Every designer has a moment that stays with them. Mine came from a simple UX mistake that still makes me laugh today. It was not funny in the moment, but looking back, it taught me more than any UX course or workshop ever could. It reminded me that no matter how experienced we become, we all fall into the same traps when we forget to test our assumptions.

How the Mistake Happened?

Like most UX mistakes, this one started with confidence. I was working on a feature that looked simple. A clean flow, clear labels, and a screen that I thought users would understand instantly. I remember thinking, “This is straightforward, they will get it.” That should have been my first sign.

What I Assumed During the Design?

I made the classic assumption. If it makes sense to me, it will make sense to everyone. I designed the flow based on my own understanding instead of watching how users would naturally approach it.

My mind went straight into “solution mode” and I skipped the small checks. I thought the label was obvious, the placement was obvious, and the interaction was obvious. In reality, nothing was obvious.

The Moment Everything Went Wrong

The real moment hit during testing. A user looked at the screen, waited for a few seconds, then said, “So what am I supposed to do here?” I laughed nervously and said, “It is right there.” The user still could not see it.

At that moment, I realised the problem was not with the user. The problem was with me. I had placed the main action in a spot that made sense visually but not practically. The label I thought was clear was actually confusing. And the entire flow depended on a tap that users could not find.

What Users Did That I Never Expected?

What surprised me most was how differently users behaved.

• They ignored the button I thought was the main action?
• They tapped the least important element thinking it was the next step?
• They scrolled even though nothing was below?
• They hesitated because the screen looked too empty?

It was a perfect reminder that users do not behave the way we imagine in our heads.

How I Fixed the Problem?

Fixing it was simple once I accepted the mistake. I moved the main action to a more natural spot. I changed the label so the purpose was clear. I added a small visual cue to guide users.

I tested again. This time, users completed the flow without stopping. They moved confidently through the screen, and the hesitation disappeared.

What This Taught Me About Being a Designer

This mistake taught me something valuable. Even experienced designers fall into the assumption trap. We think like designers, not like users. And when we skip observation, small issues turn into big confusion.

Now, whenever something feels “clear,” I ask myself, “Is it clear because I designed it or because users will understand it?” This one question has saved me from repeating the same mistake.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back, I am glad this mistake happened. It grounded me. It made me more careful. It reminded me that design is not about being perfect. It is about being curious enough to test everything, even the things that look simple. If a user can laugh with me at a mistake, it means I am learning the right way.