Music is something no one fully understands, yet everyone feels.
Art is much the same — often intangible, but deeply personal. As someone who entered the world of design driven by emotion and admiration, I’ve come to realize that the true essence of creativity is being overshadowed in our current era.
I didn’t become a designer because I was taught how. I became one because I was inspired. I used to watch others create — art, graphics, branding, and everything in between. I was captivated not just by their output, but by the stories behind their work. What made them choose that shape? That color? That idea?
Back then, what we admired in college weren’t just designers — we admired the passion, the process, the meaning. These creators rarely spoke about themselves. They talked about their work. The why. The how. And that, to me, was extraordinary.
But fast forward to today, and things feel… different.
When I scroll through social media now, most of what I see isn’t design. It’s influence. Creators aren’t showcasing their craft — they’re showcasing their lifestyle. Their income. Their “freedom.” You come across videos that focus on financial wins, personal milestones, or overnight success — yet rarely show the actual work that led there.
Where did the design go?
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not against making money as a creative. We all want to live well and be recognized for our work. The “starving artist” stereotype should absolutely be left behind. But what’s troubling is this shift in focus — from craft to personal branding. From art to algorithms. We’re creating a generation of designers obsessed with visibility, not with vision.
The ethical dilemma: Where to draw the line?
As a product designer responsible for creating engaging experiences, I often reflect on the decisions I make when building features. Instagram’s success with Reels highlights the delicate balance between engaging users and considering their long-term well-being. In a world driven by business goals and revenue, companies are often more focused on keeping users on the platform than considering whether their products positively impact users’ lives.
But where should we, as product designers, draw the line? How do we prioritize the well-being of users while still achieving business objectives?
The role of digital well-being
The issue of digital well-being is becoming increasingly important as users spend more time on platforms like Instagram. Social media addiction is real, and many users are unaware of the time they lose daily to content that provides little value. Instagram, like many other platforms, uses features like gamification and endless scrolling to ensure users stay engaged for as long as possible, which is great for business but potentially harmful for users.
As designers, we must ask ourselves: Are we building products that enhance users’ lives, or are we simply creating distractions? While user retention is a primary goal, we should also consider ways to promote healthier usage habits. For instance, features that remind users to take breaks or limit their time spent on certain types of content could strike a better balance between engagement and well-being.
Finding balance in design
As I continue my journey as a product designer, I am constantly evaluating the impact of the features I help create. The challenge lies in finding the right balance — retaining users and keeping them engaged while also ensuring their well-being isn’t compromised.
One step towards this balance is raising awareness among designers and businesses about the importance of ethical design. Platforms need to consider whether the features they introduce are truly beneficial to their users or if they are contributing to an unhealthy cycle of digital addiction.
Netflix’s The Social Dilemma offers a thought-provoking exploration of these issues, particularly how social media platforms manipulate user behavior for business gains. It’s a must-watch for anyone in the industry who wants to better understand the ethical challenges we face as designers.