UX Design is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from a mix of established practices across various fields. Because of this broad foundation, defining a clear scope for UX work can be challenging. This has led to the emergence of multiple valid theories and approaches, each offering a different perspective on what UX work entails. The variability in definitions and methodologies invites an important question: How does this ambiguity influence the field?

With so many interpretations, UX has become a space where professionals—whether designers, researchers, or others—often feel the need to validate their own approach as superior. This can sometimes steer focus away from the true purpose of UX: serving the user. Instead, the emphasis shifts toward gaining approval from algorithms, design communities, or peers—often at the cost of actual user-centred design. Is this selfish? In some ways, yes. But it also stems from the pressures and incentives shaped by the systems we operate within.

Let’s talk about roles for a moment. Organisations define information work in various ways, assigning titles, responsibilities, and influence differently. This often sparks debates, especially around overlapping roles like UX and UI designers, where more energy goes into splitting definitions than understanding impact.

Take Shopify, for example. They recently simplified titles, turning “UX Designer” into just “Designer.” Harmless, right? It’s just dropping a “U” and an “X.” But here’s the catch: the “U,” which stands for “User,” is no longer the designer’s responsibility. That responsibility now shifts to AI, a move that points to a deeper issue: when job titles matter more than the actual impact, design becomes self-centred. The results may be visually appealing and business-friendly, but the user’s needs risk being sidelined. Whether this approach succeeds remains to be seen—Shopify’s journey will be one to watch.

That explains the reasoning behind what makes us act selfishly — but what happens when we do act selfishly? How does it impact our community, our work, the products we create, and ultimately, the user? The first casualty is the community itself, where emerging designers are forced to navigate conflicting perspectives, often feeling the pressure to form their own. All it takes is one quote from a well-known designer—someone admired and widely followed—to shape and influence this path for many:

"Now, having an opinionated design is crucial for standing out.

My main concern is when we pursue opinionated design, are we sometimes creating problems just to justify the opinion? A great example right now is Apple’s liquid glass. They have clearly created something bold, unique, and visually distinct. It is a strong case of opinionated design. But what did it cost? Accessibility was pushed aside. Yes, they might improve it later, but it is clear that accessible design was not the priority. The focus was on making a statement.

While the design community may be left in confusion, businesses and products often gain from opinionated design through greater visibility and reach. Designers enjoy the spotlight and recognition. But what about the users? I’ve always believed UX is rooted in empathy, and for me, usability has always been the priority. Still, we’ve all made decisions simply because they felt right. We’re all guilty of that. In the end, it comes down to what we choose to prioritize. I believe we should put people, technology, and their relationship above algorithms, reach, and personal taste. This is just my perspective, a design opinion I’m advocating like everyone else making me very SELFISH.