My UX Journey: From Purist to Just... Human

There was a time when I was so serious about UX. Like... really serious. I was that kind of guy who didn’t wanna touch anything outside of designing apps or websites. “Focus,” I said to myself. I thought I had to master everything design-related to feel like I was doing the right thing.

But turns out... this UX thing? It’s huge. Like, it can go anywhere. Anything around us could be seen from UX perspective. Even going to gas station toilet yes, there’s a flow there, right? From finding the door, to putting in 2K coin (still a thing or not? Haha), to finishing your mission.

Sometimes I tried too hard to find the pain point in a flow, even if the user already used to it and didn’t really feel any pain. I mean, yeah, I had good intentions. Wanted to make it better. But if users don’t wanna change, what can you do? "Educate them," people say. Sure, I tried that too. Did it work? Not really 😅

So in the past year, I started learning more about behavioral design. Also learning to grow empathy. Why? So my UX skills can actually be useful. I realized UX is not only about solving problems, but also about understanding and adapting to problems. First you listen, then you think, then you try to find the best way. If it works nice. If not? Well... at least you tried, right?

(Btw this is just general UX stuff, not even talking about business and strategy yet calm down.)

So yeah, what is behavioral design? From what I read and tried, it’s not only about what you draw on Figma. It’s more like... how things around you affect your feelings. Even your desk setup is behavioral design. It’s connected to your mood. You want cool lights? A standing desk? A tiny plant? That’s not random it’s your brain designing your own happy space, based on your habit and feelings. Even if next to your desk is a frying pan and some kitchen stuff it’s fine as long as your space makes you feel good. 😂

Now, does it mean I live 100% like what I learned about psychology and design? Nah, man. Sometimes my clothes just stay hanging in my room, not washed. Still learning here. Not a guru. Just trying.

Also I’m learning to slow down, be more chill, and more kind to people around me. If I don’t need to say something better stay quiet. If I can help, I help. If people don’t invite me, that’s okay too. I believe God already gives everyone their own part in life. So yeah... stay calm, stay kind.

At the end, I just wanna be more human. That’s all.