My credo
Blog post
In this LinkedIn post, I write about the need to trade rigid perfection for human connection. I share my own guiding philosophy of how using intentional imperfection can build product copy that speaks like and to people, enhancing value all around.
Imperfection isn’t a bug, it’s a feature
In products, as in life, imperfection can sometimes lead to exactly what we want to achieve.
Think about Google’s “I’m feeling lucky” or Apple’s “Think different”. They don't follow grammar rules, but evoke emotional reactions that “I feel lucky” or “Think differently” could never match.
In UI design, imperfection can -
Enhance user connection:
Waze’s start screen says: “Where to?”, as a cab driver might ask. Partial sentences can feel human, relatable, and increase positive sentiment.
Provide better guidance:
Sometimes, a little extra text here or breaking pattern consistency there can make all the difference in helping users understand and navigate products. Clarity trumps perfection.
Increase accessibility:
Removing connective words can make products easier to use for everyone, especially people with cognitive or visual impairments. In driving apps - this can also increase safety, since users will spend less time looking at the screen.
Strengthen brand image:
Some of Google’s error messages call out the problem, and then say “That’s all we know.” We’re Google, but even we don’t know everything. Honesty about being imperfect builds trust.
What’s your take on this? Would love to hear your thoughts.
In the pic: my own reminder of the power of imperfection.