2 for 1 Special, Too Much News, Two Towers, and Rest
Somethings Novel — Issue #13
Somethings I'm writing…
This week, you get a two-for-one deal. I couldn't help myself. You’ll see why in the section on what I’m enjoying. But for now…
Avoiding UX Malpractice There's a moment in every designer's career when you realize the thing you thought was helping might actually be hurting. We've all been there. You implement a "best practice" only to watch it backfire spectacularly. But what if I told you that most UX malpractice isn't about bad intentions? It's about good designers solving the wrong problems.
This article digs into the uncomfortable truth about when our design solutions become part of the problem we're trying to solve. It's not about being perfect. It's about being honest about the impact of our work.
How to Intensify Your Spicy Ideas Ever had a design idea that felt a little too bold? A little too risky? Good. That feeling means you're onto something. But here's the thing: most designers dial down their best ideas before anyone else even sees them. We self-censor before we even get to the real critique.
This piece explores how to take those uncomfortable, slightly dangerous design ideas and make them even stronger. Because sometimes the solution that makes you a little nervous is exactly what your users need.
Something I'm thinking about…
The news has become a UX disaster case study, and we should be paying attention.
Why? Most news outlets don't optimize for informing you anymore. They optimize for your eyeballs. They've gamified human attention with outrage, fear, and the most extreme stories they can find. It's not about what you need to know. It's about what will make you stop scrolling, click, or tune in.
Sound familiar? This is exactly how UX goes wrong in our products. When we optimize for engagement over value. When we prioritize metrics over meaningful outcomes. When we hack human psychology for profit instead of serving genuine needs. Now, I’m not naive…I realize businesses need to profit to provide value to customers.
But, the news industry shows us what happens when user experience becomes pure revenue extraction, desperate to stay profitable. We end up with mentally exhausted, emotionally agitated users who can't look away from something that's actively harming them.
If that's not a cautionary tale for product design, I don't know what is.
Something I'm reading…
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
I just cracked open the second book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I'm already glad I finally committed to reading these properly. After being loving my introduction to Tom Bombadil in Fellowship (who doesn't exist in the movies at all), I'm excited to see what other rich storytelling I've been missing.
There's something deeply satisfying about Tolkien's world-building approach. He doesn't rush. Detail serve the larger story, but nothing feels hurried or forced. It's a masterclass in patient, purposeful construction. There’s a lot I could learn from these books.
🔗 Get the book or the complete series.
Something I'm enjoying…
Taking a rest.
Last week, I did something unusual. I didn't publish an article. I didn't send a newsletter. I took a week off from the weekly grind of content creation and just spent time with my family.
It was exactly what I needed. No deadlines, no pressure to have profound thoughts on a schedule, no rushing to get words on a page. Just presence. Just being.
In our always-on, content-driven world, rest feels almost rebellious. But here's what I remembered: rest isn't bad. It's the foundation that makes sustainable productivity possible. You can't pour from an empty cup, and rest with the people I love helpfully me avoid running on empty.
Sometimes it’s ok to simply stop. Stop producing, stop optimizing, stop hustling. And just be.
If you're feeling the grind too, maybe it's time you consider a short break to recharge. Stay well.
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Yes, I use affiliate links for the products and books I share. Why? Well, it helps support this extra work that I do in my personal time on my personal budget. Thanks for your support.
I completely agree with you on the importance of rest and your perspective on the current state of the news industry. I've been pretty busy lately - with my side business, some family members getting sick, and all the summer visits and plans - so I’ve actually stopped reading UX news and articles over the past few weeks. But somehow, I still found myself checking out your newsletter this morning. Thank you for the time and effort you put into it. It’s always appreciated.