User Experience
At its core, all creative work must be rooted in a solid understanding of user experience (UX). While the concept of UX has been around for many years, it’s only recently, with the rise of apps and websites, that we’ve formally labeled it as “UX.” For me, UX isn’t limited to digital mediums like app development or web design; it’s a fundamental approach that should inform everything we do—from producing a simple video to building teams and designing customer journeys.
When we make decisions from a UX perspective, we begin to identify patterns or habits we may have unconsciously adopted, which aren’t necessarily in the best interest of the user. Traditionally, UX refers to how users interact with a product, service, or system, but what if we applied this mindset to everything in our daily lives? Consider how you interact with everyday products like your coffee pot, dishwasher, or car. Many of these items are designed so intuitively that you don’t have to think about how to use them—this is because the designers embedded familiar cues and interactions to make their functionality clear and seamless.
All our decisions, no matter what job you are in should be human-centered and intuitive, making complex things simple to use and understand. This concept applies not only to products but to our everyday tasks and workflows. If we consider UX principles in our daily lives, we’ll start to notice inefficiencies in how we do things—from the layout of our workspace to the processes we follow at work. Whether you’re making coffee in the morning or managing a team, thinking about how the “user” (which could be yourself or someone else) interacts with a process can lead to more intentional and thoughtful decisions in everything we do.
My philosophy is that this UX-focused mindset should extend far beyond the creative realm and be applied to every task, job, and aspect of life. By doing so, we can enhance not only efficiency but also satisfaction and usability in everyday activities. Let’s explore a few examples to bring this idea to life:
As a barista in a coffee shop:
Your day likely begins with opening tasks—prepping supplies and setting up for the day. But have you considered the customer’s experience when they walk in? Is the space clean? Does the background music set the right vibe? Are the tables arranged comfortably, allowing easy movement? What about the ordering process—have you made it simple for customers to navigate the menu and select their choices? Or is your menu filled with complicated names that require constant clarification?
As a media buyer in a marketing agency:
Your primary goal is maximizing profit from each campaign. But do you reflect on why certain ads underperform? What can be optimized? When reporting to executives who may not be familiar with marketing jargon, do you take the time to explain terms like CPM, CPC, and ROAS, or do you simply present the report and hope they understand?
As a talent recruiter:
You are often the first point of contact a candidate has with a company. Have you considered the tone of your emails or the impression you leave during a virtual interview? Is your camera on? Is your background professional? Do you provide enough information about the company, or do you assume the candidate already knows? If you handle onboarding, is there a clear and welcoming plan in place to guide the new hire through their first days, introducing them to key people and ensuring they feel supported?
These examples show that even outside of traditional creative work, UX should guide every decision we make. By embedding UX principles in everyday tasks and interactions—whether it’s organizing a workspace or communicating with colleagues—we create experiences that are not only more efficient but also more enjoyable.
I’m passionate about bringing visions to life by focusing every decision—whether creative or not—on how the user will ultimately experience the result and I encourage you do the same.
