As product designers, we’re wired to chase creativity.
We want to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and craft something unique every time we sit down to design. And that’s great. Exploring multiple directions and trying out variations is often part of the process.
But here’s something I’ve come to realize: not everything we design has to be radically new.
Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. The one that already exists.
There’s a reason design patterns exist
Design patterns have evolved over time. They’ve been tested, refined, adopted, and improved — across platforms, products, and industries. And more importantly, users are familiar with them.
The mental models are already built. The expectations are already set. And when we work with those patterns instead of against them, things just flow better.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try new things. But it does mean we should be intentional about when we do.
It’s not about being original, it’s about being useful
Our job as product designers isn’t to reinvent the wheel every time. It’s to solve problems. To make interactions intuitive. To reduce friction. To make things clear.
Sometimes that means creating something fresh and exciting.
Other times, it just means helping users get from point A to point B, without making them think too hard.
And honestly? That’s still a win.
Clarity over cleverness
When we chase novelty just for the sake of it, we risk confusing the user. We add complexity. We slow them down. And in most products, that’s the opposite of what we want.
So even if a design solution doesn’t feel “new” or “exciting,” if it does the job well, that’s success.
Because what really matters is helping the user, moving the needle, growing the product (and the business).
Innovation should have a purpose
Now don’t get me wrong. Innovation is important. But it needs to be meaningful. It should make sense in the context of the product, the user’s needs, and the business goals.
Innovate when it adds value.
Otherwise, lean into what already works. There’s no shame in that. In fact, it often shows maturity in design thinking: knowing when to build something new and when to rely on something familiar.
Good design isn’t always flashy. It’s thoughtful. Intentional. And often invisible.
So the next time you’re staring at a blank Figma file, remember: you don’t always need a breakthrough idea. Sometimes, all you need is a clear, usable, and effective solution.
And that’s more than enough.
Want to discuss anything and everything design? Let’s connect on LinkedIn, or explore my work on my portfolio.
#NeverStopLearning 🚀
Reinventing the wheel sounds cool, but solving the problem is cooler was originally published in UX Planet on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
