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Be different... strategically. Be different... with a plan. A novel idea isn't necessarily a good idea. Change for the sake of change isn't always a good thing. This blog post is just a quick tidbit on when to break the rules and when to stick to the norms (i.e. How to be creative with intention as a designer). Applicable to web design, product design, app design, print design, marketing design and more.
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The other day, I came across this pop-up...
Notice the curious location of the close button. Took me a couple extra seconds to spot it, even though it’s in plain sight.
I’ve been noticing a lot of odd close button positioning. My mind didn’t even recognize the one below as a clickable element for at least 3-4 seconds.
The upper-right corner of a modal is the unwritten rule for close button position. It’s what we’re used to.
This made me think... When does breaking the rules actually make sense?
So, I made a flowchart you can use:
Bucknell University redesigned their site to be more modern and minimal.... a little too minimal.
UX tests by Nngroup showed that students couldn’t find the list of majors offered or the cost of tuition.
Navigation links along the middle of the viewport on a portfolio site. Unique positioning indeed.
Out of the norm, but usable. Helps convey Huy Phan’s progressive/creative thinking as a freelancer.
The video version of this blog post:
I’ve learned that no amount of coaching, fancy apps, “creativity hacks & tips” etc, will make up for:
Get these right first.
They are the highest impact things you can do.
Ignoring these is like a student ignoring the fundamental concepts needed to ace an exam and instead focusing on color-coding their notes, using fancy study apps, and organizing their study space with intricate decorations.
Master the basics. Everything else falls into place.
Most nonfiction books should've been 1000-word articles.
I find myself abandoning a lot of books right around the 25-30% mark.
Not because they're bad, but because I fully get the gist by that point and it's right around when the repetition of examples and ideas begins.
I'm okay with abandoning a book midway now. Just a couple years ago, I would power through the whole thing in fear of missing out on some crucial ideas in the later chapters.
Now, I just have fun with it. If it piques my interest, great – I'll buy it, read the chapters that seem interesting, get what I came for and move onto the next one.
I think a lot of these authors are just trying to meet some sort of quota. I dunno.
There's elegance in brevity.
So many of these "gurus" telling us to take cold showers and cold plunges 😂 😂
If you’re tired all the time:
Stick to high-impact basics. These little micro-optimizations aren't going to change anything.
Enjoy your hot showers 🔥🚿
