What is Humane Design, and Why Does It Matter?
I once worked for a social media company obsessed with engagement, prioritising profit over ethical, user-respecting design
I once worked for a social media company where keeping users hooked was the top priority.
The logic was simple: the longer people stayed, the more ads they saw, and the more revenue rolled in.
We built endless scroll, sent constant notifications, and fine-tuned algorithms to prioritise anything that sparked engagement—even if it wasn’t exactly positive.
It worked, but it didn’t feel right.
We were designing to manipulate, not to serve. I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were trapping users instead of empowering them. That experience shaped how I view design today—it’s not just about metrics; it’s about respect.
Design shapes how we interact with the world.
From the apps we use daily to the products we buy, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about impact. Humane design takes this a step further by prioritising user well-being over profit-driven metrics.
It's a movement that challenges the "hook 'em, keep 'em scrolling" ethos dominating modern UX.
The Heart of Humane Design
At its core, humane design is about respect.
Respect for your users' time, mental health, and autonomy. It’s a counter to exploitative practices like dark patterns—those sneaky tricks that pressure you into subscribing, buying, or sharing your data.
Humane design flips the script, focusing on creating products that genuinely improve users' lives.
This approach isn’t just idealistic. It’s practical.
When users feel respected, they trust the product more and even recommend it to others. Humane design is a win for users and businesses alike.
Yet, this approach feels almost revolutionary because so many companies—think TikTok, YouTube, and others—prioritise maximising engagement over respecting their users’ well-being.
These platforms thrive on endless scrolls and autoplay loops, keeping users in a constant state of consumption. They’re designed to captivate, not to empower.
The result?
People lose hours of their day without realising it, their attention fragmented by algorithms optimised for ad impressions. It’s clever, but it’s not kind.
Humane design rejects this model. Instead of draining users' time, it focuses on creating meaningful, valuable interactions that leave them better off than before.
In this video, Jon Yablonski breaks down humane design patterns.
While TikTok and YouTube may rake in billions with their current tactics, they also risk alienating users who crave balance and authenticity.
Over time, humane design doesn’t just build better relationships with users—it sets the foundation for a more sustainable, ethical approach to business.
What Does Humane Design Look Like in Action?
Humane design takes many forms, but here are some key principles:
- Clarity Over Manipulation
Ever clicked a button thinking you were closing a pop-up, only to end up subscribed to something? Humane design avoids this nonsense by being upfront about what actions mean. Transparent language and straightforward layouts should be the default, not the exception. - Empowering Users, Not Trapping Them
Humane design prioritises user control. Features like easy opt-outs, clear data-sharing settings, and mindful notifications show respect for users' autonomy. Nobody wants an app that feels clingy or intrusive. - Focusing on Real Value
Instead of designing to maximise engagement (read: endless scrolling), humane design asks: how can this product genuinely help the user? Whether it’s reducing friction in a checkout process or encouraging mindful screen time, the focus is on providing value, not addiction. - Inclusive and Accessible
A humane product considers all users, including those with disabilities. Accessibility isn't a nice-to-have; it's fundamental to designing with care. Alt text, keyboard navigation, and readable fonts aren’t extras—they’re essentials.
You might think, "That’s all well and good, but what about the bottom line?" Here’s the thing: humane design often leads to better business outcomes.
Why? Because it builds trust. People are more likely to engage with, pay for, and recommend products that treat them like humans, not cash cows.
Humane design also reduces churn. If your app isn’t exhausting to use or bombarding users with manipulative tactics, they’re far more likely to stick around.
Over time, this builds loyalty—a far more sustainable growth strategy than squeezing every penny from frustrated users.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by notifications, ads, and endless streams of content, humane design feels like a breath of fresh air.
It’s about taking responsibility for the impact our designs have on people’s lives, both online and offline.
The stakes are high.
Poorly designed products can lead to stress, anxiety, and even harm. On the flip side, thoughtful, humane design has the power to make technology a force for good—helping people connect, learn, and thrive.
Humane design isn’t just a trend; it’s a shift in how we approach UX. It’s about balancing business goals with the responsibility to care for the humans behind the screens.
Designers have the power to create products that don’t just work but also respect and empower their users.
The question is, will we?
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