How to apply Art of noticing in UX Design?

I’ve put together a set of exercises that can be integrated into daily workflows to deepen user understanding and create more impactful solutions.

As Walker puts it, “attention is the ultimate currency.” In a fast-moving digital landscape, the best designers, innovators, and problem-solvers aren’t necessarily the ones who work the fastest — they’re the ones who notice the most.

Look Slowly

Walker suggests slowing down to notice details that often go unseen. In UX, this could mean revisiting a product as if you were using it for the first time.

Try:

• Conducting usability testing with a fresh perspective, focusing on micro-frustrations.

• Observing how users naturally interact with a product without interruptions.

2. Follow the Quietest Person in the Room

Not everyone expresses feedback loudly. Some of the most valuable insights come from the users who hesitate to speak up.

As a designer, actively seek out silent users and observe their behaviors. What are they struggling with? What are they avoiding?

3. Notice What’s Missing
Sometimes, what isn’t there is just as important as what is. In product design, gaps in user flows, missing feedback mechanisms, or unaddressed emotional needs can create friction. By intentionally looking for these absences, we can design more seamless and meaningful experiences.

1. Change Your Perspective- Make notes

   

Walker encourages changing angles — literally and figuratively. UX designers can apply this by:

Observing users in different environments and contexts.
Testing products on different devices, under different conditions.
Approaching design critiques with fresh eyes, questioning assumptions.

Bringing Noticing into Innovation and Problem-Solving

Noticing isn’t just about design — it’s an essential skill for innovation. Many breakthrough ideas come not from complex ideation sessions but from simple observations.

Consider following points :
How small behavioural patterns can inspire new product features.
How hidden inefficiencies in workflows can lead to process innovations.
How noticing shifts in cultural trends can help businesses stay ahead.

Conclusion: Designing with a Noticing Mindset
Incorporating the art of noticing into our professional lives allows us to move beyond surface-level observations and create more intentional, user-centric designs.

Whether it’s through deep user research, identifying friction points, or drawing inspiration from unexpected sources, the ability to see more leads to better design, better innovation, and ultimately, better experiences.

So, the next time you’re designing, researching, or problem-solving, take a step back.

Slow down.

Look around.

What do you notice?