Dear (none)Designer,

Welcome back to the sixtieth Design at Scale™ Newsletter – where we explore innovation and how design sparks real change in large organisations and agencies.

For those who study design, names like Jan Tschichold, Adrian Frutiger, and Andy Fletcher, alongside Crow, stand out as unique examples in the graphics design industry. Their influence defines not only the style and techniques, but also the impact design has on society.

Regrettably, the influence of these design icons has faded, not because of innovative minimalism or strong compositions, but due to the rise of simplified, caricature-based user interfaces. This shift is starting to negatively impact the user’s visual literacy. The effect on users extends beyond visuals and information flow—today's navigation models result from overlapping economic interests that clash rather than complement each other, creating confusion.

We now see overlays misused, primary actions replaced with secondary interactions, and large navigation menus on simple sites. Excessive dark patterns exploit user behaviour, pressuring users to buy instead of enabling informed choices. Proven behavioural techniques in retail, transportation, automotive, healthcare, and finance can guide users toward better engagement. Instead, users are overwhelmed by multiple logins, frequent authentications, and repeated confirmations for simple tasks, such as emailing colleagues.

As a result, some users are annoyed, while others accept the situation just to complete their tasks. Global behavioural studies show that, on average, these dark patterns cost us 12 to 16 hours of productive time each week.

1. Password authentication
2. Face recognition
3. One-time passport authentication
4. Microsoft or Google Authenticator
5. RSA authenticator
6. The bank payment confirmation
7. The government ID confirmation
8. Update your password every 30 days
9. Microsoft's policy of not retaining the chat
10. Overwhelming communication software with cluttered groups, subgroups, and individual chats

This repetition of unnecessary security or communication steps results in significant lost time as we try to complete basic work tasks. To overcome daily digital clutter and dark patterns, set yourself up for success by visiting the Design at Scale™ Community for strategies and insights.

For more information, please visit Designa at Scale™ – GRID Magazine, where you can find additional relevant articles that explore high-performing teams, self-organising teams of 001, teams of 010, and teams of 100 that deliver the value proposition within a product-led environment.