Ten Lies Designers Tell Themselves
1. Mistaking My Understanding for the User's
The longer I look at a screen, the easier it is to believe my own perspective is universal.
- False consensus: When users behave differently than expected, I blame them before questioning the design.
- Processing fluency: I mistake a familiar, easy-to-read screen for clear, high-quality design that everyone will understand.
- The curse of knowledge: Because I know the product too well, I fail to notice where users without context get stuck.
2. Protecting My Identity Instead of the Idea
When design feels like proof of my ability, feedback and failure become personal threats.
- Impostor syndrome: Fear of rejection leads me to dismiss bold ideas as ridiculous and leave only safe choices.
- Cognitive dissonance: I attach plausible justifications to a weak design to protect an existing decision and my sense of competence.
- Confirmation bias: I record supporting feedback in detail while reducing contradictory evidence to an exception.
3. Believing the Familiar First Choice Is Good Design
Repeatedly viewed work and the first idea that came to mind can feel more compelling than their actual quality.
- Mere exposure effect: Repeated exposure creates attachment, and I mistake that familiarity for good taste.
- Misunderstanding creativity: I delay rough attempts and rapid execution while waiting for inspiration, even though new ideas emerge through making and responding.
- Design fixation: The first sketch fixes the problem frame, making it difficult to move beyond it even when a better solution appears.
4. Pressure Narrows Judgment to Two Choices
As deadlines approach, exploration and validation shrink, making familiar methods more appealing.
- Pressure and time limits: Excessive pressure reduces judgment to a binary of ‘ship or give up’ and turns warning signs and opposing opinions into obstacles.
