As a product designer, I have come to realize the importance of designing systems that cater to the way people are, rather than the way we want them to be. The renowned UX expert Don Norman shares this philosophy and urges us to reflect on the system instead of blaming the user for ineffective designs.
This principle applies not only to software and road signs but also to our personal lives. When we fail to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we tend to blame ourselves for not being disciplined enough. But what if we take a step back and examine the system? Perhaps we lack the knowledge or resources to make healthier choices. By understanding the system, we can create a plan to overcome these obstacles and achieve our goals.
Creating a better system can yield significant results, as highlighted in the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. By focusing on small habit changes and designing a system that supports these changes, we can achieve significant improvements over time. Instead of aiming to run a marathon right away, we can start by jogging for a few minutes every day and gradually increase the duration.
Reflecting on the system instead of blaming the user is not only a beautiful philosophy but also a mechanism for self-love. By understanding why we are failing and creating a plan to overcome obstacles, we can grow and achieve our goals. Similarly, in life, we need to understand and reflect on the system instead of blaming ourselves for its chaotic design path.
In my experience, this philosophy has been a guiding light in designing effective systems that cater to human needs. By embracing this philosophy, we can create user-friendly products that resonate with people’s inherent nature and tendencies. As the great writer Franz Kafka once said, “A non-understood problem insists on being understood in its own way.” By designing systems that cater to human needs, we can create products that are not only effective but also resonate with people on a fundamental level.
I will be posting about my design process soon! Boom
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