Spotlight on Sustainability: Eco-Friendly UI/UX Practices

Design with intention. Build for the planet.

As designers, we focus on creating seamless experiences for users. But have you ever thought about the environmental impact of our designs?

In the past few years, I’ve dived deeper into sustainable design practices. One statistic that stuck with me: The internet accounts for 4% of global carbon emissions—on par with the aviation industry. Every large image, every unnecessary animation, and every poorly optimized website adds to this growing problem.

Sustainability isn’t just about the materials we use in the physical world—it’s about how we build and maintain digital products. The good news? Small changes in how we design can make a big difference.

For instance, optimizing images and code can reduce the energy consumption of a website. Simplifying a design can lead to faster load times, less data usage, and happier users. And here’s the kicker: these eco-friendly practices don’t just benefit the planet—they improve the user experience too.

This also made me reflect on my own work. Over the years, I’ve designed countless websites and interfaces, often prioritizing aesthetics over efficiency. But now, I ask myself: Does this design solve a problem or create one?

Take inspiration from brands like Patagonia, which integrates sustainability not just in their products but in every touchpoint with their customers. Their website is simple, functional, and purpose-driven. It’s proof that you don’t need to sacrifice beauty for sustainability.

The same applies to UI/UX design. Eco-friendly practices can include:

• Minimizing image sizes for faster load times.
• Using dark mode designs to reduce energy consumption.
• Streamlining user flows to reduce time spent online.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about making intentional choices that align with the values we want to represent.

We’re in a unique position to influence not just users but the planet. Every pixel, every interaction, and every design choice can contribute to a more sustainable future.

What steps are you taking to design sustainably? Reply to this email and let me know—I’d love to hear your perspective.