Flag

We stand with Ukraine and our team members from Ukraine. Here are ways you can help

Get exclusive access to thought-provoking articles, bonus podcast content, and cutting-edge whitepapers. Become a member of the UX Magazine community today!

Home ›› Design ›› What Magic Can Teach Us About Empathy in UX

What Magic Can Teach Us About Empathy in UX

by Lukas Mathis
1 min read
Share this post on
Tweet
Share
Post
Share
Email
Print

Save

Jamy Ian Swiss explains how magic and UX live in the same place: the user’s mind.

Great presentation by magician Jamy Ian Swiss, who explains concepts like mental models and storytelling by equating software to magic.

Jamy Ian Swiss at Gel 2009 from Gel Conference.

Jamy Ian Swiss calls himself an “honest liar,” because as a magician, he promises to deceive his audience, and then promptly does. User interface designers are somewhat similar, though probably a bit less honest. We constantly lie to our users about what they actually see. A button on a screen isn’t really a button, it’s a bunch of colored dots. The better we lie to users, to more easily we can convince them that it actually is a button.

So while we may not be as honest as magicians, our lies nevertheless are in the user’s best interest.

post authorLukas Mathis

Lukas Mathis
Lukas Mathis works as a software engineer and user interface designer for a Swiss software company creating workflow management software. He lives in a small village in a remote part of the Swiss Alps. Visit Lukas' website at https://.ignorethecode.net/ or follow him on Twitter @LKM.

Tweet
Share
Post
Share
Email
Print

Related Articles

Discover how venture capital firms are shaping the future of product design — and why experienced design leaders need to be consulted to ensure creativity and strategy aren’t left behind. This article delves into the power VCs hold in talent acquisition and team dynamics, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach to foster true innovation.

Article by Darren Smith
How Venture Capital Firms Are Shaping the Future of Product Design, & Why Design Leaders Need to Be Part of the Solution
  • The article explores how venture capital (VC) firms shape product design by providing startups with critical resources like funding, strategic advice, and network access, but often lack an understanding of design’s strategic value.
  • It discusses the impact of VC-led hiring practices in design, which can lead to misaligned job roles, undervalued design leadership, and teams focused more on output than innovation.
  • The piece calls for a collaborative approach where design leaders work alongside VCs in talent acquisition and strategic planning, establishing design as a key partner to drive product innovation and long-term brand success.
Share:How Venture Capital Firms Are Shaping the Future of Product Design, & Why Design Leaders Need to Be Part of the Solution
8 min read

Discover the journey of design systems — from the modularity of early industrial and printing innovations to today’s digital frameworks that shape user experiences. This article reveals how design systems evolved into powerful tools for cohesive branding, efficient scaling, and unified collaboration across design and development teams. Dive into the history and future of design systems!

Article by Jim Gulsen
A Brief History of Design Systems. Part 1
  • The article offers a historical perspective on design systems, tracing their origins from early modularity concepts in industrial design to the digital era, where they have become essential for consistent user experiences.
  • It highlights the evolution of design systems as organizations sought ways to streamline UI and UX elements, allowing teams to maintain cohesive branding while speeding up development.
  • The piece draws parallels between the development of design systems and pivotal moments in history, especially in print technology, where breakthroughs transformed access and consistency. These precedents show how modern design systems evolved into essential tools for business value.
  • It emphasizes how modern design systems empower teams to scale efficiently, fostering a shared language among designers and developers, and promoting a user-centered approach that benefits both businesses and end-users.
Share:A Brief History of Design Systems. Part 1
16 min read

This article explores how design systems have evolved over the past decade from static guidelines to dynamic tools essential for consistency and efficiency in the digital age. It highlights the growing importance of frameworks that streamline collaboration, support scalability, and ensure cohesive experiences, paving the way for AI-driven design practices.

Article by Jim Gulsen
A Brief History of Design Systems. Part 2
  • This article examines the evolution of design systems in recent years, emphasizing key developments in digital design workflows.
  • It explores how design systems have progressed from static guidelines to dynamic frameworks that drive consistency and scalability across platforms.
  • The piece discusses how design systems empower organizations to enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and maintain cohesive experiences, setting the stage for AI-driven, dynamic design practices of the future.
Share:A Brief History of Design Systems. Part 2
18 min read

Join the UX Magazine community!

Stay informed with exclusive content on the intersection of UX, AI agents, and agentic automation—essential reading for future-focused professionals.

Hello!

You're officially a member of the UX Magazine Community.
We're excited to have you with us!

Thank you!

To begin viewing member content, please verify your email.

Tell us about you. Enroll in the course.

    This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Check our privacy policy and