Collision Course
Picture yourself in a glitzy 1950s car. As you buckle up, get ready to witness a horror show like no other.
The car designers' flamboyant and overdesigned interiors created an illusion of invincibility, luring consumers into a false sense of safety.
In a chilling era where seat belts were dismissed as optional accessories, safety was nothing but an afterthought. Imagine hurtling down the highway, encapsulated in a dazzling metal shell, with nothing more than hope as your protection. Stepping inside one of these automotive marvels was akin to stepping into a sinister game of Russian roulette.
The collision data could have revealed the potential hazards. But the car manufacturers, driven by profit and competitiveness, kept the collision data to themselves. They saw no incentive to reveal the grim realities of accidents involving their vehicles. Instead, they marketed cars as symbols of status and luxury, creating an allure akin to fashion.
This tale of terror is not confined to the past; big tech companies let this deadly legacy resonate in their products today, knowing we are on a deadly collision course that we could still steer away from. Instead, they train their designers to find new manipulative tactics to keep users engaged, often at the expense of well-being.
Take the Infinite scroll, luring users into a captivating yet perilous experience, much like the flashy car designs of the 1950s. With each scroll, users are instantly rewarded with new content, this constant gratification triggers dopamine release in the brain, creating an addictive loop that compels users to continue scrolling.
As users keep scrolling, they become less conscious of the time spent on the platform, falling victim to the 'sunk cost fallacy' and reluctant to leave, even after just a few minutes. The never-ending nature of the infinite scroll can contribute to addictive behaviors, reduce focus and productivity, and exacerbate issues like social comparison and feelings of inadequacy.
Every designer should know that we have the power to shape the world for the better. Let's take inspiration from history and learn from the mistakes of the past. It's time to prioritize ethical design practices and consider the long-term consequences of our creations.
Ponderland is a one-person design studio, committed to creating responsible design solutions and harnessing their potential for change.
Do these values resonate with yours? Get in touch and let's collaborate to create meaningful change together. You can also explore my design work here.
