When UX is done well, we barely notice.
When it is horrible, we not only notice - but we also get angry, frustrated and rant about it on social media.
What if you could experiment with bad UX?
Think of the worst ways to design an interface, so people have trouble getting anything done.
That's the experiment some programmers in Reddit tried out.
They asked for people to think of terrible ways in which the volume slider could be designed.
It started a firestorm of entries, and some are truly inventive.
Like the 'wobbling' slider. Every time you try moving the slider the entire panel tilts crazily like a seesaw. So, you can go from 80 to 0 and back to 100 in no time at all.
Or hilarious ones like the dice UX. You never know what you're going to get.
May be there is a lesson in all this.
Instead of trying to create great UX, you first do the most outlandish things.
And then, down the line, a great option will break through.
When we look at designs of great UX for inspiration, it's limiting. And people mostly imitate it.
When you ask them to intentionally do bad stuff, it's liberating.
And that's the point.
Unless you wade through a sea of mediocrity and terrible design, there's no way you'll arrive at something remarkable.
Try it on your next UX assignment.
What if happiness is anticipation?
Think about it.
When you have something to look forward to, there's a spring in your step.
And a gleam in your eye.
It could be a life-altering experience of a baby on the way.
And it's full of imagined future experiences, memories and how you plan to be a great parent.
Or a much smaller scale, take a trip you're planning with friends, months from now.
The anticipation builds with each of the exchanges you have in conversations, messages, the logistics and as the date approaches, the excitement builds.
The trip itself is great fun.
But then, you're worrying about how soon it will be over, and you need another bout of excitement in your life.
Or take career progression.
Entrepreneurs are driven by the anticipation of what they can achieve. It's how they become workaholics driven by impossible goals without pausing to see how it affects the rest of their life.
Or dial down to something as simple as anticipating a live concert from a favourite musician or tickets to a stand-up show.
In the days leading up to the performance, it's at the back of your mind, periodically pinging small rushes of dopamine.
You rarely question if the performances lived up to expectations because you're on to the next thing.
Apply this to all the things, big and small that you want to do and see if it fits.
Anticipation is that warm feeling of a build-up to something we are going to enjoy.
And maybe that's that the closest thing to being happy.
That was some sneeze!
A guy sits at a table.
He feels a sneeze coming on. A big one.
Then, there's a spurt of flame and all that's left is some clothes and a cap on the chair.
You may not have heard of Kevin Parry.
But he's doing some great editing and special effects work on YouTube.
Found the channel through Kottke. But this work will earn him serious cred.
It's inventive and he's put in the work required on getting the details right.
He wears a yellow jumpsuit with a hoodie.
And falls forward towards the table, transforming at the last possible moment into a rocking banana.
What's surprising is how smoothly the transitions are executed
Like standing in the backyard with some melons around.
He jumps into the air and swivels.
As he lands, he transforms into a melon that shatters into pieces on the ground.
There's no jump cut in between. Or at least, it isn't evident.
There are several videos on TikTok that basically change the scale and size of objects. But this one is way above them in production values and humour - doesn't miss a beat.
They're homemade, given the setting. But this guy has what it takes.
And he goes on to share exactly how he achieves the effects - which gets lots of views as well. Let's see how far he goes.
Every week, I'll plant a few ideas in your mind on branding, behavior and markets. Triggers for your thoughts. Spread the word to your friends. All you have to do is click the link and enter an email address.
Share this post