The Magic of Appreciation in User Experience Design

The Magic of Appreciation: Designing Experiences that Truly Value People

One universal truth is that: people seek appreciation. It’s not just about recognition, it’s about seeing their intrinsic value. The word “appreciation” is defined as “the act of enjoying good qualities”, and in design that translates to creating experiences where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Here’s what I’ve learned about incorporating appreciation into product and experience design:

To Appreciate Is to Value, Not Overlook

Whether it’s a user interface or a customer support flow, treating people as “just another user” diminishes their experience. Instead, emphasize human connection and personalization. Remember, humans don’t want to be addressed as “everyone else”; they must feel like the center of your design.

Success Is Shared

Dr. Pierce P. Brooks once shared that the success of his insurance company came from the mantra: “We appreciate our employees.” The same principle applies to UX. Success isn’t just about what your product achieves; it’s about how it enables others to succeed.

In your designs: Celebrate user milestones, highlight their contributions, and provide feedback that reinforces their value.

Small Gestures, Big Impact

A simple “thank you” message, a tailored greeting, or even recognition of user wait times can go a long way. Just like a bee is attracted to nectar, users are attracted to products that tend to their inherent need to be valued.

Act as If Every User Is Special

Generic interactions won’t cut it. Customization is no longer optional, it’s essential. Whether you’re writing error messages or designing onboarding flows, speak to the individual, not the crowd.

Case in point: Replace impersonal, generic greetings like ”Dear User” with “Hello [Name]!” You’ll see engagement soar.

Lessons from Nature: Offer the Honey

Nature teaches us that what attracts is what fulfills. When we offer the “honey” users seek, be it convenience, recognition, or delight, they stay and thrive.

Design takeaway: Focus on user needs and desires. Make their journey intuitive, rewarding, and enjoyable.

In the end, great design is about more than functionality, it’s about fostering connection. Let’s move beyond the generic “users” and recognize the unique human behind every interaction. By designing with gratitude, we don’t just build products, we build trust, loyalty, and a long-term relationship with the people that matter most.

Much love.

//Rez