Millennials and Projected Self Doubt

The Generational Trope that Typifies Their User Persona

Just what is behind these not-so-young adults and how do we optimize their user experience?

Since the generation got named, Millennials have been vexed by journalists, marketers, and consultants everywhere trying to label and blame this *gestures around wildly* on anyone born between 1981 and 1996. A simple Google search will show that Millennials have been blamed for ruining everything from fabric softener to mayonnaise. But as someone endlessly curious about user experience (and a proud ’87 baby myself), I’m most interested in the why. And after a thorough digging around my own psyche as much as the world at large, I think I’ve found it.

Enter: Projected Self-Doubt. The true crux of the Millennial existence. Let me explain.

What’s going on with Millenials?

Of course, no generation exists in isolation. Humans are social creatures and that means our daily lives are impacted by these inter-generational dramas. How we interact with our parents, children, and coworkers demands an understanding of both ourselves and others’ ages and backgrounds.

The Impact of Their Parents

Millennials were raised by boomers and elder Gen X. These folks weren’t born surrounded by technology. And often what they lacked in world awareness…