Focusing on your strengths as a designer

Our strength in one context can be perceived as a weakness in another. For instance, being talkative can be a strength when it comes to public speaking or networking events. However, in a meeting, talking too much can be seen as a weakness because it may prevent other people from contributing their ideas or making them feel unheard.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Feature Creep. When Less is More.

One of the main problems with feature creep is that it can dilute a product's focus. When a product has too many features, it can become cluttered and unfocused, making it difficult for users to find the most important and relevant features. This can lead to frustration, as users struggle to achieve their goals with the product. It can also make it more difficult for UX design teams to create intuitive and effective user experiences, as they may need to work harder to organize and present information in a clear and coherent way.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Solutions looking for problems

In a 2004 interview with Rolling Stone, Steve Jobs famously said that "a lot of technology is in search of a customer." He explained that many companies create new technologies because they can, not because anyone actually wants or needs them. This sentiment is especially relevant today as companies like Facebook plan for the Metaverse, a virtual world that connects multiple platforms, devices, and applications. While the Metaverse has been touted as the future of online interaction, there are concerns that it may be a solution looking for a problem.

Read More
Abdi Jama
How Bureaucracy kills creativity

Bureaucracy and creativity often appear to be at odds with each other, as bureaucracy is associated with rigid rules and procedures, while creativity thrives in a more flexible and open environment. However, it's essential to examine this assertion critically and understand the nuances of their relationship.

Read More
Abdi Jama
The Apple Magic

You dont need to be a design expert with two decade of experience to know the profound impact of Apple's design philosophy on the industry. Apple's design language is synonymous with luxury and magic, and their products, such as the AirPods Max headphones, epitomize this philosophy. In this article, we will delve into Apple's design approach, dissecting the concepts of luxury and magic, and how the company leverages design, status, and technology integration as a competitive advantage.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Shaking Off Limitations

Individuals have often been conditioned to believe that life is a fixed entity, with predetermined paths and limitations. However, in a powerful speech by Steve Jobs, he challenges this notion and inspires us to recognize the malleability of life. Jobs emphasizes that everything around us, from the systems we navigate to the structures of society, is the product of human creation.

Read More
Abdi Jama
There is no spoon. How our perception shapes our reality.

Neo's realization that he can manipulate the Matrix and defy its rules mirrors the idea that our beliefs and perceptions shape our reality. It highlights how our own thoughts and beliefs can become the barriers that confine us. By stopping the bullets, Neo challenges the notion that he is weak or incapable, shattering the limitations he once accepted. our beliefs have the power to shape our reality so by breaking free from self-imposed limitations we can tap into their true potential. Thanks for reading.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Embracing Ambiguity as a UX designers

As UX designers, we often encounter ambiguity in our work – whether it's in the form of unclear requirements, conflicting feedback, or a lack of direction from stakeholders. While ambiguity can be frustrating, it can also be an opportunity for creativity and innovation. In this post, we'll explore some strategies for clarifying ambiguous requirements or designs, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and embracing ambiguity as a source of creativity.

Read More
Abdi Jama
The Pixar Magic

For over four decades, Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of animation innovation, captivating audiences with a plethora of unique, imaginative, and heartfelt films. Pixar was celebrated for its uncanny ability to create compelling, original stories that transcended age barriers. Its films weren't just animated; they were tales that spoke to the human experience.

Read More
Abdi Jama
The Psychology of difficulty and Mastery

Mastery is a powerful motivator that drives individuals to develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities. At its core, mastery is the desire to become proficient in a particular area, to develop a deep understanding of a topic or activity, and to feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as a result. In this article, we will explore the psychology of mastery and how it can be harnessed to drive motivation and success.

Read More
Abdi Jama
The Benefits of the "Ship to Learn" Approach in Product Development

When a product team does not have research or analytics resources, the "ship to learn" approach can be even more valuable. While research and analytics can provide valuable insights, they can also be time-consuming and expensive. By releasing an MVP early, the product team can gather feedback and insights directly from customers, without the need for extensive research or analytics.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Understanding Game Navigation Basics

Before we dive into the specifics, it's essential to understand the basics of game navigation. Game navigation refers to the movement of a player character through a gaming environment. Successful navigation involves movement, directionality, and strategy. Movement refers to how a player moves their character through the game. Directionality refers to determining the direction in which the player character is moving or needs to move. Strategy refers to the decisions made by the player regarding their character's movement. Understanding these basics will help you master game navigation.

Read More
Abdi Jama
The difference between Persuasive design and Nudging

Designing for persuasion is not the same as designing for digital nudging. Though both may use some similar tactics, they are two distinct approaches with different goals.

In this blog post, we'll explore the difference between persuasive design and digital nudging. We'll look at the different goals and objectives of each approach, as well as some of the common tactics used.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Nudge Theory

Nudging is a behavioural technique that encourages people to make a particular choice or take a specific action, by presenting subtle cues or hints. It has been used in a variety of settings, including healthcare, education, and marketing.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Choice architecture

It's estimated that the average adult makes about 35,000 decisions a day and over 200 are related to food. So decision fatigue is a real problem for users. This is why the food industry has options such as a set menu, buffet and la carte to help us decide what to eat. UX design also has similar strategies.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Maximizing Player Engagement Through Effective Feedback Systems

Player engagement is a measure of how invested a player is in a particular game. It is defined by a complex set of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive factors that drive players to stay engaged over time. As the gaming industry continues to grow, understanding player engagement has become increasingly important for game developers and publishers.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Unconventional by Design

Designers have a unique role in shaping the world we live in. From the products we use to the buildings we inhabit, designers play a crucial role in creating the physical and visual landscape around us. It is essential for designers to be system thinkers, but equally important for them to have their own creative voice. This article will explore why these two qualities are crucial for designers and how they can help shape a better future.

Read More
Abdi Jama
Why introducing friction is not always a bad idea

The harder something is the more people seem to love it. Sounds counterintuitive but here's why!

Usually, UX design is all about creating the easiest possible user experience, but sometimes, adding a little friction can improve the UX. In video game design, friction can be used to create a sense of realism and immersion.

Read More
Abdi Jama