Designing with assumptions is slowing you down
In UX, the most damaging decisions aren’t usually made out of laziness or ego, they’re made out of assumption
Assuming users know what that icon means.
Assuming the flow is logical.
Assuming people actually read error messages (spoiler: they don’t).
Read our top tips to avoid designing with assumptions.
Inclusive design for social impact
Social impact organisations are realising that good intentions alone aren’t enough. To win hearts, funding, and volunteers, they need stories that feel real, campaigns that include everyone, and platforms that work for all. By blending empathy-driven storytelling with inclusive design principles.
Scaling up: User-Centric design for Tech Start-ups in Manchester
Start-ups are rewriting the rulebook on how to launch products that matter. Tight budgets and impossible timelines might sound like a recipe for compromise. Yet, these ventures are proving that bold design thinking, rapid prototyping, and a relentless focus on users can turn constraints into a competitive edge.
Apple’s New Liquid Glass Design: Practical Guidance for Designers
The Liquid Glass language introduces a translucent, adaptive UI material across Apple’s 2025 OS releases and now ships in Figma’s latest effect update. When used thoughtfully, it can enrich hierarchy, but it carries real performance and accessibility costs if over-applied. The sections below summarise the design’s strengths and pitfalls, show how to recreate it in Figma, and outline best-practice patterns to keep products inclusive.
The European Accessibility Act: A Strategic Opportunity for UK Businesses
The EAA, which came into force on 28 June 2025, mandates that digital products and services offered in the EU must meet specific accessibility standards. Despite Brexit, UK businesses selling products or services to EU consumers must comply with the EAA regardless of where they are headquartered. This affects companies with more than 10 employees and annual turnover exceeding €2 million.
UX isn’t a department, it’s a culture
When scaling a product, it's easy to treat UX as a design step, something to layer in once the roadmap is set and the screens are ready to be polished.
In the most successful start-ups we work with, UX isn't a phase or a team. It's a way of thinking that cuts across product, engineering, comms and leadership. It’s a culture of curiosity, clarity, and co-creation, from the first idea to the final release.
AI needs a better interface, and fast
Remember When Search Was Simple?
Back when Google ruled the digital world, the interface was brilliantly simple: a single box, a blinking cursor, and instant results. It felt easy. Fast forward to today, and many so-called innovative tools have kept that same box, but the experience feels anything but simple.
Why so many start-ups struggle with simple and how to get it right
When you're building your first product or gearing up for launch, one piece of advice is always relevant: “Just make it simple.”
Sounds easy, right? But in reality, simplicity is one of the hardest things to design, especially when you’re a start-up trying to prove value, ship fast, and impress investors. Find out how Designed for Humans helps start-ups to simplify their product.
When brand gets in the way: Rethinking consistency and clarity in UX
Two of the most commonly misunderstood design principles are consistency and cleverness. Ironically, both are often applied in the name of branding but they can quietly undermine the user experience when left unchecked.
Find out why it’s more important to focus on the user's best interest.
Innovating digital products for real humans
This article is for product managers, UX/UI designers, and innovation leaders who find their digital products aren't resonating with their intended audience. If you're noticing high churn rates or low engagement despite having advanced tech, this post is your guide.