Designing with assumptions is slowing you down
UX, Brand, Start-ups Paul Wilshaw UX, Brand, Start-ups Paul Wilshaw

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.

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Inclusive design for social impact
Design, Brand, Communication DesignedforHumans Ltd Design, Brand, Communication DesignedforHumans Ltd

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.

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Scaling up: User-Centric design for Tech Start-ups in Manchester
UX, Design, Brand, Start-ups DesignedforHumans Ltd UX, Design, Brand, Start-ups DesignedforHumans Ltd

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.

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Apple’s New Liquid Glass Design: Practical Guidance for Designers
UX, Brand, Design Paul Wilshaw UX, Brand, Design Paul Wilshaw

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.

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UX isn’t a department, it’s a culture
UX, Brand, Start-ups Paul Wilshaw UX, Brand, Start-ups Paul Wilshaw

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.

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AI needs a better interface, and fast
UX, Brand, Start-ups Paul Wilshaw UX, Brand, Start-ups Paul Wilshaw

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.

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Innovating digital products for real humans
UX, Brand Paul Wilshaw UX, Brand Paul Wilshaw

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.

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