Can I copy the design for another product?
We might have heard from other designers or even read that we shouldn’t copy from other products, even the famous big tech companies. But aside from the obvious copyright issue, why not?
This article may seem trivial to experienced designers but for the new designers, without knowing the why behind a rule is essential, it helps in making better decisions. It’s in parenting tricks 101 when you really want the child to stop bad behavior, it is essential to tell them about the consequence of their behavior and also replace the bad behavior with better behavior.
The reasons apply not only to design but the design strategy also. We can’t just copy-paste the design strategy for all our products without proper research to back it up.
So, why can’t we use the same UX strategy and UI design for every product and company?
Some factors to consider -
- The main aim of UI/UX is to solve some problems of our users.
The development of any product or service starts with an idea and a problem that needs to be solved. There is a structure to problem-solving. Each problem is not only going to be unique but the context of the problem is going to be different too.
When Amazon started in 1997, the main aim was to deliver books to people through online orders. Now we are 2021, we expect that products will be delivered to our house, we want a better experience.
Do your own prototype or A/B testing to ensure that a design solution works with your audience before you invest in building it, only to discover that it does not deliver the results you need.
A well designed ride-share app can solve a user’s problem by getting them home safely after a night out with friends but not just that but can help inform users exactly how long the ride will take, being able to share your location and having the option to pay online if you don’t have cash.
“The problem with copying: you have no idea if that solution was successful” Sarah Doody
2. The market and users you are designing for will be different.
First, all the industry matters, if you are copying from another industry then it is a whole different problem you are trying to solve.
Even though Facebook and Snapchat are both social media apps, their design differs based on the users for which they are designing, Facebook is now for the older generation that posts long messages or for news, but Snapchat is for Generation Z and their design shows that.
Even the usage of a gadget differs depending upon the age, our grandparents use the television for news and maybe some over-the-dramatic soap opera ( in the context of the Indian population) but Millenials just cringe over watching such things.
First, specify your market and audience and see the limitations that exist and design specifications that exist.
3. Purpose of your company and its policies
So, what if the problem I am trying to solve is the same as others and users too.
Can I then copy, my competitor, the basics?
Well, if you are designing exactly like your competitor then why should users buy from you? You need to focus on what makes you different, what does your company stands for?
You should focus principles, policies, and purpose of the company and what makes you unique.
4. Big tech companies have certain assumptions
Big companies are able to get away with a bad design because they have already established their space in the market and they also have already built trust with the users. They are also able to iterate faster and adjust the design according to the analytics and user reviews.
The assumption that their design is always right, is wrong even material design.
Apple designs are legendary, but if you see on their page, their price is not readable but that is a choice they made but if you are a new company trying to establish a market or even trying to sell “cheaper alternate to apple” then you need to show your “price”.
5. UI decisions can’t be just copied
If you just copy other’s UI, you might add information that isn’t actually necessary. Without having the research to back your information architecture.
The problem is not only solved in the form of design but also what all needs to be included and what is not necessary.
Miller says that we should constantly be asking “why.” Every button, every paragraph, every element, ask “Why is this important? Why am I adding this?”
If your app just does one thing, there is no need for extra 10 buttons which have no use but just take up space
Finally, any time you design an element within a UI, ask yourself “what problem does this solve?” If you don’t have an answer, that element is probably superfluous.
7. Brand experience should be unique
People identify more with a brand than a product if it is amazing.
If every product in the market is the same, there is no difference in the brand experience and therefore the experience will be very forgettable. You need to stand out from your competition.
8. If you are copying, there is no real innovation happening.
You are not focusing on users anymore but business and end-product and the problems that exist in the industry and experience will keep on going forward without any actual change.
9. User researcher is a whole different field
Research is essential to design a human-centered experience and because it is so important, it is a completely separate field from User Interface.
10. There is no scientific approach to the solution
If you are copying or getting inspired from a design, every time you re-design there is no basis of research on which you are giving the solution.
If there is no scientific approach, every time there are new designers, there is much intuition that you are basing your decisions on.
