In the wake of withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, the article questions the scope of addressing climate change at an individual level.
The piece sheds light on the concept of 'internet emissions' from the usage of digital products and how UX design contributes to it.
The emphasis on increasing user engagement inadvertently leads to heavier page weights, resulting in higher energy consumption for loading web content.
The article presents a dilemma: should engagement metrics be prioritized, intensifying internet emissions, or should a reduction be pursued at the risk of job security?
Four strategies for sustainable design are outlined, focusing on reducing media energy consumption, designing for low data usage, optimizing user journeys, and encouraging sustainable user behavior.
Real-world examples from Netflix, Apple, and various websites showcase implementations of sustainable design practices like low-data modes and energy-efficient features.
The importance of advocating for eco-friendly design practices in UX and the impact it can have on reducing energy consumption and improving user experiences is highlighted.
The article stresses the need for a shift towards intentional design for sustainability rather than the traditional 'more is better' approach in UX design.
By implementing strategies like optimizing user journeys and prioritizing low data consumption, digital products can achieve sustainability without compromising usability.
Overall, the article encourages UX designers to consider the environmental impact of their design choices and align them with sustainable practices for a better future.