16 Things Great UXers Don't do
It is November 2023. I just re-started my YouTube channel and set out on a mission to create a simple product we can learn from.
It’s a screen sharing tool where employees can record short video demos and upload it to our own server.
In order to start the project we need wireframes. So, I hired 4 UX people from a known platform. I gave them all the same fix price and the same task.
When I received the work, I felt like something was off.
Every single one of the four submissions looked too complicated.
Maybe I was wrong?
To be sure, I called up a UX Pro. Katharina Schluck is a professional I have worked with. She knows what a good UX is, and can tell when people go wrong.
The full interview will be released on my channel at one point. For now, I wanted to review what I learned from her in a couple of points.
Let’s get started.
1. They Don’t Over-Polish Wireframes
Wireframes are meant to be a skeleton, not the fleshed-out end product. Over-polishing can mislead developers and result in unnecessary features.
2. They Don’t Design the Impossible
Great UX designers respect the limitations of technology. If the feature isn’t supported, it doesn’t make the cut.
3. They Don’t Do Unasked Work
Every feature must be intentional. Even a ‘free’ landing page can misdirect focus from the primary objectives.
4. They Avoid the Naming Game
Naming is an art best left to specialists. Missteps here can degrade the entire UX.
5. They Work With Time Budgets, Not Fixed Prices
This approach avoids devaluing work and reduces conflict.
6. They Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
Design systems like Material UI provide a reliable foundation. There’s an art to adapting existing elements.
7. They Stick to the MVP
Adding unnecessary features can cloud the learning process.
8. They Don’t Copy Bad Ideas
Instead, they improve upon them, ensuring usability isn’t compromised.
Insert image contrasting original vs. improved designs.
9. They Ask Questions
Assumptions are risky. Clarity is king.
10. They Prioritize the Critical Path
This ensures that if issues arise, they’re resolved early on.
11. They Focus on Functionality Over Portfolio Aesthetics
The end goal is client satisfaction, not just a shiny portfolio.
12. They Choose Real Content Over Placeholders
Placeholders can be ambiguous. Real content brings clarity to the design.
13. They Ensure Every Element Adds Value
Every screen and feature must serve a purpose.
14. They Adhere to UX Best Practices
They never confuse primary with secondary actions, ensure components are accessible, and maintain interface stability.
It’s not just about what you do—it’s about what you choose not to do. That was the main fallacy of these UX people. I should have chosen just one person to work with. And I should have briefed them better.
That’s for the next days.
At least I now know what I don’t want.
Download the slides here
