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B2B | B2C | Design for AI | SaaS UX Engineer leveraging Design Strategy in designing Human-centered products that drive Business Goals.

⚠ ⚠ The Dangerous Assumption Every Designer Should Avoid ⚠ ⚠ Today was a critical moment in my design career. During a deep dive with the engineering team into a specific feature, I confronted a mistake that had been lurking in my process: assuming that a design flow from a well-known platform would automatically work for our product. This mindset, even when unconscious, has been more damaging than I realized. The belief that "If it works for this famous platform, it’ll work for us too" led me to skip essential steps, like auditing the flow for our unique needs. Instead of critically evaluating whether the design was right for our product, I replicated it without considering our specific technical or user requirements. What I failed to recognize was how different our product’s backend, user base, and objectives might be from those of the platforms I was emulating. More than once, I presented a design, only to face pushback from the team. My defense? “But this is how it’s done on this famous platform.” After closer examination though, I had to admit that just because it worked for them didn’t mean it would work for us. I was neglecting the core principle of UX design—crafting solutions tailored to our users and product, rather than simply following what's working for others. This realization was a wake-up call. It underscored the danger of letting the reputation of other platforms dictate my design decisions without proper scrutiny. I also saw how this mindset was causing friction within the team and slowing down our development. It was clear that my approach needed a serious evaluation. Here’s how I’m addressing this: Consciousness of Stakeholders: I’ve shifted my focus to involve all relevant stakeholders from the outset. Understanding their perspectives and needs ensures that the design aligns with broader objectives, not just my assumptions. Establishing Clear Communication: Open dialogue with the engineering team and other stakeholders is now a priority. Before starting on any design, I make sure we’re all aligned on the requirements and goals. This clarity helps identify what’s technically feasible and what best serves our product. Asking the Right Questions: Rather than assuming a design will work just because it’s working for others, I now ask detailed questions to see how it will fit into our system. I probe into data management, user interaction, and the specific needs our product has compared to others. Seeking Early Feedback: I’ve learned the value of sharing my progress early and often. This allows me to catch any issues or misalignments before too much work has been done. It’s not just about defending my ideas but collaborating to find the best solution for our product. Iterating Based on Feedback: My design process now includes more iterations based on feedback. This continuous refinement ensures that the final product is not only technically sound but also user-friendly and in line with our product vision.

  • Design with the statement "Question assumptions; tailor designs to your product."
Elvis Kerebi

B2B | B2C | Design for AI | SaaS UX Engineer leveraging Design Strategy in designing Human-centered products that drive Business Goals.

2mo

This journey has been a humbling one, but it’s been incredibly enlightening. UX design isn’t just about creativity or technical skills; it’s about collaboration, communication, and making informed decisions that are right for your product and users. So, the next time you’re tempted to copy a design from a renowned platform, pause and reflect. Make sure it truly fits your product’s needs. Engage your team early, and work together to create something that genuinely serves your users, and not just follows what works for others. #UXDesign #ProductDesign #DesignThinking #UserExperience #DesignStrategy #Collaboration #DesignProcess #UserCenteredDesign #DesignMindset #ProductDevelopment #DesignLeadership #UXEngineer #DesignSystems #StakeholderEngagement

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