The obsession with methods in UX

"You cannot create experience. You must undergo it." – Albert Camus — Stokefire Branding (@stokefire) enero 25, 2014

It's true that sometimes in UX we focus too much on following the methodology, meticulously performing the predefined steps and then meaning of our work gets lots between all those forms that control the progress of our deliverables. Hasn't this happened to you? Even if we accomplish our goals, like getting the project done on time, on budget and having all the stakeholders' perspectives into account while doing it, something important gets lost along the way, that is our personal touch, our understanding of the situation. That's why I think it is important that, with the constant practice, the structure of the method gives way to the flow of the craft. I think the obsession with methods is detrimental to work performance and satisfaction. Think of it this way: People who white books and define methods do so because they want to share what they do, but what they write is not exactly what they do, because experience is impossible to transmit.

Don't just design the experience, design the memory of the experience.

It's the same with a book, you write all the details, you work out the last pixel, but that's not what will be remembered, so you have to really make that the important parts are pregnant enough to be remembered, and that's what your users will remember, that' s why the will comeback to the site. And it's the same with books about design, only the important parts will be practiced. As a designer it's important not to enforce your process too much, allow experimentation and permit autonomy in your team.