One of the most dangerous traps in design is thinking you are the user. We love to imagine how we’d use a product and convince ourselves that our perspective represents the “average” user. But in reality, this is the fastest way to create products that fail silently.
Over years of working on different products, I've seen entire roadmaps built on assumptions rather than real data. We fall in love with our ideas, our flows, our aesthetics — and forget that the person on the other side might think, feel, or act completely differently. True user experience design starts when we surrender our ego and listen deeply.
The Mirage of "I Know Best"
Designers and product managers often say,
“I know my users; I understand what they want.”
But how do we know? Real understanding doesn’t come from
brainstorming sessions or internal workshops alone — it
comes from direct observation, user interviews, and
honest data analysis.
When we let our own preferences lead, we introduce
subtle biases that shape entire experiences. We might
prioritize features we personally find exciting or
design interfaces we think look “cool,” without
realizing they frustrate actual users.
Designing with Data, Not Ego
The best designers don’t just rely on beautiful visuals;
they rely on evidence.
User interviews: Ask open-ended questions. Listen
more than you speak. Notice what people don’t say out
loud.
Session recordings and analytics: Watch real usage
patterns to see where users struggle, hesitate, or
drop off completely.
A/B testing: Let users tell you what works through
their behavior rather than relying on internal
opinions.
The Humble Approach
Designing great experiences requires humility — the
willingness to admit you might be wrong and adapt
quickly. When you prioritize real data over assumptions,
you create products that feel intuitive and natural to
the people who matter most: your users.
True user-centered design is not about making the
designer look smart. It's about making the user feel
smart. When we remove bias and listen deeply, we create
moments of delight, simplicity, and genuine connection.
