🤥 The truth is no longer important...

An illustration of a person with a big nose
An illustration of a person with a big nose
An illustration of a person with a big nose
An illustration of a person with a big nose

date published

Dec 22, 2024

date published

Dec 22, 2024

date published

Dec 22, 2024

date published

Dec 22, 2024

reading time

Less than 5 min.

reading time

Less than 5 min.

reading time

Less than 5 min.

reading time

Less than 5 min.

The channeling of truth: Design, society, and the need for transparency

We live in an era where information is abundant, yet paradoxically, knowledge feels diluted. The digital world has democratized voices, which holds enormous positive potential, but it has also turned many into instant experts on everything—and nothing at the same time.

We find ourselves in an ocean only a millimeter deep, where opinions outweigh understanding, and truth, rather than being an ideal, seems to have become a malleable tool. In this context, both as citizens and UX professionals, we have a responsibility: to rescue the importance of truth, words, and transparency.

Don’t get me wrong—opinions are essential in any society that values diversity. But when opinions are placed above facts, when politicians and society embrace lies as their standard, collective trust is undermined. I currently live in Spain, a country with a rich and complex history and wonderful people, but also with one of the most deceitful governments I can recall. In my experience, it has surpassed expectations in manipulating reality. And I say this as someone who was born in a country where political lies are almost a national sport. However, what we are witnessing here goes beyond the norm: it’s an absolute disregard for truth.


Design in the age of the "Magic Feature"

One of the most evident problems in our sector is the obsessive pursuit of product differentiation through features that, at best, are irrelevant.

Instead of focusing on the intrinsic value of what we design, we too often resort to rhetorical gymnastics—“backflips” to justify a creative headline with a sufficiently novel feature. This not only confuses users but also fosters latent distrust in products and brands.

I’ve worked with some of the world’s largest brands, and yes, I can confirm that the pressure to stand out in a saturated market is real. But I can also affirm that this is no excuse to sacrifice truth. Doing the right thing is non-negotiable. Designing with ethics and transparency is not an option—it’s a necessity.


The cost of ignoring truth

The cost of ignoring truth in our work and in society is enormous. In design, it leads to experiences that frustrate, disorient, or confuse users. In society, it erodes trust and fuels polarization.

In Spain, we see this disregard for truth reflected in a political class that uses misinformation as a weapon to divide and conquer. Lies and corruption are not only tolerated but rewarded. This creates a domino effect: if our leaders don’t value truth, why should the rest of society?

Returning to design, consider a common example: dark patterns. These design techniques manipulate users into making decisions that don’t necessarily benefit them. From hidden subscriptions to default options that favor the business over the customer, dark patterns are a stark symbol of how a lack of ethics can infiltrate our industry. While they may deliver short-term profits, they irreparably damage user trust in the long run.


Returning to the essentials

The solution to this problem isn’t easy or immediate, but it begins with honesty and self-reflection, both individually and collectively. We need to restore the importance of knowledge, truth, and the power of words.

As designers, this means:

  1. Valuing the essentials: Instead of chasing the next "magic feature," focus on solving real problems and improving people’s lives. Don’t underestimate the beauty of simplicity and well-executed functionality.

  2. Being transparent: Transparency should be a fundamental pillar in every project. From communication with clients to user interactions, clarity and honesty build trust.

  3. Educating users: Part of our responsibility as designers is to empower people, not manipulate them. This includes creating interfaces that are intuitive, informative, and respectful of users’ intelligence.

  4. Prioritizing ethics: Ethics shouldn’t be an afterthought; they must be integral to the design process. We must constantly ask ourselves: Does this design help the user, or does it only benefit the company?

  5. Promoting knowledge: In a world full of superficial information, fostering critical thinking is vital—for both our audience and ourselves.


In summary

Doing the right thing is non-negotiable. This phrase should be our mantra, both in design and in life. It’s time to abandon our fascination with superficiality and dive deeper into what truly matters.

Truth, although sometimes uncomfortable, is the only path to trust and authenticity. In a world saturated with lies, let’s commit to being beacons of transparency and honesty.

As citizens, let’s demand accountability and respect for truth from our governments. As designers, let’s lead by example, proving that it’s possible to create products and experiences that are useful, transparent, and ethical.

Because at the end of the day, what truly matters isn’t how quickly we can impress, but how deeply we can connect with people. And that can only be achieved when we do the right thing.

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Open to work.

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Open to work.

.say hello

Open to work.

.say hello

Open to work.