The Human Variable

Maybe We Can Too!

In the shadow of “Terminator 2's” narrative lies a subtle yet profound connection to our current engagement, or rather obsession, with artificial intelligence. This classic sci-fi, surprisingly, mirrors our technological landscape today. “What is wrong with your eyes?” the Terminator asked John Connor, referring to his tears. This line, though simple, deeply resonates with our current concern with integrating AI into our daily or professional lives. Will AI be mindful of our humanness? Our emotions and imperfections? I’d go a step further and ask: will we as humans be mindful of our humanness?

Recently, while rewatching Terminator 2, the closing line by Sarah Connor struck a chord:

Because if a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life, maybe we can too.

This thought lingers…

Especially as a UX designer focused on design systems, this hits close to home. AI is different from design systems, though there are perhaps similarities. There’s a definition of design systems, “design systems are products serving other products,” that reminds me of artificial intelligence. Design systems are created by people to serve other people.

In dissecting the components of a design system — people, product, and process — I’ve come to view people as the predominant element. My estimation is a division of 50% people, 30% product, and 20% process. Deliberately, I use ‘human’ and ‘people’ over ‘user,’ a term that feels impersonal, reductive, and, at its worst, carries unfortunate connotations of drug use. Our goal should be broader, aiming to embrace the entire spectrum of human experience. This means going beyond mere product interaction and fleeting touchpoints and recognizing the depth and diversity inherent in humans’ lives.

How can we be more mindful of the perfectly imperfect humanness in the ‘people’ aspect?

As someone who has practiced mindfulness from a young age and focused on design systems for half of my career, I see some connection between the two worlds. There are shared principles between the concepts of people serving other people (design systems) and humans caring for themselves (mindfulness practice). This demonstrates design system’s natural basis of the same human ideals as mindfulness techniques. The similarities are many:

Consistency and Coherence

Design systems are all about consistency and coherence. They provide a structured framework for designers to create cohesive experiences by standardizing elements and patterns. This ensures that a product or brand maintains a unified look and feel.

Mindfulness, surprisingly, shares this emphasis on consistency and coherence. Just as design systems strive to unify the visual aspects of a project, mindfulness encourages us to maintain consistency in thought and action. It’s about being present, focused, and aligned with your intentions, fostering a sense of mental coherence.

Holistic Perspective

Design systems take a holistic approach to design, considering how different elements interact to create a complete user experience. Mindfulness promotes a similar holistic perspective by encouraging individuals to view their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations as interconnected aspects of their well-being.

Simplicity and Clarity

Simplicity and clarity are design system’s best friends. They aim to simplify complex interfaces, making them easy for users to navigate. Clarity in design ensures that the message is delivered effectively.

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, share a similar emphasis on simplicity and clarity, but in the realm of thought and awareness. By clearing your mind of distractions and focusing on the present moment, you can gain clarity of thought and purpose.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is the hallmark of a well-executed design system. Every element is meticulously crafted to ensure it aligns perfectly with the overall design, enhancing the user experience.

In mindfulness, attention to detail is equally vital. It involves paying close attention to the nuances of the present moment — your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This heightened awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your surroundings.

Flexibility within Constraints

Design systems provide a framework for creativity within constraints. Similarly, mindfulness offers a framework for self-awareness within the bounds of consciousness.

Iterative Improvement

Design systems and mindfulness both embrace iterative improvement. Design systems evolve over time to adapt to changing design trends and user needs. Mindfulness practice also deepens as individuals continue to explore their consciousness and refine their awareness. This iterative approach to both design and mindfulness fosters growth, continuous learning, and the development of more refined skills.

The essence of our interaction with technology is deeply rooted in our human influence. We are the ones training AI, developing design systems, designing interfaces, and ultimately, we are also the ones consuming these creations. To foster a sustainable and enriching digital ecosystem, a mindful approach towards our own needs and quirks is crucial. We seek perfection, yet our minds find a secret joy in imperfection. Machines, in their quest for flawlessness, may one day understand human emotions, but the profoundness of actually experiencing them will always remain uniquely human.

John Connor: [Crying] I order you not to go. I order you not to go, I order you not to go…

Terminator: I know now why you cry, but it’s something I can never do.