Summary:

Polish, often discussed in relation to craft and quality, plays a crucial role in the design process. This article by Matthew Ström delves into the concept of polish, exploring its nuances in UX. Through a Twitter interaction and personal reflection, the author sheds light on the subtle yet significant aspects of polish that elevate a product’s aesthetic and functionality.

Important Quotes:

Polish is something only the person who creates it will notice. It’s a paradox; polishing something makes it invisible."

"A monk asked a zen master, ‘Does a dog have Buddha-nature?’ The master answered ‘無’. It’s a negation of something, and in the koan’s case, it’s the master’s way of saying there’s no point in answering the question."

"Next time you flip a wall switch or plug something into an outlet, take a second and look at the t..."

Main Arguments:

• Polish is a subtle quality that may go unnoticed by users but is essential for enhancing overall user experience.

• The act of polishing something can paradoxically render it invisible, making it a challenging concept to define and discuss overtly.

• Attention to detail, consistency in design patterns, and the integration of hierarchy and color are key elements of achieving polish in an app or product.

Conclusion:

Overall, polish represents the meticulous attention to detail and refinement that distinguishes great design/development from good. While polish may seem intangible, its presence is felt profoundly in the UX of a well-crafted product.