CategoryDesign

March 28, 2025 — Companies have been turning their attention to “synthetic,” AI-driven user testing. However, as convenient as it might seem, it’s dangerous, expensive, and usually diminishes user value. Let’s take a closer look at why exactly it is problematic and how we can argue against it to make a case for UX research with real users. Part of Smart Interface Design Patterns by yours truly. Read more…

March 17, 2025 — Some critics question the agnostic nature of Web Components, with some even arguing that they are not real components. Gabriel Shoyomboa explores this topic in-depth, comparing Web Components and framework components, highlighting their strengths and trade-offs, and evaluating their performance. Read more…

March 11, 2025 — UX initiatives are often seen as a disruption rather than a means to solving existing problems in an organization. In this post, we’ll explore how you can build trust for your UX work, gain support, and make a noticeable impact. Part of Measure UX and Design Impact by yours truly. Read more…

February 26, 2025 — Effective data storytelling isn’t a black box. By integrating UX research & psychology, you can craft more impactful and persuasive narratives. Victor Yocco and Angelica Lo Duca outline a five-step framework that provides a roadmap for creating data stories that resonate with audiences on both a cognitive and emotional level. Read more…

February 13, 2025 — The goal of content design is to reduce confusion and improve clarity. Yet often it’s difficult to pinpoint a problem as user feedback tends to be not specific enough. But: we can use a few simple techniques to assess how users understand and perceive content. Let’s take a look. Part of How To Measure UX & Design Impact by yours truly. Read more…

February 7, 2025 — Tomasz Jakut reflects on the evolution of web design, from the days of table-based layouts and Flash games to the rise of responsive web design (RWD), which often feels like the end of history in web layout. But as 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of Ethan Marcotte’s article, it’s worth asking whether something significant happened after RWD — something so seamless that it went almost unnoticed. Read more…

January 30, 2025 — Design systems play a crucial role in today’s digital landscape, providing a blueprint for consistent and user-friendly interfaces. But there’s another tool that deserves equal attention: the digital playbook. Read more…

January 14, 2025 — How do we determine the most suitable illustration style? How should illustrations complement and reflect your corporate identity? What will resonate most with your target audience? And regarding the content, what type of illustration would best enhance it, and how would it work for the age range it is primarily for? Thomas Bohm shares insightful examples and discusses the key qualities of effective illustrations, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience. Read more…

January 8, 2025 — HTML attributes are like little instructions that we add to the markup of elements to make them do certain things or behave in certain ways. For example, most of us know that the target attribute with a value of _blank opens the link in a new tab or window. But did you know that you can use it on the form element, too? John Rhea presents several lesser-known uses for common HTML attributes. Read more…

December 17, 2024 — There are many ways to elevate a design project from good to incredible. For web and product designers, it’s not just about adding more animations and flair. What it truly comes down to is a reframing of your thought processes starting before the project even kicks off. Olivia De Alba presents three approaches that designers can implement and which will change the way they make their projects more successful. Read more…