Brutal Design by Default

Brutal Design by Default

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The myth of 7
Most of us know the rule of seven. It has been repeated for decades as if it were law. But the real study told a different story, and the truth is far…
 • Mikael Cedergren
Letter from a user
I don’t give a shit about your product. I only notice what it gives me in the moment, so make it clear and easy to use.
 • Mikael Cedergren
Why natural language matters
Humans think in shortcuts and fuzzy approximations. Machines demand precision. Design’s job is to bridge that gap so both sides feel understood.
 • Mikael Cedergren
What’s a designer, and why do you need one?
Imagine a world stripped of brands, colors, and stories. Life would still function, but it would feel flat, silent, and almost dystopian. That’s the…
 • Mikael Cedergren
UX directives – a simple guide to how to create good UX
Good design is invisible. It works without pause, without hesitation, without confusion. Bad design breaks the flow, adds friction, and leaves a mark.
 • Mikael Cedergren
UI and UX – two sides of the same coin
UI doesn’t make sense without UX. The way something looks shapes the way people interact with it, which is why these roles naturally belong together.
 • Mikael Cedergren
The most common UX mistakes
A great user experience isn’t about beauty alone. It’s about clarity, effortlessness, and avoiding the small missteps that frustrate users and drive…
 • Mikael Cedergren
The key to understanding your client
Understanding a client goes beyond asking questions. It’s about reading between the lines, uncovering their real needs, and sometimes getting creative…
 • Mikael Cedergren
Relative vs absolute time
You’re scrolling through messages and see a marker like 3h ago or yesterday. It slips by without effort, part of the rhythm of reading. But when you hit…
 • Mikael Cedergren
How to make your creative team love the work
Leading a creative team is not just about good work. It is about trust, vision, and inspiring people to thrive together.
 • Mikael Cedergren
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