Lessons from My Toddler: UX Principles in Parenting & Design
As a UI/UX designer and a mother of a 2-year-old, I’ve discovered that the principles of user experience (UX) design are remarkably similar to my journey as a parent. Join me as I share the lessons I’ve learned from my toddler and explore how they apply to our work as designers. Let’s dive in and uncover the amazing parallels between parenting and design!
See Things from Their Perspective
When spending time with my little one, I realized how important it is to see the world from their point of view. Hanging baby posters at eye level, setting small furniture and placing toys within their reach became essential. This taught me the value of understanding the user’s perspective in design.
”consider the needs and abilities of the users”
For example, when creating a digital product, it’s crucial to know what screen size and operating system most users have. By adapting the design to fit their devices perfectly and ensuring essential buttons aren’t too close to system buttons, we create a better user experience.
Just like we cater to our toddlers’ needs, we must also consider the needs and abilities of our users to create engaging experiences.
Keep It Simple
Toddlers are natural explorers and learners. However, they can easily become overwhelmed by complexity, hindering their ability to engage and learn effectively. This is where simplicity becomes the secret sauce for a successful user experience.
”simplicity and direct interactions”
Toddlers love simplicity and direct interactions. Similarly, users appreciate intuitive interfaces that are clutter-free and easy to navigate.
To achieve this, we break down long processes into manageable steps. Instead of overwhelming users with a lengthy form on one page, we guide them through one step at a time. By only asking for essential information and making it clear, we help users accomplish their goals more efficiently.
Fun and Feedback
Babies learn best through play and instant feedback. This principle also applies to user experiences.
”make even mundane tasks enjoyable”
By adding delightful elements like interactive animations or playful micro interactions, we can make even mundane tasks enjoyable. Creative loading animations and engaging progress indicators can turn waiting times into entertaining moments. And with well-designed empty states and success screens, even routine tasks can be fun and engaging.
Let’s inject playfulness into our designs and bring joy to everyday experiences.
Inclusivity Matters
Being a mother has shown me the challenges caregivers face in public spaces. Inaccessible facilities and the lack of changing stations in men’s restrooms can be frustrating and exclusionary.
”prioritize users needs”
As designers, we can make a difference through inclusive design. Implementing adjustable font sizes, using plain text instead of images, and adopting responsive design create a more user-friendly experience. And when designing for specific user groups, like the elderly, we prioritize their needs and make things easier for them.
Iterate and Adapt
Toddlers are masters of adaptability. They stumble, fall, and get right back up. In UX design, we should embrace the same mindset.
”stumble, fall, and get right back up”
Making hypotheses, trying different approaches, gathering feedback, and iterating based on that feedback are crucial. Learning from mistakes and continuously improving our designs based on user input allows us to create experiences that truly resonate.
My toddler has reminded me of valuable design principles. By embracing their perspective, simplicity, fun, inclusivity, and adaptability, we can create user experiences that captivate and delight our audience.
So let’s draw inspiration from the little ones in our lives and infuse our work with the magic of toddler wisdom.
