The HCD Experience

UX Isn't Just a Checkbox—It's the Core of What We Do In a time when many companies are scaling back on UX, The HCD Experience is doubling down. Why? Because great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about understanding users, their needs, and their challenges at every step. We don’t just design. We research, interview, test, build, and refine. From discovery to development, O&M, and beyond, we ensure that every product we touch is built for real people, not just business goals. We know what’s truly at the center of great design: the user. If you’re looking for a team that does more than push pixels—one that crafts experiences rooted in deep research and real insights—let’s talk. https://www.thehcdx.com #UX #HumanCenteredDesign #ProductDevelopment #UserExperience #hcd #design #productdesign

?? The Future of UX/UI is Unfolding—Literally. At Mobile World Congress 2025, we’re witnessing a shift that will redefine how users interact with technology. From AI-driven personalization to mind-bending foldable displays, the UX/UI landscape is evolving fast. ?? AI is Getting Personal Samsung’s Galaxy AI is making smartphones smarter—automatically editing photos, learning user behavior, and even adapting interfaces in real time. Meanwhile, Honor’s AI agent is breaking barriers, interacting with on-screen content without external APIs. Imagine an AI that books your dinner reservations just by "reading" your screen. ?? Form Factors are Getting Wild Samsung also unveiled a foldable gaming handheld and a briefcase-style display, proving that UI innovation isn’t just about pixels—it’s about rethinking hardware entirely. ?? What This Means for UX/UI Designers: 1?? AI will change how interfaces are designed, shifting from static layouts to adaptive, predictive experiences. 2?? Traditional screens are evolving—how do we design for foldables, rollables, and modular devices? 3?? Users expect seamless, intuitive interactions—our challenge is to merge AI, hardware, and usability into a cohesive experience. As UX/UI professionals, we must adapt, experiment, and anticipate how these changes will shape the next generation of digital experiences. The future isn’t just about screens—it’s about smart, responsive, and immersive experiences that feel second nature. What do you think? How will AI and new form factors challenge traditional UX/UI design? Let’s discuss. ?? #UXDesign #UIDesign #AI #MobileWorldCongress #MWC2025 #Innovation #UserExperience

uh....... not sure how I feel about this one. maybe if it was a stout? Oh I know, USER TESTING!

I love Duolingo. I use it every day as I am learning French. It’s a fantastic product. But I have to disagree with this take. Duolingo says, "Product drives our business, culture, and priorities." But what drives the product? The user. Without users, there is no product. There is no business. There is no culture. Priorities should start with the people who engage, struggle, and succeed with the experience we design. Renaming "UX" to "Product Experience" implies that the product comes first. But UX—user experience—is about the people who use it. We don’t design just for a product’s success. We design for the success of the people using it. And when we get that right, the product (and business) thrives. This isn’t about labels; it’s about focus. Are we product people? Absolutely. But we’re user-first product people. What do you think—does shifting the language shift the priorities?

?? The Tesla Cybertruck: Innovation Without User Testing? ?? The Tesla Cybertruck has been one of the most hyped vehicle launches in years, but now that it's in the hands of real users, a glaring issue is emerging: it seems like nobody tested this thing properly. Tesla is known for pushing boundaries, but great design isn’t just about innovation—it’s about usability, reliability, and solving real-world problems. And yet, early Cybertruck owners are reporting a long list of design flaws that make it seem like functionality was an afterthought. Serious Design Issues ?? Door Problems: The lack of traditional handles makes entry unnecessarily difficult, and some users report misaligned doors that don’t close properly. ?? Sharp Edges: The stainless steel panels, while durable, have sharp edges that could potentially cut fingers. ?? Window Failures: We all remember the infamous demo where the “Armor Glass” shattered. But beyond that, wind noise from misaligned panels is a major complaint. ?? Frunk Safety Hazard: The front trunk lacks pinch sensors, posing a risk of injury. ?? Difficult Bed Access: The unique tailgate design makes it hard to get into the truck bed, a core function of any pickup truck. ?? Sun Visor & Wiper Woes: The visor covers barely any incoming light, and the massive windshield wiper struggles in light rain. And let’s not forget practicality concerns like the lack of a spare tire, no frunk outlet, and how difficult it is to wash the truck. A Lack of Real-World Testing? It’s one thing to design a truck that looks futuristic—it’s another to make a truck that actually works for truck owners. Traditional automakers like Ford and Chevy spend years rigorously testing their vehicles in real-world conditions, gathering feedback, and refining their designs before launching to the public. Tesla, however, seems to have skipped this step in favor of pushing a bold, futuristic vision. The result? A vehicle that, despite its impressive specs and tech, falls short in key areas that affect usability. If the goal was to disrupt the truck industry, shouldn’t the first priority have been making a truck that works well? The Lesson Here Innovation should never come at the expense of good UX and usability testing. Whether you’re designing a vehicle, a website, or an app, the fundamentals remain the same: design with the user in mind, test in real-world conditions, and iterate based on feedback. Tesla fans might say that updates will fix some of these issues over time, but for a company that prides itself on cutting-edge technology, shouldn’t they have gotten the basics right before launch? What do you think—is the Cybertruck a case of overpromising and underdelivering, or just growing pains of a new kind of vehicle? #UXDesign #Tesla #Cybertruck #Innovation #UserTesting #ProductDesign #Automotive

?? Gamification: The Game-Changer—or Just Playing Us? Swipe right. Earn a badge. Keep the streak alive. Gamification is everywhere—Duolingo, Fitbit, Tinder—turning everyday tasks into a game of rewards, streaks, and leaderboards. But is it truly motivating us, or just manipulating our behavior? ?? Why Gamification Works (The High Score Benefits) Gamification taps into deep-rooted psychology to keep us engaged: ? Dopamine & Rewards – Completing challenges triggers dopamine, making learning or working out feel rewarding. ? Boosting Engagement – A 2020 study found gamification positively affects motivation and behavior, which is why apps like Kahoot! make learning feel fun. ? Forming Habits – Gamified apps use reminders, rewards, and ease of use to make behaviors stick—Fitbit’s badges, Duolingo’s streaks, productivity apps like Forest. ? Making the Mundane Fun – Even governments have gamified tax compliance and recycling to encourage participation. ?? Game Over? The Dark Side of Gamification But gamification isn’t all fun and games—there are glitches in the system: ? Addiction by Design – Gamified apps hijack attention just like social media. Duolingo’s CEO even admitted their goal is to create addiction—to learning. ? The Streak Trap – The Guardian warns that streak-based apps (Duolingo, Snapchat, fitness apps) turn into obsessions rather than habits. It stops being about progress and becomes about not losing. ? Overjustification Effect – When rewards are external (badges, points), we may lose intrinsic motivation. Studies show that when rewards disappear, so does engagement. ? A Numbers Game – Does hitting 10,000 steps make you healthier—or just more obsessed with numbers? Metrics can replace true progress. ??? So… Game On or Game Over? Gamification is a tool, not a solution. Done well, it motivates, engages, and enhances learning. Done poorly, it manipulates, distracts, and creates unhealthy dependencies. ?? For UX Designers & Product Leaders: ? Design for value, not engagement loops. ? Avoid dark patterns prioritizing addiction. ? Use gamification for real growth, not vanity metrics. ?? For Users: ?? Are you doing this for the reward, or the result? ?? Is this app helping you—or just keeping you hooked? ?? Your Turn! Has gamification helped you achieve goals, or have you fallen into the streak trap? Let’s discuss in the comments! ?? #UX #Gamification #BehavioralDesign #ProductDesign #Psychology #Tech

?? Farewell, Home Button! Hello, Future of UX/UI! ?? Apple's latest release, the iPhone 16e, marks a significant shift in user experience and interface design. By retiring the iconic Home button and Touch ID, Apple is embracing a more seamless, intuitive interaction model. Here's what this evolution teaches us about UX/UI: 1. Embrace Change for Progress: ?? Out with the Old: The Home button, a staple since 2007, is now history. This bold move encourages users to adapt to new gestures and interactions, fostering a more immersive experience. In with the New: Face ID and the customizable Action Button offer personalized and efficient ways to navigate and secure devices. 2. Prioritize User-Centric Design: ?? Accessibility Matters: Removing physical buttons reduces mechanical failures and caters to a broader audience, including those with physical limitations. Consistency Across Devices: Aligning the iPhone's interface with other Apple products ensures a cohesive user experience. 3. Stay Ahead with Technology Integration: ?? AI Integration: The iPhone 16e's support for Apple Intelligence showcases the importance of integrating AI to enhance user interactions and anticipate needs. Universal Standards Adoption: Transitioning to USB-C ports reflects a commitment to universal compatibility, simplifying the user experience. As UX/UI professionals, it's crucial to balance innovation with user familiarity. Apple's approach with the iPhone 16e exemplifies how thoughtful design choices can lead to more intuitive and enjoyable user experiences. #UX #UI #Apple #iPhone16e #DesignInnovation #UserExperience #AI #TechTrends

The Death of Skype: A Lesson in UX, UI, and Human-Centered Design In May 2025, Microsoft will officially retire Skype, a platform that once revolutionized digital communication. Acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion, Skype was the go-to tool for video calls long before Zoom and Microsoft Teams came into the picture. But now, it’s being shut down in favor of Teams. Why? This isn’t just a story about technology—it’s a story about UX/UI and human-centered design. How Skype Fell Behind Skype had a strong brand, a massive user base, and years of dominance in online communication. So what went wrong? The answer lies in the user experience. Complexity Over Simplicity – Skype became cluttered over the years. What was once a simple tool for video calls turned into a bloated application with unnecessary features that frustrated users. Failure to Adapt to Mobile-First Design – When smartphones took over the world, Skype struggled to provide a seamless mobile experience, while competitors like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom optimized their platforms for on-the-go communication. Performance Issues – Lag, call drops, and slow load times plagued Skype users. Meanwhile, other platforms focused on speed, reliability, and ease of access. Confusing UI Updates – Frequent design changes without clear user benefits led to confusion rather than improvement. When users have to relearn a platform repeatedly, frustration sets in. The UX/UI Takeaway: Design for People, Not Just for Features Skype’s downfall is a reminder that adding more features doesn’t necessarily improve the user experience. It’s about designing for people’s needs. Here’s what UX designers can learn: Keep It Simple – Users crave intuitive experiences. Cluttered interfaces drive them away. Optimize for the User’s Environment – Mobile-first design should have been a priority for Skype much earlier. Consistency is Key – Constant UI changes with little user-driven reasoning can alienate loyal customers. Reliability Over Flashy Features – Speed and stability should never take a backseat to new but unnecessary functionalities. The Rise of Microsoft Teams: A Better User Experience? Microsoft is now directing users to Teams, a product that has grown significantly, especially in the remote work era. Unlike Skype, Teams was built with collaboration in mind, integrating messaging, video calls, and productivity tools into one ecosystem. Does this mean Teams will succeed where Skype failed? Only time will tell. But if there’s one lesson here, it’s that UX/UI and human-centered design determine the fate of even the most successful products. Final Thoughts Great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about understanding and evolving with users’ needs. Skype’s demise isn’t just a corporate shift; it’s a cautionary tale for designers, developers, and product managers everywhere. What are your thoughts? Have you ever abandoned a product due to poor UX? Let’s discuss! ??

What if your product treated users like Lumon treats its employees? It’s Friday, which means a new episode of Severance—a show that’s basically a UX worst-case scenario. Imagine designing a product where: ?? Users are trapped in an endless loop (bad navigation). ?? They can’t remember past interactions (zero user memory consideration). ?? Tasks have no clear purpose (lack of user motivation). ?? Dark patterns force them into decisions (manipulative design). ?? And what’s with the baby goats?! Sounds awful, right? That’s because Severance is a perfect allegory for what happens when we ignore Human-Centered Design (HCD). A UX/UI Breakdown Through Severance: ?? Cognitive Load & Usability – The Innies are dropped into a world with no context or mental model. Ever tried using an app with no onboarding or affordances? That’s their entire existence. ?? Emotional Design – Humans need meaning in their work. Lumon’s refusal to give employees purpose reflects what happens when UX doesn’t consider user motivation. People abandon products when they feel like they’re just pushing buttons for no reason. ?? Dark Patterns & Ethics – Manipulative UX tactics (like forcing choices without clarity) are common in shady products. Severance’s chip? The ultimate anti-user-consent feature. What’s the takeaway? Great UX empowers users, respects their autonomy, and prioritizes clarity. Severance is what happens when we strip all that away. Let’s design for humans, not for Lumon. What’s the worst UX you’ve ever encountered? Drop it below! ?? #UX #HumanCenteredDesign #Severance #DarkPatterns #ProductDesign #DesignEthics

Happy National Small Dog Day! ???? I was going to turn this into a UX case study—something about how small dogs optimize their human interactions with minimal effort and maximum return. But then I thought, why overcomplicate it? So instead, I’m just using this as an excuse to show off my own tiny, four-legged UX expert: Loki. His key skills include user testing my patience, optimizing treat acquisition, and ensuring my lap remains occupied at all times. What small dog in your life deserves a shoutout today? Drop their pic in the comments! ??