Most UX designers are hired to execute. I’m hired to think. And sometimes, to say the uncomfortable things no one else wants to say.
The Unspoken Truth About UX Design
Let’s be honest. A lot of designers, especially early in their careers are afraid to challenge founders, product owners, or clients. Not because they don’t see the flaws but because saying “this might not work” feels risky.
- What if the client gets offended?
- What if I lose the project?
- What if I don’t get paid?
So instead, many designers quietly nod, design what’s requested, deliver the files, collect the paycheck and walk away from a product that might never see real users. I chose a different path.
I Don’t Just Design Ideas: I Expand Them
When a founder comes to me with an idea, I don’t treat it as a fixed destination. I treat it as a starting point. My role isn’t just to design screens or flows. My role is to step into their mind, challenge assumptions, and explore why the idea should exist and how it can scale.
Sometimes that means asking tough questions like:
- Who actually needs this?
- Why would they choose this over what already exists? What makes this idea different enough to survive?
And yes, sometimes that means saying: “This idea, in its current form, won’t find product-market fit.” That’s not negativity, that’s honesty with intention.
The Difference Between ‘Safe UX’ and ‘Impactful UX’
Let me give you a simple example. Imagine a client comes to me and says: “I want to build a calculator app.” Most designers already know the truth: The market is saturated, but many would still design it anyway. I won’t stop there, Instead, I’d say:
“What if this calculator didn’t just give numbers: what if it explained answers in words?” Suddenly, it’s not just a calculator. It could help:
- Students understand math
- People with learning difficulties
- Users who struggle with numbers but understand language better
That’s the difference:
- Same idea.
- New angle.
- Better chance at market fit.
Why I’m Willing to Risk Being Honest
Here’s the thing: I care about the future of the product not just the delivery date. Yes, being honest can feel risky but designing something I don’t believe in feels worse. I’d rather:
- Challenge you early
- Explore disruptive possibilities
- Help you pivot before it’s too late
Than quietly design something beautiful that nobody uses. And ironically, clients respect this more than blind agreement. Because they don’t just get a designer they get a thinking partner.
Thinking Outside the Box? I Prefer Outside the Outside
This approach doesn’t feel forced to me. It’s effortless because I genuinely love:
- Connecting ideas across industries
- Questioning “normal” solutions
- Imagining what could be, not just what’s been done before
UX design, for me, isn’t just about usability. It’s about possibility. And that’s what I bring into every project.
Final Thought
If you’re looking for a UX designer who will simply execute instructions, there are many. If you’re looking for someone who will:
- Speak their mind
- Challenge your assumptions
- Help you find real product market fit
Then we’ll probably work very well together.
