The perfectly beautiful imperfection

Raw, real, human, and ’imperfect’ stories impact design, business, and life in a world obsessed with being polished.

Does perfection invite engagement or repel it? Should MVPs and design prototypes be perfect? Why should design portfolios always tell a perfect story? Is it possible for creative magic to happen in imperfection? Can anyone honestly say their body, mind, or life is perfect? Is it possible for flaws to give something character, depth, and soul? Is perfection nothing but a myth we’ve all been conditioned to chase? If you are a hiring manager, will you seek perfect candidates who work like robots or more human candidates who are comfortable with their skills, believe in themselves, and have a growth mindset?

Perfection is overrated

The world is a constant interplay between opposites — perfection and imperfection, pleasure and pain, and gain and loss. What if we accept imperfection rather than resisting it to achieve something higher? Maybe we can free ourselves from the pressures of the outcomes of their attachments and find wholeness in design, business, and life.

In the Upanishads, the world is called Maya, an illusion (Encyclopaedia, 2015), inherently imperfect and ever-changing. So, if imperfection is the fabric of reality, is our desire for perfection a misguided attempt to control the uncontrollable? Vedanta says the entire cosmos is Lila — the divine play of consciousness. The imperfections and flaws we see are part of this joyful cosmic dance, reflecting existence's beauty, creativity, and spontaneity rather than something rigid, fixed, or controlled. The universe is seen as a playful and dynamic process, where striving for perfection is unnecessary because everything is already part of the Divine order. The Rigveda speaks of Rta, the cosmic order that underlies the apparent chaos of the universe. This idea reminds us that what appears imperfect on the surface is part of a greater, harmonious design. Embracing imperfection means aligning with the cosmic flow, believing that disorder and flaws are expressions of a higher balance.

No tree is perfectly straight in a forest, and no leaf is identical, but why does it feel calming? In relationships, have you ever felt that the cracks we hide are often the very things that make us most relatable? Our flaws, our imperfections, and our mistakes are not weaknesses. They are our humanity, and in a world striving for perfection, don’t you think they make us unique?

Letting go of perfection

In Yoga philosophy, Aparigraha (non-attachment) (2.39, 2024) teaches us to let go of the need for perfection, whether in our physical bodies, work, or relationships. Imperfection is a form of liberation, freeing us from the endless cycle of judgment and dissatisfaction. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali emphasizes the practice of Santosha — contentment (Patanjali, 2024). Through Santosha, we learn to be at peace with life’s imperfections. True contentment or freedom is not found in striving for perfection but in embracing the present moment, imperfections, chaos, or suffering.

Let us also question the word perfection. As per Vedanta (Mādhavānanda, 1950), the practice of Neti-Neti (not this, not that), perfection is accepting our inability to grasp the infinite fully. This means creative concepts, designs, products, language, and life are inherently flawed because there is always scope for improvements. Realizing this concept can rewire our brains to be humble, have a growth mindset, and transcend the rigid structures we have created for ourselves in design, business, and life.

The human brain has a hard time letting go of unfinished tasks. This is called the Zeigarnik Effect (Wikipedia, 2024). When we encounter incomplete or slightly unfinished designs, our brains stay engaged because they crave closure. Leaving some things unfinished and letting them remain imperfect can create emotional and intellectual engagement. The user’s brain keeps working on the problem, making the experience more memorable.

The mental discomfort of encountering something that doesn’t match our expectations — forces the brain to resolve the tension. Imperfect designs, slight irregularities, or unexpected elements can spark curiosity and compel users to linger longer. The mind can’t move on until it has made sense of the imperfection.

The reality is multi-faceted.

In Jain philosophy, the doctrine of Anekantavada teaches that reality is multi-faceted and cannot be captured by any perfect viewpoint (Wikipedia, Anekantavada, 2024). Does that not mean imperfection is inherent in our perceptions, so embracing multiple perspectives can lead to more profound wisdom and creativity?

Creativity, too, is not a linear process. Every new thought comes from the impressions left on the subconscious mind by past experiences and actions in various space and time events. These impressions, though imperfect, are the seeds of new creative ideas, reminding us that imperfection is not an obstacle but the foundation upon which our evolution is built.

Every product has a cycle of creation, maintenance, and destruction. The journey is a dance where perfection arises from imperfection and chaos, yet both are embraced. This understanding encourages us to accept the imperfections in our own lives as part of the natural cycle of growth and creation. Destruction is not seen as a failure but as part of the transformative process that leads to new beginnings.

In imperfection, we find a connection.

Don’t we all like a slightly worn-out chair in our favorite café, handcrafted pottery, where the artist’s fingers leave imprints in the clay, or a handwritten note with a crooked heart? They’re imperfect, and yet, they’re deeply human. They tell a story. The act of noticing a crack, an uneven line, or an offbeat color scheme taps into a deep, biological desire for connection.

Perfection doesn’t create memories — imperfection does.

When we see a crack, a tear, or an unpolished element that feels real and lived in, we’re drawn to nurture it. It triggers a psychological need to restore and care for the object or experience. The cracks, flaws, and imperfections we often try to hide invite others to connect with us—whether in design, products, or relationships.

We also remember flawed experiences more vividly than perfect ones. The brain is wired to hold onto imperfections because they trigger stronger emotional reactions, which create lasting memories. Imperfections trigger stronger memories because they evoke emotions, whether surprise, curiosity or even frustration. These frustrations can become fondness over time as the imperfection becomes part of the product’s charm. People form emotional bonds with the things that challenge them, even if they don’t realize it initially.

Many early-stage products like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram could have been better or polished. Still, users fell in love with their quirks, like Instagram's overly simple filters and square image format. These limitations, which could have been seen as flaws, became iconic features that created a culture of nostalgia around the app.

From broken to beautiful

There’s a profound beauty in the cracks, rough edges, and uneven brushstrokes.

In the Wabi-Sabi philosophy (Koren, 2008), where the authenticity of an object reveals its story. In the philosophy of Kintsugi (Kumai, 2018), another Japanese practice, broken pottery is mended with gold lacquer, highlighting the cracks rather than hiding them. The object’s history and imperfections are part of its beauty.

Buddhist philosophy, like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, teaches us to embrace the cracks of life with compassion and understanding. In the Dhammapada, it is said that impermanence is the nature of all things, and when we accept this, we transcend the pursuit of perfection (277, 2024). If Everything in life is transient (Anitya) — our bodies, possessions, and experiences. And imperfection is inherent in the world of form because it is impermanent. Does that mean that by accepting this impermanence, we can transcend the need for perfection and find true inner peace?

This philosophy transforms brokenness into beauty, making the object more valuable because of its imperfections, not despite them. It reminds us that life itself is transient and that beauty is found not in perfection but in existence's fleeting, changing, and flawed aspects.

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” — Ernest Hemingway.

When we encounter something imperfect — a slightly crooked painting, a cracked vase, or a typo in a handwritten note — it activates the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex. This part of the brain is responsible for detecting errors but also plays a role in emotional responses to those errors. The anterior cingulate cortex lights up when we encounter something that doesn’t align with our expectations (Botvinick MM, 2001). But instead of creating discomfort in certain contexts, it triggers emotional warmth. This is because imperfections signal authenticity and effort, which the brain recognizes as more trustworthy and real than something too perfect to be true. This is why handmade items, vintage goods, and even designs that feel slightly offbeat can evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort.

This idea can apply to everything from product design to leadership — embracing mistakes and failures as part of the growth process can create something far more potent than perfection ever could. In a study on leadership by social psychologist Brené Brown, it was found that leaders who display vulnerability — who openly share their mistakes and imperfections — are far more trusted than those who present a polished, “perfect” persona.

Perfection can be alienating, and imperfection can be endearing.

Humans are naturally drawn to what feels authentic, lived-in, organic, and even slightly flawed at a neural level because it feels safe, relatable, and familiar. When something is too perfect or too polished, it triggers cognitive dissonance. Our brain doesn’t trust it — it feels artificial. Our brain also loves irregular patterns because they resemble the organic chaos of nature. The mind relaxes because it recognizes natural imperfection as authentic. Imperfection invites curiosity. When we encounter something imperfect, our brain engages — we want to touch, explore, and understand it. People are drawn to vintage goods, handmade items, and bespoke designs — the flaws tell a story. They invite us into a relationship with the object, making it memorable.

Humans are wired to seek belonging over perfection. Perfection separates us and makes us feel inadequate and alone, but imperfection unites us. It whispers, “You’re not alone. I’m flawed, too.” This runs deep into the neuroscience of connection. The brain’s mirror neurons are responsible for empathy and fire when we see something we can relate to. When we experience imperfection, our brains naturally trigger empathy mirroring shared humanity. When something isn’t perfect, we unconsciously let down our guard. The Pratfall Effect (Aronson, 1966) — is a psychological phenomenon where people are seen as more likable and trustworthy when they make mistakes, provided they are competent overall. When we share our flaws, people feel they can relate to us more. It creates a sense of shared humanity, which leads to deeper relationships and emotional loyalty. This applies not just to people but also to products and brands.

While our brains are wired to recognize patterns, we are also deeply attracted to asymmetry. It’s why a face slightly off-balance or a design with a subtle flaw is often more memorable than something perfectly aligned. The human brain loves a challenge. When everything is symmetrical, the brain quickly processes it as “done.” But when there’s asymmetry or slight imperfection, the brain stays engaged, trying to resolve the tension. This cognitive tension creates lasting engagement, making the design more sticky in memory.

Ben & Jerry’s ice cream brand has always embraced a bit of messiness, with whimsical flavor names, imperfect chunks of chocolate, and a slightly rebellious vibe. They’ve never tried to be the most refined ice cream brand; instead, they’ve embraced being fun, imperfect, and real. This authenticity resonates deeply with their customers, creating brand loyalty far beyond the quality of the product alone.

Best ideas emerge from flaws

There's no room for discovery when everything is polished, planned, and predictable. The best ideas often emerge from mistakes, accidents, and the willingness to embrace chaos. In his book “Where Good Ideas Come From,” Steven Johnson (Johnson, 2011) explains that serendipity — the unexpected collision of ideas, often through imperfection — is a key driver of innovation. The very cracks in our thinking, the flaws in our processes, are where breakthroughs happen. Great inventions like penicillin, the microwave, and Post-it Notes (3M, 2024) were all born out of imperfection and error.

Jackson Pollock, the abstract expressionist painter whose “drip” technique revolutionized the art world, is another such example. Pollock’s work wasn’t about creating perfectly controlled pieces — it was about letting go of control, allowing randomness and imperfection to lead the way. His paintings feel alive because they are unpredictable, flawed, and bursting with raw energy. That’s what makes them unforgettable.

Google’s original logo is slightly quirky, with misaligned letters and playful colors (Kedar, n.d.). It was intentionally not polished, not perfect. That slight asymmetry made it instantly memorable in an era when everything else was trying to be too clean and corporate. The imperfection signaled that this brand was different, approachable, and playful.

Perfectly imperfect technology

There’s nothing left to explore or relate to when something is flawless. It becomes untouchable. It’s like walking into a top art gallery where you’re afraid to touch anything.

What if the secret to memorable design is letting imperfections shine through?

In today’s digital-first world, where algorithms, AI, and automation are fine-tuning everything to perfection, we crave the human touch more than ever. We long for signs of life, personality, and imperfection. Maybe it’s the tiny errors, the typos, the offbeat timing in animations, or the human quirks that are needed to remind us there’s still a human on the other side. Flaws are the fingerprints of the maker, evidence of care, creativity, and connection. The subtle imperfections give the illusion of spontaneity in an otherwise calculated digital world, creating emotional warmth in a cold sea of technology.

In UX, we’re often obsessed with achieving seamless flows, pixel-perfect designs, and error-free interactions. However, polished, perfect products, grids, clean lines, symmetry, and design patterns can sometimes feel sterile, robotic, cold, and alienating. They’re technically perfect, but don’t leave a mark on your soul. Polished perfection feels unattainable.

What happens when Artificial Intelligence (AI) starts producing every design, design system, and product at scale? Will imperfection become a sought-after feature? Will the human touch, which is naturally imperfect, become a point of differentiation in a sea of sterile, machine-made products? The future of design may not lie in perfecting processes but in designing imperfections into digital products. As machine learning creates perfectly optimized interfaces, designers must intentionally introduce human-like flaws — imperfections that evoke emotion, warmth, and connection. This is where the true artistry will lie in the digital age. The human touch will be prized because it feels alive. Think of how lo-fi music, with its grainy, imperfect sound, is already a response to the over-perfection of modern production. The future of digital design could follow the same path.

Designs with a touch of vulnerability, a slight asymmetry, a subtle hand-drawn element, and a rough texture feel inviting, warm, and alive. Cognitive neuroscience also says that symmetry and perfection are processed quickly by the brain, offering clarity and order. But that very quickness leads to less engagement. Flaws, on the other hand, make the brain slow down. They invite the brain to linger, interpret, and explore, activating deeper levels of cognitive processing. Imperfection engages more brain resources, sparking curiosity and emotional engagement. While beauty and usability are crucial, visual irregularities can enhance long-term engagement by triggering emotional and cognitive reactions, making the experience more memorable (Hassenzahl, 2004) and fostering more user loyalty and deeper engagement (Pengnate, 2013).

When something is too perfect, the brain files it away quickly — it’s processed and dismissed. But imperfections demand our attention because they don’t fit within familiar patterns. They require the brain to make sense of them, which leads to greater emotional and cognitive involvement.

A human touch, a moment of imperfection, can create a connection—a reminder that the experience was crafted by humans, for humans. Imagine bringing subtle imperfections to digital products—a hand-drawn icon, a slightly imperfect animation, a playful typo, a personalized mistake—can spark feelings of ownership and tenderness toward the product. These imperfections invite the user to participate in the narrative, creating an ongoing relationship with the interface.

Suddenly, your design feels alive, crafted by human hands, and it resonates deeply with users. Errors, glitches, and unexpected moments of friction can become moments of connection. What if we made them human instead of hiding errors behind robotic error messages? Imagine an error message that feels like a wink, a small smile, a playful illustration or humorous text, or a message that says, “Hey, we’re not perfect, and that’s okay.” This humanizes the flaw and creates a moment of empathy with the user. The imperfection becomes an opportunity for connection, reminding users that there’s a human behind the screen.

Brands like Etsy thrive on imperfection. Buyers flock to the platform not for perfectly mass-produced goods but for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items (Danziger, 2024). Little quirks, imperfections, and flaws create value for products. Users know they are buying something with a story behind it.

Brands like Glossier’s product packaging are slightly minimal and almost unfinished. It’s not overly polished or perfect, but that’s what makes it stand out. The simplicity invites people in, creating a brand that feels approachable, not intimidating.

The hand-drawn illustrations in app design, like Duolingo or Headspace, are not perfect. They are a little offbeat and slightly quirky, and that’s what makes them feel alive.

Specific viral posts or quirky designs catch attention on social media simply because they don’t conform to norms. They may have Asymmetrical logos, odd color combinations, an odd story, or unexpected micro-interactions. These could be strategic imperfections that pull the user’s brain into engagement.

Nike’s personalized shoes (Nike By You) plant a thought in the user's unconscious mind. These shoes are never fully “done” until the user adds their touches. This sense of incompletion invites the user into the process, creating deeper product ownership. What if we applied this to digital design? What if our interfaces invited users to finish the story? Suddenly, the design becomes a collaborative experience, not just a one-way interaction.

Our scars, our mistakes, and our flaws are what make us unique.

What if, instead of striving for the impossible standard of perfection, we started celebrating the imperfect? What would change in our designs, our lives, and our relationships? Perhaps we’d see that the very things we once thought were flaws are the things that make us memorable.

In design, instead of masking mistakes, why not celebrate them? We highlight the “cracks” in our product, show where it’s evolved, and let that story shine. Will customers see this as a sign of failure, resilience, and growth in product marketing?

Brands like Patagonia are unapologetically open about their product’s flaws. They actively encourage customers to repair, not replace, their products and show the wear and tear as part of the product’s journey. Their Worn Wear program (Patagonia, 2024)celebrates used, patched, and even damaged items, telling the story of each piece of clothing and the adventures it has been through. The cracks in the material are not weaknesses but rather badges of honor. This transparency creates deep loyalty because users feel the brand is authentic and grounded in real values.

The photos on Airbnb are different from those on hotel websites. Unlike sterile, overly polished hotel rooms, Airbnb listings often showcase a space's quirkiness: the vintage furniture, the squeaky floor, or the odd, charming layout. These imperfections make the space feel lived-in and real, inviting guests to care for it as their own. They feel like participants in the home’s story, not just temporary visitors.

On social media, posts that go viral often aren’t the ones boasting about success or showing a polished image. They’re the ones where people open up about their struggles, failures, and authentic experiences. Is it because people can easily connect with the raw truth of someone who isn’t pretending to be perfect? Humans can easily connect with vulnerability?

The power of being real

What if our personal brands do not pretend to be perfect? Our resumes, LinkedIn posts, blog entries, or personal updates could highlight our scars, failures, and lessons learned. Instead of just showcasing achievements, why not share the breakdowns that led to those breakthroughs? Vulnerability becomes a strength, a way to inspire and deeply connect with others.

When we let organic moments of vulnerability shine through our work, whether in design, leadership, or life, we invite others to see themselves in our imperfections. And that’s where trust is built.

Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect

Why can’t we embrace the beauty of imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete things? Why not let organic moments of vulnerability shine through our designs? Why not embrace our imperfections?

Transcending the need for perfection

Imagine a world where we let go of the need to be perfect, where designers, creators, and leaders wear their imperfections like badges of honor. Imagine the connections we’d forge, the authentic relationships we’d build simply by being real.

What if, in our relationships, we remind ourselves that even with our imperfections, we are always whole, perfect in our essence, despite the imperfections of the physical world? Our flaws are not deficits but integral parts of the wholeness that we embody (Chopra, 2019). What if we measure perfection not by results but by the intention and effort behind our work? Imperfection will not be a failure but our evolution, a process of continued refinement or continuous iteration as we use with product development.

What if we’re creating distance between ourselves and others by trying to be perfect? What if embracing imperfection makes us more relatable and more human? It’s the flaws that make us real, relatable, and unforgettable. It’s the imperfections that tell the story. Imperfection is the gateway to connection, a reminder that we are all works in progress, constantly evolving, constantly unfinished.

It’s time to let the cracks show — they make us real.

References

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Further reading

Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers, Leonard Koren https://a.co/d/hzpKpsP

The Art of Imperfection: Simple Ways to Make Peace with Yourself, Veronique Vienne https://a.co/d/iKFGefA

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, Brené Brown https://a.co/d/0zeGJa3

Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation, Steven Johnson https://a.co/d/6CNVsee

Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit, Candice Kumai https://a.co/d/auI7KQo

Design is Storytelling, Ellen Lupton https://a.co/d/h0AyIL0

The Aesthetics of Imperfection in Music and the Arts edited by Andy Hamilton and Lara Pearson https://a.co/d/i8wlZLX

I Am Perfectly Flawsome: How Embracing Imperfection Makes Us Better, Tom Collins https://a.co/d/43rtCBN

Imperfectionist Aesthetics in Art and Everyday Life (Routledge Research in Aesthetics), Peter Cheyne https://a.co/d/0pYjcXO

OVERCOMING PERFECTION: Embracing the beauty of imperfection, Crystal P. Pettway https://a.co/d/5NbJ7zI

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, Brené Brown https://a.co/d/cnxash9

Himanshu Bharadwaj is an innovation and experience design expert based in the US, known for his transformative approach to design, strategy, leadership, and innovation. A digital nerd with the mind of a Himalayan yogi, he created ‘Joyful Design’ (https://www.joyful.design/), a philosophy that harmonizes business chaos with the serenity of human-centric thinking. Himanshu blends the art of design with the science of human behavior, crafting deeply resonant solutions for startups and large enterprises. His unique process integrates modern cognitive science with ancient wisdom, inspiring teams to turn stress into success, chaos into clarity, and even making Monday mornings something to look forward to. Whether in the boardroom or on the meditation cushion, Himanshu believes life should be joyful, meaningful, and a little bit magical.