Designing Cohesive User Experiences

I got rejected after this Interview answer 💔 Not proud of it. But this one still lives rent-free in my head. Company: One of the top product companies Round: Product Design Challenge Question: Design a feature to help users discover relevant content in our app? What I did: I jumped straight into wireframes. Added a "Recommended for You" section on the homepage, designed some cards with thumbnails and CTAs, picked nice colors, and called it a day. Result: A polite rejection email the next week. Here's what I should have actually done: Before jumping to solutions and wireframes, a good answer starts with thinking. 𝗜 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱'𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴:  - Who are the users? (new users? power users? different personas?)  - What kind of content? (articles, videos, products, connections?)  - What does "relevant" mean? (based on past behavior? trending? personalized?)  - What's the current discovery problem we're solving?  - What are the business goals? (engagement? retention? revenue?) 𝗔 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀: 𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 & 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁  - Understand user pain points through data/interviews  - Map the current user journey  - Identify where discovery fails today 𝟮. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀  - What does success look like? (time spent? click-through rate? return visits?)  - How do we measure relevance? 𝟯. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀  - Consider multiple approaches (algorithmic, social, editorial, hybrid)  - Weigh trade-offs of each  - Don't marry one solution too early 𝟰. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲  - Information architecture first, visuals later  - Think about empty states, loading states, error states  - Consider personalization vs. serendipity  - Design for accessibility and inclusion 𝟱. 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻  - How would we test this? (A/B test? prototype testing?)  - What could go wrong?  - How do we handle edge cases? 𝟲. 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗳𝗳 & 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁  - How does this scale across platforms?  - What's the technical feasibility?  - What's the rollout plan? This way, the solution is user-centered, strategic, and actually solves a real problem.

UX alone doesn’t create business value. Designing for users is crucial... but if it ignores the business side, even the most elegant interfaces can fail. True impact happens when UX bridges what people want and what the organization needs to succeed. This means stepping into the business model, understanding what drives growth, collaborating with stakeholders, asking tough questions, and designing within real-world constraints. Measuring outcomes and aligning with business goals is as important as crafting delightful user experiences. Empathy for users is essential... but empathy for the business is what turns your design from a concept into measurable value. Designs that balance both don’t just look good... they drive real results.

Business decisions shape design around today’s problems. Not the ones that will shape the user experience later. That’s often because the business is focused on revenue, growth, and customer retention (these are lagging indicators of success). Designers are often caught between fixing what's urgent for the business and creating something meaningful for users in the long run. Design must use influence to shift this dynamic. Design needs to connect what the business wants now with what users will need later. That means knowing what's driving decisions today (like business goals and product metrics) and how those decisions will deliver value tomorrow (through user needs and UX metrics). When you map your design decisions to business goals, it gets the team asking: Are we only chasing business numbers, or are we solving user problems? This kind of clarity shows who’s shaping the decisions and opens up better conversations. Bringing product performance and user experience into the mix builds trust and grows your creative impact. Metrics bridge these parts: 1. Business Goal What’s shaping today’s decisions? Business goals show what the company wants right now, like more revenue, growth, or keeping customers around. Product metrics usually measure and influence these goals, like how many people convert or stay engaged. 2. Concept   Where are we today? This is the space for design ideas: new features, layouts, or experiences. It sits in the middle and gets input from what’s already happened (product metrics) and where you want to go (UX metrics). 3. User Need  How will these decisions help users in the future? Great design solves user problems. You measure that with UX metrics, like how easy something feels or whether it meets expectations. These signals show the lasting impact of your design and help drive long-term business success. Design becomes most effective when it connects today’s business goals with tomorrow’s user outcomes. UX metrics, with tools like Helio, help you make that connection clear. #productdesign #uxmetrics #productdiscovery #uxresearch

Let’s talk about something that often flies under the radar but is absolutely crucial in UX design: 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆. When we think of great user experiences, the most memorable ones often feel effortless, like the app knows exactly what you want to do. But that smoothness? It’s not magic—it’s the result of careful, consistent design choices that make the interface intuitive and easy to navigate. 🌟 Consistency ties the entire experience together. Whether it’s typography, color schemes, or the use of icons, keeping things uniform can drastically 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. ⬆ Imagine using an app where the font changes from screen to screen or the buttons suddenly shift colors. Feels jarring, right? That’s exactly what you want to avoid! Every time a user encounters an inconsistency, they pause and rethink. And in the world of UX, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 🛑 Take 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆, for example. From the moment you open the app, you’re greeted by its iconic green theme. That color isn’t just there for branding—it’s used consistently across buttons, backgrounds, and notifications. This seamless use of color gives users a sense of familiarity. No matter where they are in the app, they know how to navigate because it feels natural. 🎼 Then there’s 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺—the app has evolved a lot over the years, but what stays consistent is its navigation. Whether you’re liking a post, scrolling your feed, or diving into Reels, the icons are instantly recognizable. The “heart” for likes, the “home” for the feed—Instagram doesn’t make users relearn the app with every update. This level of consistency builds confidence, allowing users to explore new features without feeling lost. 🖼️✨ 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁. When users have to second-guess their next move or wonder why a button looks different, it creates confusion and frustration. Your goal as a designer is to remove those barriers, and consistency is one of the most effective tools to make that happen. 🚀 So, next time you’re designing, don’t just focus on making it look good—ask yourself, “𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲?” By maintaining uniformity, you’re not only creating a seamless product but also building trust with your users, one interaction at a time. 💪 #UXDesign #ConsistencyMatters #SpotifyUX #InstagramDesign #DesignTips #UserExperience #DesignConsistency

Recently, I conducted user testing for some exciting projects at Stanford, and decided to share some insights. This post feels especially personal because it’s not just about design—it’s about my journey as both a student and a designer. When I first came to Stanford as an international student, I struggled with navigating its complex academic systems. It was frustrating, and I remember wishing for tools that could make things simpler and more intuitive. Fast forward to today, and I have the incredible opportunity to work on improving those very systems—side by side with current students. Listening to their frustrations during user testing brings back so many of my own memories. It’s a full-circle moment, where my past experiences fuel my passion to make these tools better for everyone. Here are some interesting insights: • 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Users often approach academic tools with mental models shaped by other apps or systems they use. Identifying and aligning with these expectations can significantly reduce confusion and improve engagement. • 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿: Academic tools are often used in high-pressure moments (e.g., enrollment deadlines). Testing revealed that reducing friction in the interface during these times significantly improves the overall experience. • 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Today’s students expect tools to adapt to their preferences, like saving search filters or suggesting classes based on their academic history. • 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆: Students value clear, visual representations of information, such as progress bars for degree completion or graphs showing their weekly workload distribution. • 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Designing for inclusivity means accounting for diverse backgrounds, from non-traditional students to those who are the first in their family to attend college. • 𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱: Even after a design seems polished, user testing consistently uncovers areas for refinement, proving that the design process is never truly finished. User testing can be really challenging but truly rewarding in the end. I decided to share these moments to contribute to a community that’s all about learning and growing together. If you’ve got user testing stories or tips, I’d love to hear them—let’s inspire each other! #UXDesign #UIDesign #UserTesting #HumanCenteredDesign #DesignForEducation

A designer does more than “make things look good.” A designer translates the idea of a product into something a user can actually understand, feel, and use. In many cases, the designer becomes the key link between the user and the system. Rondesignlab saw this clearly on one of our CRM projects. On paper, the product was flawless - well-structured architecture, powerful logic, advanced automation. The founders were confident in the system’s intelligence. But during early testing, users were slower than expected. Not because the system lacked features, but because it felt overwhelming. The logic was correct - yet the experience was heavy. That gap between correctness and clarity is exactly where design operates. Founders often see the product as logic, features, architecture. Users see it as experience. Buttons, flows, clarity, speed. The designer stands in the middle and turns complexity into meaning. We’ve spent more than 20 years working with digital products - from complex CRM and ERP systems to VR experiences. And one thing is always true: the more complex the product, the more critical the designer’s role becomes. In CRM or ERP systems, a small UX decision can affect sales teams, accountants, project managers, and executives at the same time. On one ERP platform we worked on, restructuring a single dashboard reduced onboarding time for new managers by weeks - not because we added anything new, but because we removed friction that no one had previously questioned. In VR, a poorly designed interaction can literally disorient a user. In one immersive environment, we observed users instinctively stepping back when spatial feedback didn’t match their expectations. A subtle redesign of motion logic transformed hesitation into confidence. The technology remained the same. The experience changed entirely. Design is not decoration. It is navigation, trust, and control. A practical piece of advice from a team with long-term experience. Involve designers early. Not after the structure is locked. Not when development is halfway done. The designer should participate in shaping the product logic, not just polishing the interface. Because once the product reaches the user, the interface is the product. And the designer is the one who decides whether the idea survives first contact with reality.

The 8 Pillars of Exceptional UX Design: A Strategic Framework True UX excellence extends beyond aesthetics. It's a disciplined approach rooted in research, psychology, and strategic alignment. Here are the core components every designer must master: 1. User Research The foundation. Understand real user needs, pain points, and behaviors through interviews, surveys, and testing. Without it, you're designing on assumptions. 2. Interaction Design (IxD) Shape the user journey. Focus on intuitive navigation, clear feedback loops, and purposeful micro-interactions that guide users seamlessly. 3. Information Architecture (IA) Organize content for clarity and findability. A logical structure is critical—even beautiful designs fail with poor IA. 4. Content Design & UX Writing Craft clear, actionable language. Every button label, error message, and piece of onboarding text must enhance understanding and action. 5. Usability Engineering Ensure products are efficient, effective, and satisfying to use. Employ heuristic evaluations and task analyses to eliminate friction. 6. Accessibility (A11y) Build inclusive experiences for everyone. Adhere to standards like WCAG; accessibility is a necessity, not an option. 7. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) The science behind UX. Integrate principles from cognitive psychology, ergonomics, and systems design to create intuitive human-centered tools. 8. Data, Analytics & UX Strategy Ground decisions in evidence. Use behavioral data and strategic alignment to connect user needs to business goals and measure success. Mastering these disciplines transforms good design into product leadership. Which of these pillars is most critical in your current projects? #UXDesign #UserExperience #ProductDesign #DesignStrategy #InteractionDesign #Accessibility #HCI #UserResearch

Designing powerful user experiences isn't just about pixels—it's about people. Building products is messy. Too many teams obsess over frameworks and methodologies instead of focusing on what matters: solving actual problems for actual humans. The double diamond or design thinking looks pretty in presentations, but users don't care about your process—they care if your product works. What you shouldn't do: - Confuse deliverables with outcomes, because pretty wireframes don't equal successful products - Spend weeks mapping journeys without talking to actual customers - Hide behind jargon when you could speak plainly about what you're building - Chase trends without questioning if they serve your specific users - Prioritize your portfolio over solving real problems What you should do: - Start with user problems, not solutions or methodologies - Test early during discovery with real people, even if your concepts aren't perfect - Focus on metrics that matter to the business and users Remember: good products aren't about following processes—it's about delivering outcomes that make users' lives better and businesses stronger.

Can you really deliver cohesive and scalable user experiences across thousand of enterprise products without a #designsystem? At SAP, the answer is clear: No. As our #SAP product portfolio has grown over the years, so has the complexity of maintaining coherence across experiences. With so many teams, technologies, and touchpoints involved, the risk of fragmentation is real. That’s why the #SAPDesignSystem is a crucial part of how we design, develop and build products and solutions: providing shared design principles and guidelines, reusable UX components, design patterns, accessibility guidelines, and a unified design language that cuts across product, brand and every customer touch point. It empowers designers and developers to move faster, stay aligned, and ultimately deliver connected, familiar, and user-centered experiences (no matter the product). I see it as a foundational piece in realizing our vision: creating user experiences that people love to use. Check out the #SAPDesignSystem: https://lnkd.in/e6UpMZ6e What’s your take on the role of design systems in scaling #UX? Let’s discuss 👇 #SAPDesign #SAP #DesignSystem #UX #EnterpriseUX #UserExperience