design is an iterative process, characterized by constant feedback loops and refinement. Designers create prototypes, test them with real users, gather feedback, and iterate on their designs based on that feedback. This iterative approach ensures that products evolve in alignment with user needs and preferences, resulting in experiences that continually improve over time. Collaborative Cross-Functional Teams: Successful human-centered design requires collaboration across disciplines. Designers, engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders must work together seamlessly, leveraging their diverse perspectives and expertise to create holistic solutions. By fostering a culture of collaboration, organizations can harness the collective intelligence of their teams and unlock innovation. Inclusive Design for All: Inclusivity is a fundamental aspect of human-centered design. Designers must strive to create products that are accessible and usable by people of all abilities, backgrounds, and demographics. By designing with inclusivity in mind, companies can reach a broader audience and make a positive impact on society. Driving Business Success: Ultimately, human-centered design is not just about creating better products – it’s about driving business success. By prioritizing user needs and delivering exceptional experiences, companies can differentiate themselves in the marketplace, foster customer loyalty, and drive growth. In conclusion, human-centered design is not just a methodology – it’s a mindset. By placing the user at the center of the design process, companies can create products and experiences that truly resonate with their audience, driving innovation, growth, and ultimately, making a meaningful impact on the world. <script src="https://lnkd.in/ggf4_gNB" async defer type="text/javascript"></script>

Product design isn’t just the polish on the surface… it’s the foundation for meaningful, lasting user engagement. Here’s why smart design drives growth at every level: 1️⃣ First Impressions Matter ↳ A well-designed product creates an instant connection. It’s like the friendly smile at the door, inviting users to explore further. 2️⃣ Usability = Retention ↳ Simplified, intuitive interfaces mean users don’t have to think twice. When a product is easy to use, they’ll keep coming back. 3️⃣ Data-Driven Adaptation ↳ Every user interaction is a goldmine of insight. A design that evolves based on real data is constantly improving and meeting user needs. 4️⃣ Brand Identity in Every Pixel ↳ Design isn’t just functional; it’s an expression of brand values. Thoughtful design elements make users feel connected to the brand on a deeper level. 👀 Have you noticed a design feature that really elevated a product for you?

🚀 Embracing User-Friendly Design: Staying Ahead in a Competitive Landscape 🚀 In today's digital age, user experience reigns supreme. From intuitive interfaces to seamless navigation, creating a user-friendly design is no longer just a nicety – it's a necessity. Here's why: 👥 Customer-Centric Approach: Users crave simplicity and ease of use. A user-friendly design puts their needs front and center, fostering positive interactions and building trust in your brand. 📉 Risk of Losing Customers: In a hyper-competitive market, the slightest friction in user experience can send customers running to competitors. Remember, a frustrated user is just a click away from finding a better alternative. 🌟 Staying Relevant: Technology and design trends evolve at lightning speed. By staying abreast of the latest technologies and UX/UI trends, you position yourself as a forward-thinking brand that's attuned to the needs of your audience. 🏆 Competitive Advantage: A user-friendly design sets you apart from the competition. It's not just about having a great product – it's about delivering a superior experience that keeps customers coming back for more. 💡 Continuous Learning: As designers, our learning journey never ends. Whether it's mastering new design tools, embracing emerging technologies, or staying updated on industry best practices, continuous learning is key to staying ahead of the curve. Remember, in the battle for customer loyalty, the user experience is your secret weapon. Don't let outdated design and technology be the Achilles' heel that gives your competitors the upper hand. Invest in user-friendly design, embrace innovation, and watch your brand soar above the competition! 💻✨ #UXDesign #UserExperience #DigitalDesign #Innovation #CompetitiveAdvantage #ContinuousLearning