UX is Persuasion
User experience (UX) is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing interfaces, it’s about persuading stakeholders to make changes. UX designers act as agents of change, identifying problems and articulating solutions. The core value of UX lies in its ability to influence stakeholders to embrace new ideas and adopt different approaches.
The value of UX is directly linked to its persuasive power. If a design doesn’t convince stakeholders to deviate from their existing plans, it holds little value. This concept aligns with Charles Lambdin’s ‘Sure Thing Principle’, which states that if research does not lead to a change in decision-making, the effort invested in it is wasted. Conversely, the greater the change in decision-making, the more valuable the insights gained.
The persuasive aspect of UX extends beyond user research and encompasses the design process itself. Stakeholders rarely perfectly internalize a designer’s vision, so designers rely on various methods, like diagrams, models, flows, and presentations, to convey their vision. These tools are not just for the users but also to persuade stakeholders. Design is not the ultimate authority on what gets shipped; it’s part of a larger ecosystem where feasibility, viability, and desirability are intertwined. Design must demonstrate the value of a good user experience to stakeholders, proving its worth beyond the confines of the business model and technical stack.
Essays as a Framework for Persuasive Arguments
The article emphasizes that the art of persuasive argumentation, a core skill honed in the writing of essays, is fundamental to UX design. The essay format provides a structured approach to conveying a thesis, presenting evidence, and logically connecting the dots. This process ensures that the argument is not merely a statement of opinion but a well-supported and persuasive case.
Humanities graduates often excel in leadership roles, particularly in the business world. Their ability to synthesize information, extract relevant details, and craft compelling pitches to solve complex problems aligns perfectly with the strategic needs of companies. Charles Stross’s theory that corporations function as ‘slow, procedural AI’ further underscores the value of strong argumentation in shaping corporate strategy. Humanities majors act as the ‘data scientists’ who train this AI to achieve desired outcomes.
The structure of a company ultimately influences the products it creates. Each decision and release reinforces the system’s tendency to produce a specific outcome. When a designer proposes a change, they are essentially pushing against the established system’s inertia. A mere Figma file cannot overcome this force; only a compelling argument can persuade stakeholders to alter the course of the company’s product development.
The Limitations of AI in Argumentation
The field of UX is increasingly turning away from the essential task of persuasive argumentation and towards shortcuts facilitated by AI. Designers are pressured to expedite research and focus on design, but this approach overlooks the crucial role of argumentation in UX. AI-powered tools may expedite tasks, but they cannot replace the human element of critical thinking, analysis, and persuasive storytelling.
The most valuable insights often stem from connecting seemingly disparate ideas, uncovering causal relationships that lead to new opportunities. AI can summarize information, but it lacks the ability to draw insightful connections or craft compelling arguments. A well-defined point of view is a valuable asset that cannot be commodified, and the ability to articulate it persuasively remains a crucial skill for UX designers.
This article, **’A good design is a good essay’,** originally appeared on **UX Collective** on Medium, where users are continuing the discussion and providing feedback. [link to original article].
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