Scrambled eggs & UX

Every morning at around 7:45 am, I make delicious fluffy scrambled eggs for my wife and myself.

One Monday morning, my 5-year-old daughter decided she wanted to try my scrambled eggs. As I put the very first bite in her mouth, her little eyes grew 3 times like the Grinch’s heart. It was love at first taste.

For the next week, she had scrambled eggs for breakfast. I knew she loved them because after every bite followed a huge smile and a high-pitched mmmm that woke up the rest of the house.

It went even as far as her making a Father’s Day gift that answered the question, “what do you love most about your dad?”. Her answer was “I love that he makes me eggs.” It was a big deal.

I got up one morning and my daughter happened to be still sleeping so I did not make eggs for her.

As I was finishing up washing the pan, I heard little footsteps coming down the hallway. A little head popped out from behind the wall and said in her tiny morning voice, “Daddy, where are my eggs?”.

I stood there like a deer in headlights.

I tried to speak but every time I did, it was like my words were falling down the stairs. There was no hope.

Before I knew it, there was a pool of tears flooding our kitchen from the meltdown of a lifetime.

This is the power of keeping things familiar.

My daughter got used to the morning scrambled eggs and when they weren’t there, her whole little 5-year-old world fell apart.

As experience makers, keeping things familiar is critical. The experiences we create can build or tear down trust within a few seconds.

A few months back I had to visit the dentist’s office. Anyone who’s been to the dentist knows that your blood pressure rises to abnormal levels. It’s not a fun merry-go-round with rainbow-colored lollipops in hand. It’s stressful. But they know this. They’ve mastered the art of helping you relax. Cozy couches in the lobby, soft music, complimentary beverages, a TV with Netflix ready to go. It feels like you’re at home!

When we keep our designs familiar, it allows the user to feel safe and at home.

As we create a safe place for them, this increases confidence. Confidence makes the user feel empowered. And this builds trust.

I’d love to hear how you make your designs familiar. Let’s start a conversation!