Why UX Designers Should Be Concerned About Their Vocabulary?

I was in a room abuzz with designers, gathered around a freshly crafted screen, each offering their insights and critiques. Amidst the vibrant exchange of ideas, one comment stood out starkly: ‘This looks ugly,’ declared a fellow designer, their tone laced with disdain. While the intention may have been to express dissatisfaction with a certain aspect of the design, the effect of those words rippled throughout the room.

Source: Freepik.com

Such moments underscore why we, as UX designers, must be mindful of our choice of words. Our words hold immense power — they mold perceptions, shape attitudes, and profoundly influence the success of our designs. When we resort to negative language like “ugly,” we not only diminish our credibility but also stifle constructive discourse and collaboration within our teams.

Have you, as a UX designer, ever caught yourself uttering phrases like “This looks ugly,” “Doesn’t look good,” or “You are wrong” when discussing a design? Perhaps you’ve encountered these phrases from your peers? It’s a language that pervades the design world, but it’s one that warrants a pause and a reconsideration of how we articulate our design decisions.

In Tom Greever’s insightful book, “Articulating Design Decisions,” he emphasizes the imperative of reshaping our vocabulary as designers. And this resonates deeply within the realm of UX design.

So, what alternatives can we employ? How can we convey our design critiques in a manner that is constructive and impactful? Here are some suggestions:

1. Focus on Specifics: Instead of making sweeping statements like “This looks ugly,” endeavor to pinpoint the precise aspects of the design that pose challenges. Is it the color palette, typography, or layout? By offering specific feedback, you pave the way for actionable insights that can drive meaningful enhancements.
2. Provide Reasons: Saying “From design perspective” is akin to saying “From my perspective”. While designing, it’s crucial to prioritize the user’s perspective. Start by elucidating the rationale behind design choices. This not only facilitates understanding but also invites informed evaluation.
3. Frame Feedback Positively: Rather than employing negative language, reframe your critiques in a positive light. Instead of saying “You are wrong,” opt for a constructive approach like, “I believe we can enrich this by exploring alternative color schemes.” This fosters an atmosphere of optimism and collaboration.
4. Utilize Descriptive Language: Instead of relying on subjective judgments like “ugly” or “beautiful,” leverage descriptive language to convey your design preferences effectively. For instance, replace “I don’t like this” with “I prefer a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic for this interface.”
5. Offer Solutions: Don’t merely identify problems with statements like “Doesn’t work this way” — propose solutions. After pinpointing a design issue, suggest actionable strategies for resolution. This showcases your problem-solving prowess and cultivates a culture of proactive problem-solving within your team.

By conscientiously monitoring our vocabulary and communication style as UX designers, we can foster a more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful design process. As Tom Greever aptly asserts, “Our role extends beyond designing interfaces; it encompasses articulating our decisions about those interfaces.” Through mindful language selection, we can articulate our design choices in a manner that fosters comprehension, collaboration, and ultimately, superior outcomes for our users.

So, the next time you’re tempted to utter those infamous words, “looks ugly,” pause and reflect on the potential repercussions. Opt for language that empowers, inspires, and enriches your design journey. Your users — and your team — will undoubtedly appreciate it.