Summer’s coming and one thing routinely stocked in my freezer is gelato and ice cream. I love homemade ice cream, but always hated the time-consuming process. Freezing the separate components to churn the ice cream is time-consuming. Even worse, some recipes would have eggs and the tempering of eggs is my worst enemy. I have wellness goals and track my protein and calorie intake, so homemade is the best way for me to know the ingredient list. In a world where Breyer’s can get away with calling themselves a frozen treat, as many of their products don’t meet the FDA’s strict 10% minimum milkfat requirement to be classified as “ice cream”, I want to know what I’m putting in my body. So of course SharkNinja’s innovative Ninja CREAMi® XL Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream and Frozen Treat Maker made it into my YouTube recommendations and of course my cart and my home within a month.

For this week’s “UX in the Wild” segment, let’s talk about the Ninja CREAMi and how it’s introduction in the home commodified ice cream by transforming it from a specialized culinary work into an easily accessible and customizable treat.

What sets the CREAMi apart?

Traditional ice cream makers are bulky, time-consuming, require pre-freezing as the method of making ice cream is that the machine churns the liquid while cooling it. Store-bought options, although convenient, lack customization for dietary needs and preferences. Maybe you’re lucky enough to even get your hands on a Pacojet, but when the price tag is $7,400, most households can’t justify that price. With the CREAMi, you have the option to make multiple bases and keep your machine that does the work going. It transforms frozen bases into something to be scooped or sipped and from gelato to low sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options, the possibilities are endless.

The unboxing and product experience is made up of clear instructions and minimal parts. The machine comes with two 24 oz. deluxe pint with storage lids, the motor base, outer bowl and lid to contain the liquid base from splashing your environment, and a heavy-duty Deluxe Creamerizer Paddle that shaves a frozen block into particles to turn a frozen solid base into a creamy texture. Be aware you cannot process a solid ice block and Ninja makes this known in their manual. The outer bowl and lid provide a convenient housing for the pint while it processes, keeping everything secure and mess-free. The entire applicance is sleek and compact, making it easy to store under cabinets and different spots of your kitchen. You can buy add-ons and accessories to make the experience better like extra pints or new pieces for the machine. The pint’s stackable design makes batch prepping an easy part of the process. Since a base has to freeze for at least 24 hours for optimal results, I have about four flavors on standby in a week at a time.

Simple controls like a tactile dial and clear labeling on the machine lead to an intuitive interface to toggle between specialized modes like Sorbet, Gelato, Lite Ice Cream, or Mix-in. One of the smartest interface features is the ability to process Top, Full, or Bottom. This is perfect in case you might not want to eat 24 ounces of ice cream in one sitting (although no one shames you because I know I have) and prevent the bottom from melting if you only want a single serving. You can spin just the top half, add different mix-ins, and save the bottom half that is still a solid block for a completely different flavor profile for next time.

The machine also comes with an in-box recipe book, but personally the Reddit community was why I bit the bullet and finalized my purchase after seeing so many different recipes and the overall capability of the machine. By redefining ice cream from the traditional dairy-and-egg custard base, the CREAMi has made frozen treats a medium for everyday consumption rather than an occasional indulgence.

From Treat to Daily Necessity

The simplicity in the mental model of freeze for 24 hours, process, and enjoy makes it easy to enjoy whatever I want whenever I want. These low barriers to entry make people want to explore. The creation of a making a base to freeze is a forgiving process with measurement lines and clear ready indicators once spun, making the entire process hard to fail. I can freeze multiple bases at once and know that the machine itself is perfectly fine to go and ready for me to spin a frozen base, whether it’s a protein shake, canned fruit, or a rich custard. Once the pint is locked into the outer bowl and the paddle is secured to the lid, you can choose the right spin function taking into account the ingredients in your pint. Because different mixtures freeze to different levels of hardness, the machine adjusts its blade speed and downward pressure to ensure it shaves the block correctly without damaging the motor. Since I’m more of a protein, low carb user, I spin on the lite ice cream setting designed for low-fat, low-sugar, or protein-heavy bases like Fairlife shakes or almond milk that freeze much harder; the blade spins faster and moves slower to effectively pulverize the dense ice.

Once the spin cycle is initiated, the motor drives the paddle downward to shave the ice block into ultra-fine particles. This mechanical breakdown creates a texture that has the mouthfeel of ice cream or gelato, regardless of the fat content in the base. If the result look crumbly after the first spin, a common occurrence with low-sugar or dairy-free bases, the forgiving re-spin function gives a final burst of aeration to get that scoopable consistency. For those who want an extra layer of texture, the mix-in setting to be used last allows you to add things like chocolate chips or crushed cookies to fold them through the finished base without pulverizing them. In under 5 minutes, you’ll have a decadent, customized, mess-free dessert ready to serve immediately.

What’s the Scoop: Future-Proofing the CREAMi Line

SharkNinja could further increase retention and see multiple social attempts for growth by moving beyond simple product announcements. I can see big box stores like Costco or grocery stores like Trader Joe’s doing collaborations with Ninja to create CREAMi staples and recipe lists. It would be a grab bag that people could purchase or get at a discount when purchasing a CREAMi. This would alleviate the stress of putting together a recipe that wouldn’t harm the machine and still taste good to get a feel for the platform.

Imagine a monthly email series, which you can find the beginnings of here, featuring seasonal recipes and themes like “The Winter Warm-up” using hot cocoa bases or peppermint mocha creamiccinos or “Summer Hydration” by using electrolyte drinks and coconut water. By sending out seasonal prompts and social content, they keep the machine on the countertop year-round, preventing it from becoming a “summer-only” appliance.

Marketing as a whole can pivot to show the CREAMi as a universal utility. Partnering with fitness icons to show “Game Day” centered protein pints or high-performance recovery bases. A lot of recipes optimized from the Reddit community are centered around protein and this would further inspire people to take agency of their health in other ways. Showing a “Pint Prep Sunday” where parents and kids batch-prep different flavors for the week. This emphasizes the “Full/Top/Bottom” functionality for portion control and diverse dietary needs within one household. No matter what, this poses the CREAMi as a versatile machine that makes many different groups happy.

The CREAMi is already a “platform” for other products; when people hear CREAMi some already can taste the protein powder. Ninja could capitalize on partnerships and collaborations. A Dole collaboration could include pre-measured packets or CREAMi-ready canned fruit blends specifically sized for the 24oz pints. Since Fairlife is already the “unofficial” milk of the CREAMi community, a formal partnership with high-protein, low-sugar starter kits would streamline the experience for beginners. Selling a mix-in starter pack of crushed candy, specialized syrups, or spoons where users receive new colored lids and pints every few months to encourage their own recipe library collection. It also couldn’t hurt to accessorize. I have a few insulated cozies to keep my hands chill free. In my house, pints with pink lids mean it’s a protein recipe (therefore off-limits from the rest of my family).

Why This Matters?

The virality of the CREAMi speaks for itself. SharkNinja’s philosophy of solving real problems through innovation is highlighted through their vast product line. Gourmet frozen desserts, made accessible, fun, and delicious by targeting what you need in macro and micronutrients. The CREAMi shows how delightful product design stems from community finding and nurturing and functional excellence. By lowering friction and the perceived barriers to entry in taking agency in both health and fun, it changes how often and confidently people use the appliance. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to figure out some savory recipes and what to do with all these vegetables…

It’s happened to the best of us. You’re window shopping for Dior on their website for a gorgeous, timeless piece and wander over to bracelets. Then you see it: La Nœud. It’s gorgeous, sparkly, classic, and only- sheesh. You didn’t even know jewelry could cost that much. $950 is not something easy to come by. After this month’s necessities, your paycheck didn’t leave much room for wishes. Before you leave the page, you see a small box. Klarna? What’s this — a loan opportunity to gratify you right now? That you can pay in four installments? With zero interest? Before you pull out your credit card, for this week’s “UX in the Wild” segment, let’s talk about how installment payment platforms might be making you pay more than you bargained for.

What Are Buy Now, Pay Later Platforms?

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services like Afterpay, Klarna, Apple Pay Later, and Affirm have been on the rise and transformed how we think about affordability. They’re financial services that allow customers to purchase an item or service and pay for it in fixed installments over a set period, often interest-free. Got approved after a quick credit check? You get the service or your goods shipped right to you. Depending on who you partner with, you can pay in installments over time or the total amount at a later date. Affirm has a plan where there’s no down payment and you pay in 4 installments every two weeks.

Sometimes, you can pay over even more installments. Affirm has a plan where you can pay in 10 installments and the interest is lower than most credit cards. It all plays right into your never ending sense of dopamine. Now, you get the item and the dopamine hit immediately when clicking “buy now” and entering a payment plan.

But soon, you’ll want another dopamine hit. So, you buy something else in installments. From app to app, company to company, industry to industry, you pick up more installments. Now, you have multiple payments to take care of a month, but that’s for future you to consider. You have this huge limit and it’ll be easy to pay back! Right?

BNPL services are not regulated in the same way as credit cards, which means they may offer fewer consumer protections. No specific laws target the dark patterns but some states have taken on laws and policies to ensure the safety of buyers. In early 2023, Congress proposed Deceptive Experiences to Online Users Reduction (DETOUR) Act aimed to prohibit interfaces that impair user autonomy or obscure information to gain consent or data. While the bill did not pass, its language prohibiting “manipulative user interfaces” is likely to influence future legislation concerning deceptive design practices across all industries.

Ethical design in consumer finance

So, when does convenience start to feel like entrapment? From a ethical standpoint, BNPL apps use specific user experience design features called “dark patterns” to minimize the perception of financial risk and encourage impulse buys. Dark patterns often hide in plain sight and cheerful emojis; pastel palettes, celebratory confetti, and cute animations and visuals subtly minimize financial risk. Visual cues like soft colors and friendly fonts, behavioral triggers for instant gratification, and frame costs to consumers into smaller installments to make spending feel less significant and defer the psychological consequences of debt.

The whole time you use a payment like this, you push those costs off for later. Some miss a payment and get hit with a late fee. No worries, you’ll try to make the next one. Suddenly it piles up and up and next thing you know, interest fees accrue as you struggle to make the minimum payments. Some platforms may not charge late fees if you’re lucky, but servicer’s late fees can go up to $38 per payment missed! You could end up owing more than you borrowed. Without meaningful friction or reminders, users can easily lose track of simultaneous payment plans.

The False Promise of Control

A counterargument I hear often when talking about BNPLs is

“Well, why should we care about someone else’s loan? They should’ve known better! It should be the consumer’s job to know what they can handle!”

But that assumes every user is financially literate or emotionally neutral when shopping. Many complex factors influence the risks some may take with their finances. An unexpected financial shock, such as illness or car repair, can push a financially fragile person toward riskier options, and sneaky design interfaces can obscure just how deep the trap is. Combine that with the colors of the app and the dopamine and you have a recipe for disaster.

A LendingTree September 2025 survey found that 41% of BNPL users have paid late at some point, and over 70% have used BNPL for multiple loans at once, which increases the potential for overspending. Nearly 1 in 4 BNPL users say they’ve had three or more active BNPL loans at one time! Small payments can compound into big obligations.

In reality, the burden of clarity belongs to and falls on designers and companies. Apps and platforms shouldn’t have traces of dark patterns especially in a commercial and capitalistic society. BNPL platforms take advantage of vulnerable populations. Low financial literacy, inconsistent income, or a high debt-to-income ratio are risk factors that these apps can exploit through persuasive design.

While companies have a responsibility to their bottom line, ethical frameworks for financial management argue that they also have a moral responsibility to their customers and to society. This includes promoting financial well-being rather than just extracting profit from risky consumer decisions. Today’s society is well past the idea of “let the buyer beware”. The argument for caring about predatory loans is the same as the argument for any consumer protection: to create a fair and just marketplace where all participants, especially the most vulnerable, are not exploited.

Taking Your Money Back, Mindfully

If buying something with money you may not have now feels too good to be true, then it probably is. Identify if the purchase is necessary, if you really need BNPL to afford it, and if you can afford the payments attached. CNBC and financial experts advise paying for purchases in full upfront to avoid debt and complications, suggesting that if a purchase fits within budget, a single payment is simpler. BNPL plans are best for necessary, larger purchases only if future payments are manageable, and should be avoided for non-essential “wants” that lead to debt.

Lobbyists are calling for clearer rules specifically asking for design elements that hide costs, especially behind bright designs meant to make people feel happy about spending. The solutions are endless. First change to implement: getting rid of the overly positive microcopy! There’s nothing positive about debt, whether or not it’s necessary for your situation. BNPL apps should use neutral and informational language when describing the payment process and debt and integrate financial education.

Next, luxury sites such as Dior and other fashion and makeup wants should make it harder and not put pay later options as part of the checkout process or next to prices of items. Don’t take advantage of people in the middle of their vices. BNPLs should also be more transparent in how their data is now being incorporated into FICO credit scores, meaning good repayment behavior can build credit, but missed payments can lower a score. Next, companies like Klarna should stop issuing physical debit cards that can be used in brick-and-mortar stores (Seriously, do not engage with this. This is not good, especially if you already are not a credit card person). Users should be required to explicitly confirm they have reviewed the repayment schedule before completing a purchase to slow down impulsive decisions. This could look like a manual input of the total debt payment as well. Lastly, there should be a short “cooling off” period before the BNPL application is approved. For non-essential and luxury items, this could be 24 to 48 hours where users can’t take out more than two and more than five payments can’t be due to the same servicer. During this time, the app could display the user’s total BNPL debt, upcoming payments, or alternative saving and budgeting methods.

As someone passionate about the intersection of design, language, and financial wellbeing, I believe the future of personal finance lies in communication strategies that make systems feel human again. I believe that designers should advocate for and ensure that complex systems are built with compassion for the person who already may be stressed about their financial power.

Fashion is my passion. As cliche as that saying is, I have to say that I still live by it. From kindergarten to now, I’ve both followed the trends and set myself apart from the rest. I mean what can you expect from a girl who grew up in the era of Bratz? Fashion is self-expression, confidence, and identity. For many, it’s easy to wear what’s available and makes us feel like us. But for people with disabilities or limited mobility, access to clothing that reflects their identity isn’t guaranteed. The daily task of getting dressed and ready for the day can be difficult, painful, or even impossible without modifications. People may encounter a wide range of issues with conventional clothing, from tricky closures and buttons to uncomfortable and overstimulating fabrics. Adaptive clothing and assistive devices can make a difference to help make being yourself easier. For this week’s “UX in the Wild” segment, let’s talk about how Nike’s dedication to accessibility has led to empowerment through fashion.

When access is limited to what’s “practical”, it strips people of the joy of expression. Accessibility in fashion isn’t just about function, but rather is about dignity. Everyone deserves the chance to feel stylish, comfortable, and authentically themselves through different fabrics and textures. Matthew Walzer, an advocate for people with disabilities, was born with cerebral palsy and wrote to Nike in 2012. At 17, he was only able to use one hand and needed shoes that kept up with his lifestyle and were still stylish. With the subject line “I Can’t Tie My Shoes”, Walzer’s open letter to Nike’s top design and decision makers shared his experience of growing up with cerebral palsy using the hashtag #nikeletter. Nike responded with a product and new fervor for design with accessibility at the center.

Nike’s FlyEase adaptive line was born from the insight that putting on and taking off secure sneakers can be a daily challenge for many. With features like zippered entries, collapsible heels, and strap-free closures, FlyEase makes sneakers easy to slip on while staying performance-ready. A modified enclosure system would be free of shoelaces. The hinging mechanism allows for security in both fully open and fully closed states. Stepping down into the shoe clicks and locks it securely. The kickstand, or the tab on the back of the shoe, is stepped on with one foot to anchor the shoe and slip out. This action releases the bi-stable hinge and tensioner band on the side, causing the shoe to flip open.

Users have highlighted the innovation as comfortable for everyday use and have good traction. They’re light, breathable, and for most fit true to size so one doesn’t have to worry about conversions to find good support and fit. One reviewer said that they had a love-hate relationship with Nike, but these sneakers were both comfortable and cute.

EasyOn technology takes this further by redesigning classic silhouettes — like the Air Force 1 — to be inclusive without losing their iconic style. EasyOn is a newer line of shoes designed to be the easiest possible to get on and off, continuing the mission of FlyEase to provide adaptive footwear for everyone. While FlyEase initially had a more distinct look with it’s foldability, EasyOn products seamlessly integrates the tech into existing Nike shoe styles, offering a hands-free, intuitive experience for anyone with dexterity challenges or who wants a simpler way to put on their shoes.

Too often accessible design is treated as an afterthought. Something you sprinkle in to the “rare” edge cases for people that will use your product that don’t fit into a box. Nike’s work with FlyEase and EasyOn challenges this by proving accessibility can coexist with trend, performance, and joy.

The technology isn’t just about footwear — it’s about giving people back time, independence, and confidence. This shoe is for anyone with problems tying their own shoes and want that autonomy back for themselves. Shoes featuring the ingenious FlyEase technology are available in men’s, women’s, and children’s sizes. Accessible design isn’t a trend nor optional. It’s the necessary blend of fashion and UX to ensure that people with disabilities or limited mobility won’t have to adapt to their environment, but find something that adapts to them. When brands like Nike rise to the challenge and invest in inclusivity, they remind us that self-expression is a human right.

If anyone knows anything about me, it’s my love for wellness and soda, especially functional, prebiotic sodas and Coke Zero. When my friend, who’s pursuing a degree in nutrition, approached me with the idea of creating something informational, fun, and interactive for a presentation of theirs, I was immediately sold. As someone who deeply values health and wellness with a personal goal of staying mindful about my own nutrition this project felt like a natural fit for me. They wanted a fun and engaging way to showcase gut-friendly tips and products, a more unique way to keep things refreshing and accessible for event attendees while the speaker would highlight not just what Olipop had to offer, but prebiotic and probiotic health overall.

Sketches

I wanted to take this visual presentation to the next level and make it pop. I did market research to understand what buyers would want to have highlighted in presentations and marketing materials such as this. The new functional beverage hype shows that people are looking for the familiarity of carbonated soft drinks’ fizzy sensation while still being in line with their personal health.

The client and I decided to create an interactive carousel featuring Olipop’s popular soda flavors: Cherry Vanilla, Strawberry Vanilla, Peaches and Cream, and Cherry Cola. I created an interactive playful carousel where users could click on any of the four soda cans to reveal additional information about the flavor and its gut-friendly benefits. To add visual appeal and a cohesive theme, I designed the color scheme and typography to align with Olipop’s brand aesthetic, using vibrant, flavor-inspired hues to make each soda flavor stand out. Keeping the background from being stale, I also made use of fruits and flowers to keep the aesthetic fun.

Since gut health can be a complex topic, I kept the information concise and easy on the eyes to keep from overwhelming users. A growing interest in health and wellness results in consumers simultaneously looking for convenience and great taste while still being cognizant of ingredient lists and nutrition labels. A clean screen with only an ingredient list for transparency and the key highlights of Olipop. Creating an experience that makes people want to make changes to their diets is paramount.

Here’s the finished project:

Results and Impact

The Olipop soda carousel was a hit at the event, drawing attention with its interactive and colorful design. Attendees were able to learn about gut health in an enjoyable way, associating it with the fun and flavor of Olipop sodas rather than a typical health seminar. This project successfully demonstrated how smart animation and thoughtful design can make wellness content more engaging and digestable (no pun intended).

Takeaways

Less is more! The brand speaks for itself, so don’t clutter up the designs with flashiness. Users prefer visual exploration over traditional dropdowns for decision-making since color & motion enhance user engagement when used intentionally. Too much information at once overwhelms users, so progressive disclosure is key. I chose not to flood the slides with terminolgy the audience would be overwhelmed by and kept it light on the eyes while still sharing relevant content.

Next time, I’d explore gamification elements, like a flavor quiz for added personalization. Since Olipop has come out with so many flavors, users would find the interactive element of a quiz to find a flavor very useful to narrow down their choices.

(Note: don’t make food centric projects when the food is not within reach. You will be craving it while working and suddenly get lost in the aisles of Target.)

Speculoos Cookie Butter ice cream, Mandarin Orange Chicken, Garlic Naan crackers, Unexpected Cheddar, Apple Blossoms, Chantilly cream vanilla bean sheet cake, Raspberry Hearts, Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich, and that irresistible Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning. What do these all have in common? Besides being utterly delectable and taking my wallet for a shakedown, they’re all Trader Joe’s products, each offering a unique slice of the store’s vibrant personality that people love to return to. For this week’s “UX in the Wild” segment, let’s talk about how Trader Joe’s store experience was able to build such a dedicated fanbase and break down why it’s so different.

Trader Joe’s isn’t your typical supermarket; it’s a destination where every element is specially designed to give a sense of communal fun and discovery. Walk into any Trader Joe’s and you’re immediately greeted by vibrant signage and fonts, hand-drawn art, and playful product names that spark curiosity. Some have said it feels more like a neighborhood store than anything. The store’s design plays with psychological cues: the art on the walls, the friendly language in product descriptions, and even the unexpected seasonal displays all work together to create an inviting, almost boutique-like experience. Studies in environmental psychology suggest that well-designed signage with engaging visuals can influence purchasing decisions (it’s why suddenly your cart fills with items). Trader Joe’s employs a strategy of reducing cognitive load on customers by offering a curated selection of products, fewer sizes and flavors, and a streamlined shopping experience, leading to a more enjoyable and efficient grocery trip. So what you see is what you get and you may never even noticed these small details. Let’s get started- come inside!

You walk into a Trader Joe’s with hand-crafted details create a sense of warmth and approachability. Off the bat, this not only differentiates Trader Joe’s from larger chain supermarkets but also creates an environment where shopping feels like an adventure. The careful staging and artful presentation signal that every product has a story, inviting customers to come and explore. A smaller shop means more careful product and decor selection as less products reduces cognitive load on customers and allows the company to be more thoughtful in the products they put on their shelves. Employees sporting Hawaiian shirts are rippling with personality as they have fun at work, share TJ’s recommendations, and build connections with customers. From the second you walk in you can already tell the experience is going to be like no other- it’s like a treasure hunt!

Speaking of hunt, navigating through Trader Joe’s is an experience in itself. The store layout is deliberately crafted to guide customers through a series of surprises:

• Aisle Set-Up and Decor: Each aisle is organized to encourage exploration. The visual design subtly nudges customers to wander through different sections, discovering new products along the way. On the topic of products, what sets Trader Joe’s above the rest is their willingness to take risks on more “unconventional” products. Most retailers would shy away from items like dill pickle falafel, Philly cheesesteak bao buns, or chocolate lava potato gnocchi, Trader Joe’s embraces these opportunities for new flavor profiles, no matter how strange they may seem.

• In-Store Tastings: Sampling stations are strategically placed to let you try before you buy. These tasting opportunities are not just about flavor, but rather a way to connect and experience the brand and its personality firsthand. It’s also a great way to build community by extending beyond the usual retailer-customer relationship; once you’ve tried your first “weird” Trader Joe’s food with someone behind a kiosk, can you really say you aren’t having fun?

• Featured and Seasonal Products: Trader Joe’s rotates its product displays to highlight seasonal items and limited editions, reinforcing a sense of urgency and exclusivity. This dynamic presentation keeps the store feeling fresh and exciting with every visit, which is perfect seeing how they don’t use traditional advertising campaigns and promotional activities. This control lets them make the most of their quirky brand identity as products go viral on apps from their customers (remember the tote bag? I have the purple mini insulated tote bag that went out of stock within seconds of hitting the floor.)

While you traverse the aisles, let’s go through some historical facts about Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s was founded by Joe Coulombe in 1967 in Pasadena, California. Coulombe envisioned a store that had high-quality products at affordable prices, emphasizing private label products. Private labels originated in retail and probably the best-known private-label brands are store brands, which are managed by supermarket and grocery store chains. Examples are Great Value by Wal-Mart or one of Target’s 45 private label brands, such as Up&Up or Good & Gather. Coulombe began to see private labels as an opportunity to create something entirely new: premium products that could compete with specialty retailers while maintaining prices that appealed to budget-conscious consumers. While a typical grocery store may carry 50,000 items, Trader Joe’s stocks about 4,000 items, 80% of which bear one of its brand names. This reduces the need for customers to compare different brands and focuses them on the quality of the product rather than the brand name.

Trader Joe’s discontinues their individual products more often than larger grocery chains. A product may be discontinued because of a variety of reasons: it may be a seasonal product; the cost of producing the item may have increased, thereby also increasing its cost; or the item was not selling strongly enough. New items are introduced every week, so Trader Joe’s may remove current items to make room for new products on its shelves. This exclusivity only makes people want to shop, especially with the strong social presence on social media platforms where people share their favorite and Trader Joe’s engages with their community.

The cornerstone of this approach is their quirky, informative “Fearless Flyer” newsletter, which reads more like a friendly neighborhood newspaper than a promotional circular. Rather than simply listing prices and products, the flyer tells stories about product origins, suggests recipe ideas, and maintains a conversational tone that reflects the company’s personality. This approach transforms ordinary product descriptions into engaging narratives that customers actually want to read. It’s all about reimagining the products, flavors, and cuisine concepts we love and enjoy everyday.

In-store marketing follows a similar philosophy. Hand-drawn signs and product descriptions aren’t just informative; they’re often witty and personality-filled, turning the simple act of shopping into a treasure hunt of sorts. Store employees, known as “Crew Members,” wear Hawaiian shirts and are encouraged to be knowledgeable about products and engage with customers in a genuine, non-scripted way. Besides these, the Fearless Flyer is a newsletter that Trader Joe’s sends out once a month to promote new products, deals, and special events. Its ultimate goal is to keep you well-informed about store products so that you can easily find what you want next time you stop in to shop. All in all, this creates an atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood market than a corporate chain store.

Finally, you’ve done all the tasting and shopping you can do. Now, it’s home time! Customers go to check out, but what’s this… lines? One striking aspect of Trader Joe’s is the absence of self-checkout kiosks. In a world where automation often trumps human interaction, Trader Joe’s stands apart by prioritizing personal engagement. The checkout process is a space where human interaction is top priority becasue in this final touchpoint it leaves customers feeling valued.

This deliberate decision speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to customer service. In a company released podcast, Trader Joe’s President Jon Basalone said: “We believe in people. We’re not trying to get rid of our crew members for efficiency’s sake.” By swearing off self-checkout, Trader Joe’s not only preserves jobs for the community but also ensures that every shopping trip ends on a warm, personal note. This emphasizes the importance of genuine human connections in the retail experience, reinforcing a brand philosophy that centers on community and customer care (also denied a rumor that their friendly cashiers are supposed to flirt with customers… who would’ve started that?). Now you go home with all of your goodies and get ready to do this all over again, knowing there’ll be new products by the time you come back. Just leave some chai concentrate for the rest of us.

Trader Joe’s proves that great UX isn’t just for apps and websites when it’s embedded in physical shopping experiences. Trader Joe’s offers more than just groceries and quick snacks; they excel at creating an in-store environment where thoughtful design meets user delight in standout experiences through attention to detail (Excuse me, the credit card reader sings?? How can you not love that?) and social interactions both in and out of the store. From playful art that welcomes you at the door and all over the store to the carefully curated customer journey and the human touch at the checkout, every detail is a testament to the power of user-centered design. In a world where efficiency is often measured in speed and automation, Trader Joe’s reminds us that the best experiences are those that prioritize personal connection and sensory engagement.

Have you experienced a shopping journey that feels more like an adventure than a chore? Share your stories in the comments and I’d love to hear your thoughts on how design can transform everyday experiences.

UX design doesn’t exist in a vacuum; we don’t just use Figma or Concepts all the time or sit in whiteboarding sessions. It’s out in places that we least expect it. Thus, I decided to start up “UX in the Wild” to recount some places where I’ve seen it done well and what people have loved about it, but also in places where it was done not so well and how we could bridge the gap between product and consumer. I’ll be delving into praising and untangling everyday items that redefined our interactions overall by going beyond.

Lush Cosmetics has established itself as a leader in ethical and sustainable beauty products, but beyond its commitment to eco-consciousness, the company excels in delighting people. From their committment to testing solely on humans to positive customer experiences both in store and online, Lush takes the cake.

A particularly compelling example of this is the spray mechanism of its body sprays. While a spray bottle may seem like a unusual design choice for a scent, a closer examination reveals an innovative approach that enhances usability: the spray mechanism.

Lush’s decision to implement a trigger sprayer reflects a deeper understanding of user needs and behaviors. While the beauty industry tends to prioritize aesthetics in packaging, this design prioritizes functionality without compromising visual appeal. By repurposing an existing mechanism from a completely unrelated industry, Lush demonstrates how cross-disciplinary design thinking can lead to enhanced product design and usability.

Key benefits of this design include:

1. Accessibility: The ergonomic trigger reduces strain on the hand, making it an ideal option for individuals with limited dexterity or grip strength. It reminds me of Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty makeup line and how a lot of her tubes have knobs at the top to allow for secure, firm, and easier grip.
2. Application Control: Unlike traditional body sprays that disperse a shorter mist due to the conventional small atomizers, the trigger allows for precise application due to its more visible nozzle, reducing product waste and increasing longevity.
3. Durability and Reliability: The sturdy construction of the trigger mechanism minimizes the risk of breakage, ensuring a consistent user experience over time.

Implications for Product Design

Lush’s innovative spray mechanism illustrates how thoughtful design can transform routine interactions into more enjoyable experiences. By prioritizing usability and taking inspiration from unconventional sources, brands can differentiate themselves while genuinely enhancing consumer satisfaction. Lush’s body spray exemplifies the value of applying human-centered design principles to everyday products. This approach challenges the notion that beauty packaging must conform to industry norms and instead emphasizes user comfort, efficiency, and long-term satisfaction. By shifting the focus toward practical enhancements, brands can create products that not only meet aesthetic expectations but also improve real-world usability.

Moreover, this innovation serves as a reminder that usability should never be secondary to aesthetics. While sleek, minimalist packaging may be visually appealing, it should not come at the expense of functionality. The best designs seamlessly integrate both form and function and as more companies embrace human-centered design and accessibility, we may see a shift away from industry-standard packaging toward more tailored solutions that cater to real user needs. How many other personal care items could be improved by borrowing mechanisms from unrelated industries? What design conventions continue to be made simply because they are industry standards, rather than because they offer the best user experience?

For four years, I was a student at the esteemed Boston College. Here, I soaked up academic information like a sponge. Business acumen and thought leaders, mathematical puzzles, knots, and turning spheres inside out, what Aristotle thought about everything and nothing, and what factors into the economic welfare of participants under capitalistic ideals.

If you couldn’t tell, I was a business major who stumbled upon philosophy. I tell everyone that I took a philosophy class and felt so moved by the works that I decided to make it my major—which isn’t so far from the truth. I really do love the blend between philosophy and business. They blend well together, bridging gaps between the ethical and humane and problem-solving of contemporary issues. Secretly, I didn’t want to take operational management after missing the first two classes of the semester because of my COVID diagnosis and becoming a double major outside of the business school meant I could opt out of two business core classes. Read a few more Platonian books and I was home free! Somehow, this new discipline was the best detour I could’ve ever taken. I found one of my favorite books through the philosophy department.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s words in Reveries of a Solitary Walker resonate with me deeply: “All my hours were filled with loving cares and country pursuits. I wanted nothing except that such a sweet state should never cease. My only cause of sorrow was the fear that it might not last long.” Those four years have taught me to love so deeply and that although sometimes it burns, it is also so beautiful being capable of such full-bodied emotion. My copy is well-loved and tabbed beyond belief with affirmations and annotations littering the pages.

I learned that I don’t know how to read a map nor follow directions, that some of the most unassuming trips can create some of the best stories, that friends come and go, that friends can come from your boss putting you on the clock at the weirdest times, that prayer works, that sometimes you can’t put a price on life, that I adore museums, that double majoring in both business and philosophy would actually be fun after all, and that maybe my mom’s cliche sayings were right. That I would be so grateful to have been here and to walk by faith.

Best of all, I learned that even though I lived on the MBTA B line, the D line is the superior green line extension no matter how many times my friends yelled at me for it. I savor these moments and know I’ll be able to look back and love them just the same.

Now here I am — a whole year and some change post-grad — still job searching, still learning both life and school lessons, and yet still alive. Like Rousseau, I often found myself wishing that the sweetness of certain moments — the camaraderie of friends, the exhilaration of intellectual discovery, or even the small, silly joys like late-night taekout and getting lost in the city — could stretch on forever. Yet, it was that impermanence that made them so precious. Looking back, I realize those moments were not only fleeting but transformative, shaping the person I am today. I decided to switch gears and go into UX design, which I never would’ve stumbled upon if not for the pause after graduation. Switching gears to UX design allowed me to apply the critical thinking I honed in philosophy and the strategic mindset I built in business. Now, just like in school, I get to blend creativity with problem-solving. I built up my portfolio, took on passion projects, opened an Etsy shop and made a name for myself in my own Ahvianna™ way.

And for right now, that’s fine by me. Every step has taught me something new, and I trust that my journey will lead me exactly where I’m meant to be (hopefully with a paycheck to keep up with my matcha latte cravings).