Essayes of natural experiments made in the Academie del cimento, under the protection of the Most Serene Prince Leopold of Tuscany, 1684
Taking care of our own well-being is the first step to designing for others.
Lately, I’ve noticed a troubling trend: many of my friends and colleagues in UX are considering leaving the field. They feel exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed. Some even feel that their work is becoming meaningless.
This isn’t just anecdotal. Many of the teams I’ve worked with over the past year are facing the same struggle. AI is speeding up processes, while CFOs and marketing teams dictate design goals. Priorities shift constantly, leaving designers feeling like they’re shooting in the dark.
But this trend isn’t new. Between 2016 and 2021, Alex Wright’s research uncovered a deeper issue: as UX grows, roles within it are becoming more restricted. Designers’ responsibilities are shrinking as multi-functional teams take over, resulting in a landscape of sameness and conformity. Creativity suffers, and designers are forced to rely on pre-made solutions, sacrificing originality for speed. The result? Generic products, burnout, and more noise in the battle for users’ attention.
Moreover, designers are finding it increasingly difficult to incorporate long-term perspectives into their work. For many, this isn’t just a professional frustration—it’s personal. There’s often a conflict between their values—what they believe design should be—and the work they’re being asked to do.
Ancient of Days Setting a Compass to the Earth (1794) illustration from Europe: a Prophecy by William Blake
But here’s the thing: UX practitioners are uniquely positioned to drive change. The answer isn’t abandoning the field—it’s about integrating calming practices into both the design process and the products we create. I call this Calm Thinking—pausing the endless loop of interactions to reflect and regenerate.
In my experience, calm design leads to less stress, more fulfillment, and better outcomes. Prioritizing well-being—both for ourselves and the users—allows us to create products that stand out while staying true to our values.
So, before you consider leaving, try a regenerative approach. Calm design isn’t just about creating peaceful experiences; it’s about designing in a calm way. Take a break, calm yourself, and return to your work with renewed focus.
Whether it’s walking, mindfulness, journaling, yoga, or even yelling into a pillow, find what helps you reset. Personally, I do a mix of all these and more!
