Decoding the Anti-User

Not really a UX story... or is it?

Welcome to the less-talked-about side of UX design, where not all heroes wear capes. Some, in fact, seem determined to wear the villain's mask, at least from where we're standing. I've been around the UX subject for about 6 years now...with a focus on UX at least as the other 11 years of my super-ultra-great career were more focused on visual design, stormed my brain in the flashy world of advertising, and encountered all sorts of user archetypes. But today, let's chat about a peculiar figure: The Anti-User.

Didn't find a clear term for this user as I don't think they can be very relevant to UX as they sometimes play the "Captain obvious" role and sometimes they dress up as the almost literal user, but hey, I think Anti-User is a good name for them so there... Maybe I said it first. ??

The "Usual" Suspects

The lineup is pretty diverse. There’s the Minimalist User, who loves a clean interface; the Skeptical User, who wouldn't trust a bridge even if they watched it being built; the Boundary Tester, that friend who asks, "But what happens if I click this 100 times?" And the Literal User, who needs instructions for the instructions.

And then, in a cloud of smoke (probably from their overcooked expectations), enters the Anti-User. This character’s mission seems simple: to use the product in the most inefficient or incomplete ways and then loudly lament its "shortcomings."

A Villain or Just Misunderstood?

The Anti-User isn't here to play the game; they're here to prove the game is rigged. They use the software exactly as told but seem to miss the memo that it's ok to think outside the box. It's like using a GPS that tells you to turn left, and when you drive into a lake, you say, "Well, the f-ing GPS told me to!"

Now, don't get me wrong, feedback is the breakfast of champions for UX designers. We thrive on it; it's how we grow. But the Anti-User’s feedback is like getting served breakfast in the form of an evening wedding table at the castle. They take your neatly designed software "hammer" and complain it's not enough to build a house. Well, of course, it's not; you're missing the point, buddy!

The Impact of the Anti-User

While every user archetype brings something valuable to the table—the Minimalist teaches us elegance, the Skeptical keeps us grounded, the Boundary Tester shows us our limits, and the Literal ensures we're clear and precise—the Anti-User brings us... well, headaches, mostly.

Public Perception: If Anti-Users are vocal on social media or review platforms, their unconventional criticisms can skew public perception of the product. For a new launch, first impressions matter a great deal, and negative feedback, especially based on non-standard use cases, can deter potential users.

Team Morale: The development team, proud and protective of their newly launched product, might find the deliberate contrarian feedback from Anti-Users disheartening. It's vital to balance taking valid feedback on board while maintaining team morale.

Customer Support Overload: Anti-Users might raise issues that are out of scope or result from unintended use of the product, potentially overwhelming customer support with queries that don't apply to the average user.

But also...

Testing: Anti-Users are still users and in order to come up with anything they say they essentially have to also use the product. Their unconventional use cases can reveal flaws or vulnerabilities that were not identified during the development phase, offering a valuable opportunity for early correction and improvement.

Highlighting Versatility and Adaptability: Their feedback can provide insights into how the product could be adapted or expanded to cater to a broader audience. This could lead to new features or use cases that the development team hadn't considered.

Clarification and Education: The "misuses" by Anti-Users underscore the importance of clear instructions and user education. This can lead to improved onboarding processes, better FAQs, and more intuitive design adjustments to guide users toward intended use, enhancing the overall user experience.

Community Building: Addressing the challenges posed by Anti-Users in a constructive manner can strengthen the product's community. Demonstrating that feedback is taken seriously, can build trust and loyalty among users.

Embracing the Challenge

So, how do we deal with our Anti-Users? First, with a deep breath. Then, a reminder that even the most seemingly off-base feedback has a kernel of usefulness. Their relentless quest to use a product "just so" can uncover hidden flaws or, at the very least, show us where our instructions could use a bit more clarity.

And, let's be honest, sometimes it's just entertaining. Ever watch someone try to use a lightsaber as a flashlight? It's not efficient, but it sure is memorable...in a Star Wars Universe at least... whatever... replace lightsaber with the Boring Flamethrower. ??

Here's the thing, though. As much as we chuckle at the Anti-User's antics, they remind us that not everyone's going to use software with an open mind or creative spirit. Some folks want the software to do all the heavy lifting, forgetting that it's supposed to be a tool, not a magic wand.

But hey, that's ok. In the grand scheme of things, the Anti-User challenges us to make our software so foolproof that even the most determined has to tip their hat... or at least grudgingly admit it's not totally useless.

Signing Off

So, to my fellow UX persons, let's take a moment to appreciate the Anti-Users for what they are: a spicy addition to our design journey. They push us to clarify, simplify, and sometimes just outright defend the creative potential of our software...with a hammer.

And to the Anti-Users out there, come join the party. Grab a tool, make a mess, and who knows? You might just find a spark of creativity you didn't know you had. Just remember, the software's here to help you start your masterpiece, not finish it.

Here's to more designing, more iterating, and yes, even more facepalming. After all, what's a little software development without a bit of drama?

Signing off, your not-so-serious UX person, reminding you that in the world of design, every user counts... even the ones who drive us a little crazy. Let's keep making cool stuff, shall we?

Here's to weaving a masterpiece, one feedback at a time.