Some days, I like to think I have a UX Flashlight. As I point its beam at a design, all the UX problems appear, bright as day, waiting to be fixed by a clever designer.

There are designs where, if I had such a magical device, it would just light up everything. … »

In last month’s Johnny Holland column, I made the radical recommendation that UX professionals stop making recommendations to their clients. … »

It’s easy to believe them when clients ask us, designers, to make recommendations. We want to believe they love us for our wisdom, knowledge, and experience. They want our advice. And we love giving them advice. It makes us feel smart—like they finally “get” what we’re about. They want to do the right thing and we know how to help them. So, why is it bad to make design recommendations? They want it. We want it. Why shouldn’t we make the recommendations they’re asking us to give? … »