Pragmatism is not the enemy of innovation
At first glance, pragmatism and innovation seem quite different, even contradictory. Stay in the box or break out of it; you can’t do both. Business demands innovation, and yet it imposes untold constraints. We want to produce wondrously creative new things that will be received with rousing applause. Yet all our imaginative genius will mean nothing if these things can’t be built and delivered. And so we are torn. Do we prioritize innovation and ignore constraints or do we do whatever it takes to get our products out the door, even if we have to sacrifice what we believe to be the best design?
For the record, I unabashedly state that I am a pragmatic user experience designer. I shouldn’t have to say that, as I believe it is an absolutely essential aspect of all design, especially good design. However, I’ve been challenged on this by others who believe that only by breaking the rules can we truly innovate, and that the ability and willingness to do so is the best evidence of good design, and by extension, a good designer.
On the contrary, I believe that pragmatism and innovation are not enemies, but partners. Each may seem to be its own domain, but only together can we actually deliver on the product of our imagination. Here are a few examples of this partnership in action.
User-Centered Design: A pragmatic approach means focusing on the needs and preferences of the users. This is at the core of good UX design. Creativity and innovation are important, but they should be applied to create solutions that genuinely work for the end-users.
Usability: Pragmatism often leads to designs that prioritize usability and functionality. Innovative ideas should not compromise the fundamental goal of a product or system, which is to be easy to use and effective.
Feasibility: Pragmatism involves considering technical feasibility and resource constraints. It ensures that the innovative design concepts can actually be implemented within the project's limitations.
Evolving Solutions: Pragmatic designers understand that the most innovative solutions don't always have to be groundbreaking. Sometimes, incremental improvements to existing designs can be just as impactful, if not more so, for the users.
Iterative Design: A pragmatic approach often encourages iterative design, so we can continually test and refine ideas. This can lead to incremental innovations that improve the user experience over time.
Real-World Impact: While creative and innovative design is important, the ultimate measure of success is how well a product or design meets real-world needs. Pragmatism ensures that the design is effective and that it makes a positive impact on users' lives.
In essence, pragmatism complements creativity and innovation in UX design. It helps ensure that the user's needs remain at the forefront of the design process and that the final product or experience is both creative and functional. The best UX designers are often those who strike a balance between creative thinking and a pragmatic understanding of the real-world constraints—imposed by business, engineering, and other domains—and user requirements.
The relationship between these two seemingly contradictory principles is a fundamental aspect of successful and effective design. Balancing creativity and practicality is key to delivering products and experiences that not only push boundaries but also meet the real-world needs of users. Here are some additional points that underscore the importance of this partnership:
Risk Mitigation: Pragmatism helps manage and mitigate risks associated with overly ambitious or unfeasible design concepts. It ensures that the innovative ideas are grounded in reality, reducing the chance of costly failures.
Sustainability: Pragmatism often considers the sustainability of designs. Innovative solutions should not only meet immediate user needs but also be sustainable and adaptable for the long term.
Market Relevance: A purely creative approach may lead to designs that are detached from market demands. Pragmatism ensures that the design remains relevant and competitive within the existing market landscape.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Successful design often involves collaboration across various disciplines such as engineering, marketing, and business. Pragmatism is essential for effective communication and cooperation between these teams.
User Feedback: A pragmatic approach encourages user testing and feedback, which is critical for refining and enhancing the user experience. This feedback loop can lead to more innovative and user-friendly designs.
Incorporating pragmatism in design doesn't mean stifling creativity or compromising on innovation. Instead, it ensures that creative ideas are translated into practical and functional solutions. The best designs often arise when designers embrace both the imaginative and the practical aspects of their work, ultimately creating products and experiences that are not only innovative but also user-centric, sustainable, and aligned with real-world constraints.
Yes, let your imagination run wild. Yes, explore all possibilities and push against what has come before to seek a better experience for users. But bring those good ideas back to reality, not to neuter them of their brilliance, but to transform them into something truly innovative and effective that neither approach alone could have foreseen.
