Human Designer Magic and AI

I took a quick Udemy course on Prompt Engineering for UX. There were a lot of good tips in the course. It got me thinking that we need to define how AI can allow us to focus on the creative magic we bring as experienced UX designers.

As designers, AI can automate many of our routine UX tasks and documentation. This automation frees us to concentrate on the unique creative contributions we bring to the design process.

User Personas

Automation: ChatGPT can generate detailed user personas based on inputted data such as demographics, goals, behaviors, and pain points.

Human designer magic While the initial generation can be automated, experienced designers refine these personas with deeper insights and empathy gained from direct user interactions. The magic happens when we infuse these personas with real stories and emotions, ensuring they resonate and guide our design decisions authentically.

Manual Benefit: Crafting user personas manually allows designers to immerse themselves in user research, building a deeper connection with users. This process helps create more authentic and relatable personas that truly reflect user needs and behaviors. It's in this manual crafting that we find the true essence of our work as designers, and it's what sets our designs apart.

Recommendation is to use AI for general grouping, but to manually refine and customize the results. This manual touch is what builds empathy and authenticity into our work.

User Journey Maps

Automation ChatGPT can draft user journey maps by synthesizing user data and outlining key steps, touchpoints, and emotions throughout the user experience.

Human designer magic: Designers enhance these maps by adding nuanced insights, accurate user quotes, and personal anecdotes that bring the journeys to life. The real magic is in understanding the subtleties of user emotions and motivations at each stage, crafting journeys that truly connect with users.

Manual Benefit: Creating user journey maps manually deepens designers’ understanding of the UX flows currently in production and helps capture the subtleties of user emotions and motivations.

Recommendation: Automate the general steps but manually enhance and customize user journey maps with accurate user quotes and anecdotes to ensure they reflect the authentic user experience and our audience’s specific emotional journey.

Wireframes and Mockups Descriptions

Automation ChatGPT can create descriptions for wireframes and mockups, explaining the purpose of each element and the intended user interactions.

Human designer magic: Designers review and adjust these descriptions to align perfectly with the design vision and user needs. The magic is in the details, where experienced designers ensure every element serves a purpose, the most effective UI element is used, and best practices are followed.

Manual Benefit: Writing descriptions manually ensures that designers thoroughly think through each element’s purpose and user interaction, leading to more intentional and user-centered designs.

Recommendation: Use automation to get the basic steps and frames in quickly then refine the more custom steps manually. Spend less time creating basic wire frames and more time researching just the right UI elements and micro interactions for the job.

Competitive Analysis Reports

Automation: ChatGPT can gather information on competitors and generate comprehensive analysis reports, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Human designer magic: Designers interpret these reports to draw actionable insights and strategic recommendations based on their industry expertise. The magic lies in understanding the competitive landscape and leveraging this knowledge to create innovative solutions that set us apart.

Manual Benefit: Conducting competitive analysis manually allows designers to develop a deeper understanding of the competitive landscape and identify unique opportunities and threats that automated reports might miss.

Recommendation: Manually interpret and analyze competitive data to draw strategic insights and create innovative solutions that stand out.

Usability Test Scripts

Automation: ChatGPT can draft usability test scripts, including test scenarios, tasks, and questions, based on the project goals and user personas.

Human designer magic: Designers refine these scripts to ensure they effectively address the specific research questions and capture the nuances of user interactions. The magic happens when we craft scenarios that truly reflect realworld usage specific to our apps and uncover valuable insights.

Manual Benefit: Developing usability test scripts manually ensures that designers address specific research questions and capture the nuances of user interactions, leading to more effective and insightful usability tests. Refine scripts as testing proceeds based on learning from interviews.

Recommendation: Manually write scripts but use ChatGpt to gut check for bias and refine questions.

User Feedback Summaries

Automation: ChatGPT can analyze user feedback from surveys, interviews, and usability tests to generate summaries and identify common themes.

Human designer magic: Designers review and tailor these specs to ensure they accurately reflect the design intent and technical feasibility. The magic is in bridging the gap between design and development, ensuring our vision is brought to life seamlessly.

Designers dig deeper into this feedback to uncover underlying issues and craft strategic recommendations for improvement. The magic lies in transforming raw data into meaningful insights that are specific to our business and not over generalized.

Manual Benefit :Analyzing user feedback manually allows designers to uncover deeper insights and craft strategic recommendations that address the core issues and enhance the user experience.

Recommendation: Use AI to compare, categorize and do sentiment analysis, bit manually analyze user feedback to uncover deeper insights and craft strategic recommendations for design improvements.

Stay magical designer humans!

The Eisenhower Method: Balancing Investment and User insights

The fastest way to lose support for any User Research initiative is to be dogmatic about doing in-depth research on every project. But for some, It can be challenging to know how or how little to do and how to ensure you’ll have stakeholder buy-in on your project. To streamline this decision-making process and to illustrate to your stakeholders that you are a good partner in reaching the OKRs of your business, I have adapted the Eisenhower Method, a prioritization framework, to evaluate how much or how little research to conduct based on two key factors: investment size and risk level.

The Framework

The framework consists of a simple matrix divided into four quadrants based on two axes: the amount of development and design investment (small or large) and the associated risk (low or high). This creates a comprehensive approach to evaluate the necessity and depth of research needed for each project.

1. Low Risk, Small Investment: In this quadrant, research is minimal. The focus is on identifying if similar problems have been solved by competitors and whether there are established best practices. If the answer is yes, I establish baseline metrics, define key performance indicators (KPIs), and plan to measure outcomes in production. This allows for quick validation without extensive research.

2. Low Risk, Large Investment: Here, I conduct some user research to ensure that the investment is justified. This includes exploring competitors’ solutions and established best practices through non-moderated research methods like prototype studies, surveys, and beta testing. The goal is to gather enough insights to guide the design and development process while mitigating potential risks.

3. High Risk, Small Investment: In this scenario, a bit more research is warranted to ensure that the investment is sound. I delve into some user/UX research, focusing on competitor analysis and established practices. Non-moderated approaches, such as surveys and limited audience releases with in-app prompts for feedback, allow for iterative learning while minimizing resource expenditure.

4. High Risk, Large Investment: This quadrant demands in-depth user/UX research. Here, I prioritize user interviews, prototype testing, and comprehensive surveys to understand user needs and market fit. Utilizing non-moderated methods for open UX questions is essential to gather significant data and mitigate risks associated with large investments.

Conclusion

By applying this adapted Eisenhower Method, I can make informed decisions about the level of research needed for each project based on the size of the investment and the associated risks. This structured approach not only optimizes resource allocation but also ensures that user insights guide the development process effectively, ultimately leading to better product outcomes.

Let's get small: The Power of Micro-interactions

I wrote this analogy for some UX talks I did a few years back.

"Engaging with an app should feel like having a captivating and seamless conversation; each interaction delightfully builds upon the last, creating a harmonious and intuitive dialogue between the user and the brand."

Micro-interactions are vital in UX design because they enhance the user experience through small, engaging moments that facilitate user tasks and provide immediate feedback.Every subtle interaction guides users intuitively through their Jetpack journey, reinforcing task completion with visual or auditory cues that confirm actions have been taken.

By doing so, micro-interactions make the interface feel more alive and responsive and significantly improve usability and satisfaction by smoothing out the user flow and minimizing confusion. This attention to detail can transform a functional product into an enjoyable and memorable experience, encouraging more extended engagement and fostering user loyalty.

How might we bring beautiful interactions into the experience as a standard practice?

 Common Micro-Interactions:

·      Button Hover Effects: Changing color or animation when a user hovers over a button, providing instant visual feedback that the element is interactive.

·      Loading Indicators: Spinners or progress bars while content is loading, signaling that the app is working on something and preventing the user from feeling stuck.

·      Like or Favorite Animations: A heart or star that "pops" or animates when clicked, giving users immediate feedback that their action has been registered.

·      Form Input Validation: Error messages or green checkmarks appear after the user submits a form or enters data, confirming whether the input is valid or needs correction.

·      Push Notifications are brief alerts that inform users of new messages, updates, or other events in real time, keeping them engaged and informed.

Often over-looked micro-interactions

·      Subtle Sound Effects: A faint "click" sound when pressing a button or a soft "whoosh" when swiping through screens can reinforce user actions and add a layer of engagement.

·      Inactivity Nudges: A subtle vibration or gentle visual reminder when the user has been idle, helping them re-engage with the app without feeling nagged.

·      Placeholder Text Disappearing Smoothly: When the user begins typing, the placeholder text in form fields transitions or shrinks into a label, providing clarity and reducing the chance of user confusion.

·      Micro-Animations on Completion: For example, a small confetti effect or badge when a user completes a task adding a sense of achievement without disrupting the experience.

·      Live Search Feedback: Instant, dynamic feedback when typing into a search bar, such as auto-suggestions or results updating in real-time, can enhance the user's confidence in finding what they need.

·      Focus States for Keyboard Navigation: Clear and visible focus indicators (e.g., outlines or highlights) when navigating through an interface using the keyboard (tabbing) ensure users who rely on keyboards can easily track their position within the UI.

·      Text Resizing and Reflow: Smooth transitions when users increase or decrease font size using browser settings or device accessibility features. The interface should reflow content without breaking the layout, ensuring readability for users with visual impairments.

·      Accessible Error Messaging: Form validation feedback should provide both visual cues (e.g., red borders) and descriptive text and be announced by screen readers. Ensure that users who are visually impaired or colorblind still receive clear guidance on how to fix errors.

·      Color Contrast on Hover: Ensuring that any color changes on hover maintain a high contrast ratio to stay legible for users with visual impairments. This includes buttons, links, and other interactive elements that change appearance when hovered.

·      Pause/Play for Animations: The option to pause or turn off animations and motion effects for users with motion sensitivity. Micro-interactions should not overwhelm or trigger discomfort, and users should be able to control these effects for an accessible experience.

Don't Forget Error messaging

o   Be Clear and Specific: Avoid vague messages like “Something went wrong.” Instead, tell the user exactly what the issue is, e.g., “Password must be at least 8 characters” or “Email address is not formatted correctly.”

o   Use Positive and Helpful Language: Instead of framing the message negatively, guide the user toward fixing the error. For example, say “Please enter a valid email address” instead of “Invalid email address.”

o   Place Error Messages Near the Problem: Show the error message next to or within the field where the mistake occurred. This reduces user confusion and makes it easier to correct the issue.

o   Highlight the Problem Visually: Use visual cues like red borders around the input field or bold text to draw attention to the error, but ensure the message is also text-based for screen readers.

o   Provide Solutions: Whenever possible, offer an actionable next step. For instance, if a username is already taken, suggest alternatives like “Username already in use. Try ‘user1234’ instead.”

o   Respect Accessibility: Ensure error messages are screen reader-friendly, have sufficient color contrast, and provide audio alerts for users who might have visual impairments.

o   Allow for Easy Fixes: If an error occurs, make sure the user can correct it without losing previously entered data. For instance, don’t clear the entire form—only flag the field with the error.

Recommended Reading

The Role of Micro-Interactions in Modern UX (Interaction Design Foundation):

Microinteractions: A Guide to Mastering the Smallest Parts of Your Design

Better UX Through Microinteractions (Toptal):

How Microinteractions Improve Your UX Design (InVision):

Sidestepping Bias in Moderated Usability Testing

We often need to test a few different versions (cross-over designs) of the same interface with users to determine which one will work best for them. This approach has some pitfalls.

Here is a quick primer on combating bias when showing users cross-over designs:

Order effects and Anchoring bias: 

The order in which you show the different versions of the same UI can affect user opinions. They might lean toward the first one you show because they saw it first. Or they may prefer that last one because it’s the most recent (recency effect):

How to combat this? Show the versions in a different order to each user or conduct different user sessions for each version.

Contrast effect

When a user “notices” the differences, it can lead to exaggerated opinions on the pros and cons based on how they compare rather than efficiency or effectiveness.

How to combat this? Focus on task-based questions rather than asking preferences. This will prevent users from making broad comparisons.

Consistency Bias:

Once a user has expressed an opinion on something, they may feel the need to be consistent across different versions rather than expressing their true feelings if they, for example, see a different version and change their original opinion.

 How to combat this? Ask indirect questions rather than “Which do you prefer?“

 Example: Looking at this page [design A how might you go about [task 1 ]?

(After a user completes the task) Can you tell me a time when you felt particularly efficient or frustrated using this interface?

 Next: Looking at this page [design b], let’s try to complete the same task. If there were one thing you could change about this interface to help you complete tasks more efficiently, what would it be?

 The goal is to avoid direct references to the other versions.

 Include wash-out periods. A wash-out period is when you give them some time between showing them different versions to allow for a little “reset.” You can also create some “control or dummy tasks” in the wash-out period. Control tasks might be basic functionality tasks or basic Jetpack qual questions. Randomizing also helps with this.

Play

In the weird and wonderful world of creativity, play is not merely a diversion but a profound enabler of innovation and authenticity. As creatives, when we allow ourselves the freedom to play—to engage in our work with the joyful abandon of a child—we unlock a part of ourselves that is unhampered by the fear of failure or the weight of perfectionism.

This playful spirit encourages us to experiment wildly, to make 'bad' things just for the sake of creation. In these moments, when we are least concerned with the outcome, we often stumble upon our most genuine and revolutionary ideas.

Brené Brown often talks about the power of vulnerability in unlocking courage and creativity, and play is the practical application of this concept. To be selectively distractable (yes, I read "Indistractable," a great book. This, however, is a small caveat, an aside, a sweet supplement for you, dear creatives), to let our minds wander among the seemingly trivial, this is where we find the golden threads of creativity.

If you face the daunting wall of creator's block, remember that the most straightforward remedy is to play. Dive into a new hobby, doodle aimlessly, write a silly poem—play. It is not time wasted; instead, it is the essential act of shaking loose the dust from our busy minds, reminding us that at the heart of all creative endeavors is the human spirit, daring to express itself without restraint.

Coincidentally, I started my day by making a goofy jingle for Wednesday. I often write weird little tunes about what I'm doing because I'm a singer and a weirdo. I posted my weird little Wednesday tune on the Design Team's private Slack channel to give my team a laugh.

They took it and ran with it. My heart is full. Filipe started the ball rolling by remixing my initial audio, then I rerecorded it with a click track, and Eder took it the rest of the way home. I was doing a weird thing. Filipe lit the spark of creativity, and Eder jumped in, making it even grander. It was a perfect start to the day and an even better end that has added extra joy to this Wednesday.

So my Wednesday advice? Make great work, but have fun out there.

"Solutioning" vs Identifying a problem

When you write a brief for a project, think about how you word it. Titles matter. You might know how to fix the issue, but do not mix up the solution in your head with the problem. They are not the same thing.

What is a solution?

“We need a modal to show people how to make tomato soup all in one pan.”

…vs. identifying a problem?

“We need to make it more obvious how to make our tomato soup in one pan because we’ve heard several complaints that our soup recipe creates too many dishes.”

We don’t necessarily need to make a modal to solve the problem. Do you see the difference?

Why does it matter?

It matters for a few reasons.

• When you come at a problem with pre-baked solutions, you are less likely to be open to trying different approaches. Designers and engineers both get easily locked into a solution before exploring other options.

• Depending on who you are talking to, they may take your “idea” as a “directive” rather than an idea. Especially if you are in a position of power.

• You cut off creativity and miss out on collaboration.

• It’s human nature not to want to discard hi-fi work (or something we’ve already started coding) even if it’s not the best solution.

• Rushing into solutions can lead to wasted time refining high-fidelity designs or code, only to start over when we realize that the solution won’t work or better ideas surface. Staying in problem-solving mode longer saves development and design time.

I have an idea to solve it, though. Can I propose it?

Of course, we are all encouraged to propose solutions. I’m suggesting a shift in mindset and approach, which includes the following:

Shift your wording instead of

We need a modal to show people how to make tomato soup all in one pan.

...try

We need to make it more obvious how to make our tomato soup in one pan because we’ve heard several complaints that our soup recipe creates too many dishes. One idea is a model that pops up as soon as you see the recipe.

Always start with the problem we are trying to solve and frame your idea as “one idea is…”

Stay open to other ideas.

Giving great design feedback (as a non-designer)

The same rule applies here: first, identify the problem you are trying to solve.

Sound feedback:

The instructions to make the soup all in one pan doesn’t seem prominent enough. I had trouble finding them. The one-pan soup recipe is a significant revenue driver, so we must make that front and center. How might we make it more prominent? Maybe a modal that pops up?

Not as good:

Can we move the soup recipe into a modal that pops up as soon as you hit the page so users see it?

Sound feedback:

Option 2 is more successful because I immediately saw the callout box, clearly showing soup can be made in one pan.

Not as good:

I like Option 2.

Why does it matter?

If you don’t give a solid reason why you like a particular option, we may lose that part you thought was successful in future iterations. Example: A new design happens iteration on Option 2, and the callout box is now very subtle and not easily seen or gone!

To create an environment of free-flowing problem-solving, it’s best to change our mindsets on both ends: the person giving feedback and the person receiving it. This way, both parties are open to full collaboration and don’t get stuck in the proposed solution. It focuses on the problem we are trying to solve for our customers.

Super charging traditional (slow) research methods

How to Make Traditional Research Methods More Agile

Traditional research methods can sometimes feel slow and rigid. However, by adapting these methods to an agile framework, we can unlock valuable insights quickly and more iteratively. Here's a guide to how you can make user interviews, surveys, in-app surveys, and usability studies more agile while still maintaining their effectiveness.

User Interviews

Traditionally, user interviews are seen as time-consuming and are often used in the early stages of a project to gather deep, qualitative insights. However, they can be made more agile by breaking them down into smaller, more focused sessions conducted throughout the design and development phases.

Agile Adaptation:

• Keep them short and focused: Instead of long, in-depth interviews, break them into smaller, targeted micro-studies sessions that focus on specific areas of the user experience.

• Get comfortable with gently guiding users back to the task at hand. If a user starts to wander off into other subjects try saying- "These are amazing insights on (x) subject, do you mind if I follow up with you on that?". Then ask them to return to the task at hand.

• No fishing expeditions! Never ask a user a question in an interview that you are unsure as to how you will use the answer. There is a time and a place for blue sky research, we're talking about making these methods more agile. If you can't verbalize how you'll use the data, leave the quesiton off.

• Use AI tools to help synthesize, group and analyze user interview scripts and videos

• Add qualitative questions for features that are two-three quarters away. Select 1-2 larger open questions that your team has about any intiative, ask user over the course of several studies. When the development starts you should have a “library” of information on that topic.

Surveys

Surveys, whether quantitative or qualitative, can give you attitudinal insights from a broad user base. However, they often suffer from delayed feedback loops due to the time it takes to distribute, gather, and analyze results.

Agile Adaptation:

• Closed ended multiple choice: When trying to understand why users aren’t purchasing a product, it’s common to see a survey question with multiple-choice options and an "other" box. I recommend omitting the "other" option on the first question and only including choices that represent feature changes you're prepared to act on. This helps prioritize your roadmap. Then, follow up with, "Are there any reasons we didn’t list?" but ensure they first select an option from your initial list.

• Quick analysis: Using ai tools for real-time data analysis can help provide actionable insights within each sprint.

Usability Testing

Usability testing is a powerful way to observe users performing tasks in a controlled setting, typically focusing on uncovering friction points.

Agile Adaptation:

• Write clear tasks with a singular purose: For any usabilty study, ensure you ask the user one to two main questions

• Send and play remote testing (on a budget): Write a script that details out 1-3 specific tasks, ask a user to perform specific tasks, talking aloud and recording their thoughts as they work through the tasks and send you the results.

• Iterate within sprints: After each usability test, quickly implement fixes and retest within the same sprint. Remember, you only need 5-10 users to tell you if a UI is easy to use.

Use Diary Studies

Diary studies can provide rich, longitudinal insights, but they don’t have to take months.

Agile Adaptation:

• Set clear, short-term goals for what you want to learn.

• Ask users to record their interactions with your product over a week or two, focusing on specific features that are 6-8 sprints ahead of where your team is. This puts the right information at your fingertips when design/dev starts.

• Provide easy tools (like a simple mobile app or shared document) for users to log their experiences quickly.

Permission to fail

We always need a fresh pair of eyes. It’s not a failure of the designer or dev team when they “miss something”. We are human. We are not machines. Even the most experienced designer will miss something when they are heads down trying to solve a complex problem.

Design Fails?

What is failure as a designer? Missing a margin? Missing a font size? An imperfect user experience?

I have a theory about being a designer. While there are concrete rules that govern good design (using a grid, understanding color theory, creating movement and flow, and using established typographic systems, etc), what makes a design truly great is subjective. Different people have different opinions on which designers are great and which ones are not.

An example from the fine art world: I’m not a big fan of Jackson Pollack’s work, but many consider him one of the greatest artists of all time. While I acknowledge his contribution to the art world, his work doesn’t move me personally.

The subjective nature of what makes a design great can make it hard to feel confident and not be affected by imposter syndrome. It can cause us to overly focus on perceived “failures” of missing details, as those smaller details are easier to measure and agree upon. It can give us that sinking feeling in our chest when a missed detail is pointed out.

Re-writing the narrative

I encourage us all to be the gatekeepers of our own internal dialogue around perceived “misses”. There is a freedom that comes with knowing that while the details are important and we should always strive to create an elevated experience for our users down to the smallest details, those small details are not the inherent value that we, as individuals, bring to the table. That is not the greatness. The greatness, in my humble opinion, is the thing we create together that we could not have made on our own. The greatness is releasing the non-constructive internal perfectionism of the “I” for the collaborative perfectionism of the “We”

Real faces, real impact

Back in my Creative Director/ agency days, one of my clients was the Chicago Public Library. We did a complete redesign and rebuild of their site. It was intense and costly for them (combining old databases, new CMS, you get the idea… a big project).

Good stock photos were outside the budget, but we wanted the site to be about the people the library serves. As the Creative Director on the project, I had to get -well, creative. We contacted friends and family of the staff (and our agency team) and sent an email blast to folks on the library mailing list: a request for photos of them holding their library cards, reading, reading to their kids, etc. The response was beautiful and overwhelming. It was awesome. We got pics from nearly all the varied audiences using the Chicago Public Library website. Prospective buyers can see themselves using a product when they see another customer like them using the product or service. Images are more real to visitors on your site when they reflect familiarity with the target customer.

What about conversion?

We have probably all seen the research showing that photos of young, smiling, beautiful people (especially women) generally convert better than no human face. But what about real faces? Not photoshopped, not edited?

Do pictures of real people convert better than stock images?

Some research says “yes,” they do. Folks have seen lifts of 35% to 45% by switching to real people. As part of the CRO team, I wanted to bring it up as something we may want to try. Plus, it’s just a lovely way to connect with our audience. We could give away a free year of Jetpack Complete or something else enticing in exchange for a real photo and quote to use on our site.

Where does AI fit in?

AI-generated images of people are becoming increasingly sophisticated and lifelike. While these images are more affordable and can be customized easily, how do they compare to photos of real people when it comes to user engagement and conversions?

Several studies suggest that authentic images of actual people consistently outperform AI-generated or stock images regarding user trust and engagement. According to research by VWO, websites using authentic customer images saw conversion rate improvements of up to 45% compared to those relying on stock images or AI-generated faces. The reason is simple: authenticity drives connection. Visitors can distinguish between a real person who genuinely uses a product and an AI-generated or stock image designed to simulate reality. Genuine people create social proof, which helps build trust and brand credibility.

However, AI-generated images have their place, especially in industries where representation diversity is challenging or a personalized user experience is needed at scale. While AI images can be visually appealing and on-brand, they still lack the depth of emotional connection that real photos offer. Users can feel disconnected or skeptical when they sense the image is artificially generated, especially in industries where trust is critical, such as healthcare or financial services.

Resources

1. Why real photos outperform stock images

2. Stock images vs authentic images: does it matter?

3. This just tested: Stock images or real people

4. Do photos of humans increase conversions?

5. Which pictures convert best? Your guide to high-converting images

6. Do photos of people increase e-commerce conversions

7. Nine ways you can boost your website conversion rate

8. Do human landing pages increase website conversions

The Muppet Theory That explains your design org

The Muppet Theory That Explains Your Design Org

Whenever I can combine two of my great passions I’m a happy lady. So today I humbly present Muppets and Personality Theory all rolled up into one in order to illustrate how a little understanding of the members of your design team are inherantly wired can help you optimize and synergize (Yes I made that word up) your teams. The Muppet Theory that Explains Humanity (and it’s spicy follow up The Grand Unified Muppet Theory) is a spot-on take off human personalities. It breaks people into two categories: Order Muppets and Chaos Muppets. While this might sound whimsical, it reveals much about how we interact, collaborate, and thrive in creative spaces—especially in design organizations.

What’s the Muppet Theory?

In a nutshell, the Muppet Theory divides people into two camps:

• Order Muppets like Kermit the Frog or Bert—calm, logical, and structured.

• Chaos Muppets like Animal or Cookie Monster—energetic, unpredictable, and, well, chaotic.

This theory, while funny, captures the essence of how different personalities work together. Spoiler alert: every great design team needs both!

Real Personality Theory: Order & Chaos in Design

If you dig deeper into personality theories, you’ll find parallels with concepts like internal vs. external processing or structured vs. unstructured thinking. Some people need time to reflect before speaking (internal processors), while others brainstorm out loud (external processors). Similarly, some designers thrive in organized environments, while others flourish amid chaos.

In your design organization, this means recognizing and balancing these traits, which can lead to more productive and harmonious teams. Let’s break it down:

Leave Space for the Quiet Muppets

In a room full of loud, enthusiastic Chaos Muppets, it’s easy for the Order Muppets to get drowned out. Internal processors—those who need a moment to think before speaking—are like the quieter Muppets, and if you don’t give them space, their thoughtful insights might never surface. Encourage pauses in meetings or follow up with quieter team members after a discussion to ensure everyone’s ideas are heard.

Pair Opposite Muppets for Positive Change

Just like Kermit keeps Fozzie on track, pairing a meticulous Order Muppet with a big-idea Chaos Muppet can lead to magic. By balancing structure with spontaneity, these seemingly conflicting personalities can bring fresh perspectives and push each other to new creative heights.

However, it’s essential to manage these pairings with care. Too much structure can stifle creativity, and chaos can derail projects. A well-balanced team with complementary styles can lead to innovation while clashing Muppets who aren’t aligned can create unnecessary tension.

Famous Order & Chaos Muppets in Design Orgs

Think about the famous Muppets. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew? Pure Order Muppet. He’s focused, logical, and science-driven—much like a UX designer or a product manager obsessed with the details. Meanwhile, Animal is a total Chaos Muppet—wild, uninhibited, and creative, like a designer who thrives in brainstorming sessions but maybe struggles with deadlines.

In your design organization, people always push for order and keep things on track, while others live for the creative chaos that leads to breakthrough ideas. Recognizing who plays which role on your team can be a game-changer.

Chaos and Order: Welcome to the Mix!

As funny as the Muppet Theory is, there’s a profound truth behind it. Your design org thrives on both chaos and order. That mix of structured problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking leads to the best results. The next time you’re in a meeting that feels like a Muppet Show sketch, remember—it’s probably a sign your team is operating precisely as it should.

Curious Where You Fall? Take the Quiz!

Want to find out if you’re an Order Muppet or a Chaos Muppet? Take this fun quiz and see where you stand: Chaos Muppet or Order Muppet Quiz.

This lighthearted theory might seem quirky, but it holds up when you start thinking about personality differences in the workplace. Embrace the chaos and the order because together, they’ll take your design org to new heights.