Mobile eats desktop, finding joy, and more…

 📰 3 DESIGN ARTICLES

THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF MOBILE-FIRST DESIGN ON DESKTOP

• Recent design trends in UX often focus on designing for mobile devices first, without much, if any, consideration for the desktop experience. This results in less optimized desktop screens, where spacing, font size, and organization of content become stuck in a state of bad UX.
• Mobile-first thinking often focuses on more minimalist design. But these same principles that are effective for smaller dimensions don’t always translate well to larger screens.
• “We found that content dispersion on large-screen devices causes an increase in cognitive load and interaction costs, difficulty understanding content, and user frustration.”

REDISCOVERING THE JOY OF DESIGNING

• Designers often get into UX because the creative process can bring a sense of joy. Over time, however, any job can lead to burnout. In this article, Senior Designer Pratik Joglekar discusses how to counteract these feelings and reignite the joy of design in your practice.
• Joglekar focuses on a Japanese concept called “Ikigai”, where your skills and passions overlap with professional needs. He details how this mindset leads to purpose-driven, and therefore more fulfilling, work.
• “Designers forge experiences based on many parameters set by businesses but often forget the happiness gained by indulging in the creation process …  if there is no joy, the designers must rediscover themselves.”

STORYTELLING FOR DIGITAL PRODUCTS

• According to author Helena Borges, storytelling in UX isn't just about creating a journey. It allows for the ability to anticipate how "characters", or users, may have different goals for the same product. Applying the concept of storytelling allows for varied, but equally effective, means of engagement.
• Borges explains how by diversifying interaction, you more holistically address unique user needs. One user might want to see a video of a new product in action; another might be looking for a quick and easy way to add something familiar to a cart.
• “In interactive storytelling… the users can build their journey and tailor their experience. This technique can allow multiple types of users to solve different needs and pain points in the same digital product. The user takes control of how to solve it.”

💜 PORTFOLIO INSPIRATION

Jane Noh, a UX Academy graduate, uses bright, bold colors and shapes to create a refreshingly vibrant portfolio, showcasing her strong visual and UX skills.

Got a portfolio you love that you’d like to share with our audience? Email your suggestions to hello@designlab.com.

INTERESTING STUFF ...

• Analyzing the UX of Hellofresh,
• Privacy in the age of AI
• Zillow rate your neighbor?
• The formula for Apple's rounded corner

Design is the beauty of turning constraints into advantages. - Aza Raskin

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