Scott Hurff’s article explores why many interfaces feel awkward and frustrating for users. He introduces the UI Stack, a framework that breaks interface states into five key categories—Ideal, Empty, Error, Partial, and Loading. Hurff argues that designers often focus too much on the ideal state while overlooking how interfaces behave when users encounter errors, delays, or missing data. This lack of consideration can lead to disjointed experiences that disrupt usability.
To fix this, Hurff emphasizes designing for every possible state to create a more intuitive and user-friendly interface. He discusses the importance of anticipating user needs, providing clear feedback, and maintaining consistency across different states. By applying the UI Stack, designers can ensure interfaces adapt to real-world conditions, improving clarity and reducing frustration.
