Discover the rest of Product designer like Pixar tells his stories [Part 1], where we'll continue to explore every Pixar narrative rule that can be applied to Product/UX design. We'll focus on four new rules that can turn your products into captivating and memorable experiences.

Rule #5: The Hero's Journey

At Pixar, the hero's journey is central to every story. The characters are challenged, evolve and return transformed. In UX design, it is crucial to design user journeys that tell a story. Each interaction should be a chapter in this story, guiding the user through challenges, discoveries and realizations. Think of your user as the hero of your product. 🚀

Application : Create user flows that engage users from the start and lead them through a series of meaningful interactions, leading them to their final “win”, whether that is purchasing a product or accomplishment of a task.

 

Rule #6: show up rather than tell

Pixar excels at showing emotions and actions without necessarily using words. In UX design, this rule translates into the use of clear and intuitive visual elements. Rather than cluttering the interface with instructions, use icons, animations and illustrations to guide the user.

Application : Use micro-interactions and animations to illustrate possible actions and user feedback. For example, a button that changes color when clicked immediately shows that the action has been recorded.

 

Rule n°7: simplify, simplify and… simplify!

Simplicity is another Pixar trademark. In design, simplifying means reducing the interface to its essential elements to avoid cognitive overload. A clean and functional design allows the user to focus on the main objective without distraction.

Application : Avoid unnecessary features and complicated designs. Each element of the interface must have a reason for being. For example, think of Apple's user experience: minimalist but elegant, every detail is designed to provide a smooth and pleasant experience.

 

Rule #8: Learn from mistakes

Pixar isn't afraid to learn from its mistakes and turn them into lessons to improve its films. In UX design, user testing and feedback are essential to identify friction points and continually improve the product.

Application : set up regular testing cycles and analyze feedback to make continuous improvements. Don't be afraid of mistakes: they are opportunities for learning and innovation. The goal is to create a product that is constantly evolving and improving to meet user needs.

 

Conclusion

By integrating these Pixar storytelling rules into your design process, you can create products that captivate and delight your users. From the hero's journey to learning from mistakes, each principle helps build user experiences that are not only functional but also memorable. 🌟

Find rules n°1,2,3 and 4 by clicking here 😉

 

 

Osama Berrahal, Product/UX Designer at UX-Republic