📰 3 DESIGN ARTICLES
EMBRACING AMBIGUITY AS A SUPERPOWER
- Designer Ida Persson discusses how embracing uncertainty is an often overlooked but necessary part of creativity, especially when you’re working on a new idea.
- Persson recommends giving yourself permission to be flexible with the process rather than fixated on the outcome; this can help promote creative ideating without being stifled by imposter syndrome, second-guessing, or fear.
- “When you’re creating, you’re making something that hasn’t been done before, and to do that, there isn’t a set path with clear yeses and noes. You have to be willing to step into the unknown if you want to be creative.”
DARK DESIGN PATTERNS: DON’T DO IT!
- In this article, author Jakob Nielsen assesses the severity of several “Dark Designs”, meaning UX designs that are purposefully misleading, confusing, or manipulative for a user to engage with.
- Billing surprise for instance, where a subscription service is switched from a free trial to a billing model without clear notifications, ranks amongst the highest in terms of worst practices.
- “We have defenses against dark patterns. Ethical UX professionals can push back on requests to add dark patterns to their design, by explaining the long-term harm this customer abuse will do to any brand.”
A PATTERN LANGUAGE
- In his highly influential book “A Pattern Language”, architect Christopher Alexander considered how the creative process within design, regardless of the specific niche, tends to evolve in similar patterns.
- Alexander describes a framework that gives a name to the problem, describes the context, and discusses solutions—which may sound simple, but in practice forms a way of speaking about design that is applicable from architecture to agile designing.
- “Alexander asserts good and bad design is not a matter of opinion but an objective truth to be realized, but difficult to articulate. Good design is self-sustaining and bad design is self-destructive.”
💜 PORTFOLIO INSPIRATION
Ellie Braeuel, a UX Academy graduate, communicates a strong sense of empathy in her designs, particularly around the creation of a wellness app. Additionally, her unique branding and fun color palette bring an energetic vibe to the portfolio overall.
Got a portfolio you love that you’d like to share with our audience? Email your suggestions to hello@designlab.com.
INTERESTING STUFF ...
Every great design begins with an even better story - Lorinda Mamo
FROM THE LAB
DESIGN EVENTS STARTING NEXT WEEK
We're excited to announce a new selection of free events, starting with AI-focused workshops and talks to inspire the way you work. Explore the latest tools, network with other designers, and get the scoop on industry trends.
The first session, focused on creating diverse persona images, runs this Monday January 29th. You can find the full event calendar and registration page below.
LAUNCH YOUR NEW CAREER IN 2024
The February cohort of Foundations launches on February 5th,now with all-new AI content. Learn how to leverage AI tools as you gain foundational design skills. You’ll also receive 1:1 mentorship and a $500 tuition credit towards our career-switching bootcamp, UX Academy.
Reserve your seat now and only pay when the cohort launches.
MASTER DATA & DESIGN
Become a more data-adept designer as your New Year's resolution. A new cohort of Data-Driven Design begins in just over a week, launching on February 2nd, with an enrollment deadline of January 31st.
Gain a strong proficiency in using product metrics in your design process throughout this 6-week course, where you’ll work hands-on with real data sets and connect with other successful designers and mentors.
EARN $ IN 2024 TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT DESIGNLAB
Know a friend or colleague who would benefit from Designlab’s courses and programs? Have a social media channel or blog related to design?
If you said ‘yes’ to either question, sharing Designlab with your network is now more rewarding than ever! Earn for each new student you send our way.
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