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Start by putting yourself in your users' shoes. Why are…

“Start by putting yourself in your users' shoes. Why are they coming to your site? If you look at most Web sites, you'd presume that the answer is "User is extremely bored and wishes to stare at a blank screen for several minutes while a flashing icon loads, then stare at the flashing icon for a…” quote by Philip Greenspun
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“Start by putting yourself in your users' shoes. Why are they coming to your site? If you look at most Web sites, you'd presume that the answer is "User is extremely bored and wishes to stare at a blank screen for several minutes while a flashing icon loads, then stare at the flashing icon for a few more minutes."”

Philip Greenspun

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates empathy with users, urging designers to understand their motivations and frustrations.

In simple terms: Design with users' perspectives in mind.

Key Takeaway

Create intuitive, engaging experiences.

Themes

user experience empathy design thinking web usability

Mood

thoughtful practical

Type

design strategy

When to use this quote

  • e‑commerce sites
  • SaaS dashboards
  • mobile apps

Key Concepts

personas user journeys friction points

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are users' real goals on your site?
  • How can you reduce perceived waiting times?
A Different Perspective

Assuming boredom may oversimplify diverse user intents.

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