Dane O’Leary
@daneoleary.bsky.social
Brand & Web/UX Designer | Cinephile | Design Nerd
Dark patterns convert in the short-term.
But they break trust in the long-term.
UX isn’t just about usability—it’s about respect.
Don’t trick users.
Earn their trust.
What dark pattern do you keep spotting?
#uxdesign #ethicaldesign #darkpatterns
But they break trust in the long-term.
UX isn’t just about usability—it’s about respect.
Don’t trick users.
Earn their trust.
What dark pattern do you keep spotting?
#uxdesign #ethicaldesign #darkpatterns
April 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Dark patterns convert in the short-term.
But they break trust in the long-term.
UX isn’t just about usability—it’s about respect.
Don’t trick users.
Earn their trust.
What dark pattern do you keep spotting?
#uxdesign #ethicaldesign #darkpatterns
But they break trust in the long-term.
UX isn’t just about usability—it’s about respect.
Don’t trick users.
Earn their trust.
What dark pattern do you keep spotting?
#uxdesign #ethicaldesign #darkpatterns
What makes a website feel premium?
Not just how it looks—but how it works.
This week I broke down 10 design traits that elevate perception, build trust, and drive user confidence. From layout to motion to trust signals.
#webdesign #ux #branding
Not just how it looks—but how it works.
This week I broke down 10 design traits that elevate perception, build trust, and drive user confidence. From layout to motion to trust signals.
#webdesign #ux #branding
April 15, 2025 at 11:28 AM
What makes a website feel premium?
Not just how it looks—but how it works.
This week I broke down 10 design traits that elevate perception, build trust, and drive user confidence. From layout to motion to trust signals.
#webdesign #ux #branding
Not just how it looks—but how it works.
This week I broke down 10 design traits that elevate perception, build trust, and drive user confidence. From layout to motion to trust signals.
#webdesign #ux #branding
Most design teams lack balance—and it shows.
This week I broke down the 3 types of designers every team needs (and how to spot them in interviews).
You don’t need clones. You need complementary minds.
Check my LinkedIn for an in-depth breakdown ✌🏼😎🖤
#uxdesign #hiring #designleadership
This week I broke down the 3 types of designers every team needs (and how to spot them in interviews).
You don’t need clones. You need complementary minds.
Check my LinkedIn for an in-depth breakdown ✌🏼😎🖤
#uxdesign #hiring #designleadership
April 14, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Most design teams lack balance—and it shows.
This week I broke down the 3 types of designers every team needs (and how to spot them in interviews).
You don’t need clones. You need complementary minds.
Check my LinkedIn for an in-depth breakdown ✌🏼😎🖤
#uxdesign #hiring #designleadership
This week I broke down the 3 types of designers every team needs (and how to spot them in interviews).
You don’t need clones. You need complementary minds.
Check my LinkedIn for an in-depth breakdown ✌🏼😎🖤
#uxdesign #hiring #designleadership
UX is problem-solving. But first:
→ Who’s the user?
→ What’s their goal?
→ What’s the pain?
→ How do we measure success?
These are some of the questions I ask every client before I start designing anything…
#uxdesign #freelance #strategy
→ Who’s the user?
→ What’s their goal?
→ What’s the pain?
→ How do we measure success?
These are some of the questions I ask every client before I start designing anything…
#uxdesign #freelance #strategy
April 10, 2025 at 12:56 PM
UX is problem-solving. But first:
→ Who’s the user?
→ What’s their goal?
→ What’s the pain?
→ How do we measure success?
These are some of the questions I ask every client before I start designing anything…
#uxdesign #freelance #strategy
→ Who’s the user?
→ What’s their goal?
→ What’s the pain?
→ How do we measure success?
These are some of the questions I ask every client before I start designing anything…
#uxdesign #freelance #strategy
Creative burnout often starts Sunday night.
It’s not just the workload—it’s the preload.
Mental tabs opening. Anxiety creeping in.
We need to normalize rest. Recharging is part of the job.
How do you reset before the week starts?
#creativeburnout #uxlife #sundayreset
It’s not just the workload—it’s the preload.
Mental tabs opening. Anxiety creeping in.
We need to normalize rest. Recharging is part of the job.
How do you reset before the week starts?
#creativeburnout #uxlife #sundayreset
April 6, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Creative burnout often starts Sunday night.
It’s not just the workload—it’s the preload.
Mental tabs opening. Anxiety creeping in.
We need to normalize rest. Recharging is part of the job.
How do you reset before the week starts?
#creativeburnout #uxlife #sundayreset
It’s not just the workload—it’s the preload.
Mental tabs opening. Anxiety creeping in.
We need to normalize rest. Recharging is part of the job.
How do you reset before the week starts?
#creativeburnout #uxlife #sundayreset
Good design is invisible—but designers shouldn’t be.
It’s not ego to show your process, share your thinking, and advocate for your work.
👉 How are you making your design more seen?
#uxdesign #designthinking #visibilitymatters
It’s not ego to show your process, share your thinking, and advocate for your work.
👉 How are you making your design more seen?
#uxdesign #designthinking #visibilitymatters
April 5, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Good design is invisible—but designers shouldn’t be.
It’s not ego to show your process, share your thinking, and advocate for your work.
👉 How are you making your design more seen?
#uxdesign #designthinking #visibilitymatters
It’s not ego to show your process, share your thinking, and advocate for your work.
👉 How are you making your design more seen?
#uxdesign #designthinking #visibilitymatters
Figma doesn’t use the word “design tokens”—but its Variables are how you build them.
Define colors, spacing, typography once. Apply them everywhere.
Update globally. Hand off easily.
Design smarter. Scale faster.
#figmafriday #figma #uxdesign #designsystems #variables
Define colors, spacing, typography once. Apply them everywhere.
Update globally. Hand off easily.
Design smarter. Scale faster.
#figmafriday #figma #uxdesign #designsystems #variables
April 4, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Figma doesn’t use the word “design tokens”—but its Variables are how you build them.
Define colors, spacing, typography once. Apply them everywhere.
Update globally. Hand off easily.
Design smarter. Scale faster.
#figmafriday #figma #uxdesign #designsystems #variables
Define colors, spacing, typography once. Apply them everywhere.
Update globally. Hand off easily.
Design smarter. Scale faster.
#figmafriday #figma #uxdesign #designsystems #variables
When a project stalls, try this:
1. Revisit the goal
2. Ask: Where’s the friction?
3. Change the format
4. Talk to users
It’s not always about pushing harder.
Sometimes you just need a new perspective.
#uxdesign #creativity #strategy
1. Revisit the goal
2. Ask: Where’s the friction?
3. Change the format
4. Talk to users
It’s not always about pushing harder.
Sometimes you just need a new perspective.
#uxdesign #creativity #strategy
April 3, 2025 at 12:38 PM
When a project stalls, try this:
1. Revisit the goal
2. Ask: Where’s the friction?
3. Change the format
4. Talk to users
It’s not always about pushing harder.
Sometimes you just need a new perspective.
#uxdesign #creativity #strategy
1. Revisit the goal
2. Ask: Where’s the friction?
3. Change the format
4. Talk to users
It’s not always about pushing harder.
Sometimes you just need a new perspective.
#uxdesign #creativity #strategy
Top 10 client red flags (from painful experience):
• “Just something simple…”
• “We’ll know it when we see it.”
• No business clarity
• No contract
• Scope creep + rate drops
• Doesn’t believe in marketing
Add yours below.
#freelance #design #ux
• “Just something simple…”
• “We’ll know it when we see it.”
• No business clarity
• No contract
• Scope creep + rate drops
• Doesn’t believe in marketing
Add yours below.
#freelance #design #ux
April 2, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Top 10 client red flags (from painful experience):
• “Just something simple…”
• “We’ll know it when we see it.”
• No business clarity
• No contract
• Scope creep + rate drops
• Doesn’t believe in marketing
Add yours below.
#freelance #design #ux
• “Just something simple…”
• “We’ll know it when we see it.”
• No business clarity
• No contract
• Scope creep + rate drops
• Doesn’t believe in marketing
Add yours below.
#freelance #design #ux
AI can generate layouts, copy, even design systems.
But great design needs:
✅ Taste
✅ Context
✅ Storytelling
✅ Judgment
Tools help you go faster.
Humans decide what matters.
#design #ux #ai #creativity
But great design needs:
✅ Taste
✅ Context
✅ Storytelling
✅ Judgment
Tools help you go faster.
Humans decide what matters.
#design #ux #ai #creativity
April 1, 2025 at 12:48 PM
AI can generate layouts, copy, even design systems.
But great design needs:
✅ Taste
✅ Context
✅ Storytelling
✅ Judgment
Tools help you go faster.
Humans decide what matters.
#design #ux #ai #creativity
But great design needs:
✅ Taste
✅ Context
✅ Storytelling
✅ Judgment
Tools help you go faster.
Humans decide what matters.
#design #ux #ai #creativity
Minimalist UIs often fail accessibility.
Worst offender?
Links styled with color only. Colorblind users may miss them.
✅ Use 2 of 3:
• Color
• Font weight
• Underline or border
Function > Form. Design for everyone.
#uxdesign #accessibility #usability #a11y
Worst offender?
Links styled with color only. Colorblind users may miss them.
✅ Use 2 of 3:
• Color
• Font weight
• Underline or border
Function > Form. Design for everyone.
#uxdesign #accessibility #usability #a11y
March 31, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Minimalist UIs often fail accessibility.
Worst offender?
Links styled with color only. Colorblind users may miss them.
✅ Use 2 of 3:
• Color
• Font weight
• Underline or border
Function > Form. Design for everyone.
#uxdesign #accessibility #usability #a11y
Worst offender?
Links styled with color only. Colorblind users may miss them.
✅ Use 2 of 3:
• Color
• Font weight
• Underline or border
Function > Form. Design for everyone.
#uxdesign #accessibility #usability #a11y
If the brief is chaos, here’s my 3-step fix:
1. Translate vague asks into user goals
2. Find the one real objective
3. Rewrite it for yourself in 2 clear sentences
You don’t need perfect input—you need a process.
How do you simplify messy briefs?
#uxdesign #designprocess #clientwork
1. Translate vague asks into user goals
2. Find the one real objective
3. Rewrite it for yourself in 2 clear sentences
You don’t need perfect input—you need a process.
How do you simplify messy briefs?
#uxdesign #designprocess #clientwork
March 30, 2025 at 1:32 PM
If the brief is chaos, here’s my 3-step fix:
1. Translate vague asks into user goals
2. Find the one real objective
3. Rewrite it for yourself in 2 clear sentences
You don’t need perfect input—you need a process.
How do you simplify messy briefs?
#uxdesign #designprocess #clientwork
1. Translate vague asks into user goals
2. Find the one real objective
3. Rewrite it for yourself in 2 clear sentences
You don’t need perfect input—you need a process.
How do you simplify messy briefs?
#uxdesign #designprocess #clientwork
Most brand guidelines fail because they focus on rules, not real-world use.
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
March 27, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Most brand guidelines fail because they focus on rules, not real-world use.
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
Most brand guidelines fail because they focus on rules, not real-world use.
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
March 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Most brand guidelines fail because they focus on rules, not real-world use.
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
✅ More examples, less theory
✅ More flexibility, less rigidity
✅ More usability, less fluff
Good systems don’t just protect the brand—they enable it.
#branding #uxdesign #designsystems
PX, EM, REM, %, VW, VH, FR—ever feel like CSS units are a guessing game?
Use:
• REM for text
• EM for components
• PX for icons
• % for flexible widths
• VW/VH for viewport layouts
• FR for grid columns
Which one still confuses you? #css #ux #webdesign
Use:
• REM for text
• EM for components
• PX for icons
• % for flexible widths
• VW/VH for viewport layouts
• FR for grid columns
Which one still confuses you? #css #ux #webdesign
March 25, 2025 at 12:40 PM
PX, EM, REM, %, VW, VH, FR—ever feel like CSS units are a guessing game?
Use:
• REM for text
• EM for components
• PX for icons
• % for flexible widths
• VW/VH for viewport layouts
• FR for grid columns
Which one still confuses you? #css #ux #webdesign
Use:
• REM for text
• EM for components
• PX for icons
• % for flexible widths
• VW/VH for viewport layouts
• FR for grid columns
Which one still confuses you? #css #ux #webdesign
Messy layouts? Your grid system might be the issue:
🔹 Use 8px spacing for consistency.
🔹 Mobile = 4 columns, desktop = 12 columns.
🔹 Margins & gutters let layouts breathe.
🔹 Adjust for responsiveness.
🔹 Break the grid (intentionally).
#uxdesign #webdesign #uidesign #gridsystem #designstrategy
🔹 Use 8px spacing for consistency.
🔹 Mobile = 4 columns, desktop = 12 columns.
🔹 Margins & gutters let layouts breathe.
🔹 Adjust for responsiveness.
🔹 Break the grid (intentionally).
#uxdesign #webdesign #uidesign #gridsystem #designstrategy
March 24, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Messy layouts? Your grid system might be the issue:
🔹 Use 8px spacing for consistency.
🔹 Mobile = 4 columns, desktop = 12 columns.
🔹 Margins & gutters let layouts breathe.
🔹 Adjust for responsiveness.
🔹 Break the grid (intentionally).
#uxdesign #webdesign #uidesign #gridsystem #designstrategy
🔹 Use 8px spacing for consistency.
🔹 Mobile = 4 columns, desktop = 12 columns.
🔹 Margins & gutters let layouts breathe.
🔹 Adjust for responsiveness.
🔹 Break the grid (intentionally).
#uxdesign #webdesign #uidesign #gridsystem #designstrategy
If you…
🎨 Overanalyze movie title sequences
✏️ Judge people based on their font choices
🔍 Zoom in at 800% just to move one pixel
👀 Are reading this instead of enjoying your Sunday…
You might be a designer.
What’s your designer-brain-never-turns-off moment?
#designlife #creativeproblems
🎨 Overanalyze movie title sequences
✏️ Judge people based on their font choices
🔍 Zoom in at 800% just to move one pixel
👀 Are reading this instead of enjoying your Sunday…
You might be a designer.
What’s your designer-brain-never-turns-off moment?
#designlife #creativeproblems
March 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM
If you…
🎨 Overanalyze movie title sequences
✏️ Judge people based on their font choices
🔍 Zoom in at 800% just to move one pixel
👀 Are reading this instead of enjoying your Sunday…
You might be a designer.
What’s your designer-brain-never-turns-off moment?
#designlife #creativeproblems
🎨 Overanalyze movie title sequences
✏️ Judge people based on their font choices
🔍 Zoom in at 800% just to move one pixel
👀 Are reading this instead of enjoying your Sunday…
You might be a designer.
What’s your designer-brain-never-turns-off moment?
#designlife #creativeproblems
Not all great designs are pretty. Sometimes, ugly works.
✅ Clarity > beauty
✅ Function drives engagement
✅ Familiarity = usability
A perfect layout doesn’t matter if users struggle. Effectiveness wins. What’s a “bad” design that actually works? ⬇️
#uxdesign #designthinking #uiux #webdesign
✅ Clarity > beauty
✅ Function drives engagement
✅ Familiarity = usability
A perfect layout doesn’t matter if users struggle. Effectiveness wins. What’s a “bad” design that actually works? ⬇️
#uxdesign #designthinking #uiux #webdesign
March 22, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Not all great designs are pretty. Sometimes, ugly works.
✅ Clarity > beauty
✅ Function drives engagement
✅ Familiarity = usability
A perfect layout doesn’t matter if users struggle. Effectiveness wins. What’s a “bad” design that actually works? ⬇️
#uxdesign #designthinking #uiux #webdesign
✅ Clarity > beauty
✅ Function drives engagement
✅ Familiarity = usability
A perfect layout doesn’t matter if users struggle. Effectiveness wins. What’s a “bad” design that actually works? ⬇️
#uxdesign #designthinking #uiux #webdesign
Successful designs aren’t the loudest—they’re the ones that just work.
Users don’t notice great UX, but they *do* notice when buttons don’t look like buttons.
The goal is to make sure they never have to think about it.
What’s an example of invisible UX done right? 👇
#uxdesign #strategy #design
Users don’t notice great UX, but they *do* notice when buttons don’t look like buttons.
The goal is to make sure they never have to think about it.
What’s an example of invisible UX done right? 👇
#uxdesign #strategy #design
March 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
My grandmother always made St Patty’s Day special… Good design works the same way by:
✅ Creating belonging
✅ Honoring the past
✅ Leaving an impression
What’s a design that tells a great story? 🍀
#design #storytelling #branding #uxdesign #creativity #nostalgia
✅ Creating belonging
✅ Honoring the past
✅ Leaving an impression
What’s a design that tells a great story? 🍀
#design #storytelling #branding #uxdesign #creativity #nostalgia
March 17, 2025 at 5:40 PM
My grandmother always made St Patty’s Day special… Good design works the same way by:
✅ Creating belonging
✅ Honoring the past
✅ Leaving an impression
What’s a design that tells a great story? 🍀
#design #storytelling #branding #uxdesign #creativity #nostalgia
✅ Creating belonging
✅ Honoring the past
✅ Leaving an impression
What’s a design that tells a great story? 🍀
#design #storytelling #branding #uxdesign #creativity #nostalgia
Before you book yet another “design review” meeting, try this:
📌 Drop the design in Figma & invite comments.
🧠 Brainstorm in FigJam.
🎯 Review designs interactively.
Who’s got a “this meeting could’ve been a Figma link” story? 😅
#uxdesign #strategy #collaboration #digital #projectmanagement
📌 Drop the design in Figma & invite comments.
🧠 Brainstorm in FigJam.
🎯 Review designs interactively.
Who’s got a “this meeting could’ve been a Figma link” story? 😅
#uxdesign #strategy #collaboration #digital #projectmanagement
March 14, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Before you book yet another “design review” meeting, try this:
📌 Drop the design in Figma & invite comments.
🧠 Brainstorm in FigJam.
🎯 Review designs interactively.
Who’s got a “this meeting could’ve been a Figma link” story? 😅
#uxdesign #strategy #collaboration #digital #projectmanagement
📌 Drop the design in Figma & invite comments.
🧠 Brainstorm in FigJam.
🎯 Review designs interactively.
Who’s got a “this meeting could’ve been a Figma link” story? 😅
#uxdesign #strategy #collaboration #digital #projectmanagement
Good design is like a magic trick—you don’t see how it works, you just experience the effect.
When a design feels seamless, it’s because psychology is doing the heavy lifting.
What’s the most ‘magical’ design trick you’ve ever used? 👇
#design #psychology #uxdesign #strategy #marketing
When a design feels seamless, it’s because psychology is doing the heavy lifting.
What’s the most ‘magical’ design trick you’ve ever used? 👇
#design #psychology #uxdesign #strategy #marketing
March 13, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Good design is like a magic trick—you don’t see how it works, you just experience the effect.
When a design feels seamless, it’s because psychology is doing the heavy lifting.
What’s the most ‘magical’ design trick you’ve ever used? 👇
#design #psychology #uxdesign #strategy #marketing
When a design feels seamless, it’s because psychology is doing the heavy lifting.
What’s the most ‘magical’ design trick you’ve ever used? 👇
#design #psychology #uxdesign #strategy #marketing
Hi, I’m new to Bluesky—but super excited to jump in!
Consider following me if you’re into branding, UX/UI, creative strategy, psychology, & questioning bad design habits. I share tips on design, process, tools, & trends... Let’s connect!
#design #ux #branding #webdesign
daneoleary.com
Consider following me if you’re into branding, UX/UI, creative strategy, psychology, & questioning bad design habits. I share tips on design, process, tools, & trends... Let’s connect!
#design #ux #branding #webdesign
daneoleary.com
March 12, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Hi, I’m new to Bluesky—but super excited to jump in!
Consider following me if you’re into branding, UX/UI, creative strategy, psychology, & questioning bad design habits. I share tips on design, process, tools, & trends... Let’s connect!
#design #ux #branding #webdesign
daneoleary.com
Consider following me if you’re into branding, UX/UI, creative strategy, psychology, & questioning bad design habits. I share tips on design, process, tools, & trends... Let’s connect!
#design #ux #branding #webdesign
daneoleary.com