The Approaching Sunset of Traditional UX: Navigating the Post-UX Era
Introduction
The sands of the design hourglass are rapidly dwindling for the User Experience (UX) industry as we know it. Yet, within this shifting landscape lies the immense potential for those ready to adapt and evolve. To comprehend the nuances of this transition, we must delve deep into the currents shaping the industry.
The Elon Musk Phenomenon: A Glimpse into the New Reality
In a striking instance, Elon Musk, one of the planet’s wealthiest individuals, orchestrated an exercise in crowdsourcing a logo for his new ‘X platform.’ The chosen design? A rudimentary image derived from a free Unicode character slightly tweaked to sidestep copyright infringements. The animation accompanying this logo was crafted using a royalty-free animation template, un-modified.
This instance uncovers a profound insight: the once sacrosanct role of designers, at times, is being circumvented for rapid, cost-effective solutions.
The CEO’s Vision vs. Designer’s Craft
I’ve crossed paths with numerous CEOs during a design tenure spanning almost a quarter of a century. A standard narrative emerges — leaders without formal design training but armed with solid convictions can drastically shape a project. This isn’t an isolated trend; it reflects a broader shift where design decisions sometimes bow to executive visions.
Rise of Design Systems: Blessing or a Curse?
With design systems and UI kits readily available, creating a new digital product can often resemble a jigsaw puzzle. Need a specific screen type? Borrow it from an existing product. Want to modify it slightly? Change the font and color palette. This method is efficient but paves the way for the “post-UX era.” Replication becomes a favored child, stifling innovation.
Nostalgia: Reflecting on the UX Renaissance
Journeying back to 2009, we recall a period that could rightly be dubbed the golden era of UX design. The industry was buzzing, and it was an opportune moment to enter. Innovations were rife, with the proliferation of touch-based devices transforming user interactions. As users became more adept, their expectations soared, crystallizing notions of good UX.
During this period, they also witnessed the establishment of design patterns and systems. However, the ease they provided was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they reduced the necessity for extensive groundwork, but on the other, they engendered a dependency that often stifled originality.
AI: Ally or Adversary?
Artificial Intelligence promises efficiency, with algorithms poised to automate specific design tasks. Yet, the essence of a designer — creativity, problem-solving, innovation — remains irreplaceable. The human touch, with all its intricacies, can’t be wholly mimicked by machines.
Charting a Path in the Post-UX Terrain
This juncture presents both challenges and opportunities for budding and intermediate designers. Success won’t be handed on a silver platter; it mandates a recalibration of mindset.
- Innovate and Curate: It’s imperative to venture beyond screen creation. Embrace a disposition of relentless curiosity and innovation.
- Document and Share: Penning down your explorations, insights, and processes can be a potent tool. It not only hones your articulation skills but also places you on the radar for potential collaborations and opportunities.
Conclusion
While the traditional UX industry might be undergoing a metamorphosis, the essence of design — to improve, to simplify, to delight — remains unchanged. It’s not about the end of a journey but about adapting to a new path. Embrace the shift, and you might craft the next design revolution.
