The new oven or car’s electronic system looks attractive and invites you. You cannot wait to see what it does and how it performs. Instead, you find yourself staring at the control panel and don’t know where to start, let alone how to turn it on.
In creation, we plan extensively in the development of the product. The desire to create something novel, looks good and sets itself apart from the competition entails many hours of thought and rumination.
The designer is close to the design that they’ve forgotten that the user does not have hundreds of hours of familiarity with the concept as they do.
Is the mark of great design one where the user experience is far superior to the competition in the simplicity of use? Why have a breathtaking product that people detest using because it is a challenge every time? Possibly the first test should be, ‘Can anyone understand how to use it?’
When we design, let’s step back and allow people who will be the users of our product to engage with it and offer feedback on functionality. Then, listen to their feedback. Do not make assumptions about the person. Instead, appreciate that their questions may be the ones many will ask.
The testament to a good design is whether people will enjoy using the product as often as possible and not fear nor dread their interaction with it. Don’t be too clever when designing. Instead, be humble and accessible.
