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Opportunities for AI in Accessibility
In reading Joe Dolson’s recent piece on the intersection of AI and accessibility, I absolutely appreciated the skepticism that he has for AI in general as well as for the ways that many have been using it. In fact, I’m very skeptical of AI myself, despite my role at Microsoft as an accessibility innovation strategist who helps run the AI for Accessibility grant program. As with any tool, AI can be used in very constructive, inclusive, and accessible ways; and it can also be used in destructive, exclusive, and harmful ones. And there are a ton of uses somewhere in the mediocre middle as well.
I’d like you to consider this a “yes… and” piece to complement Joe’s post. I’m not trying to refute any of what he’s saying but rather provide some visibility to projects and opportunities where AI can make meaningful differences for people with disabilities. To be clear, I’m not saying that there aren’t real risks or pressing issues with AI that need to be addressed—there are, and we’ve needed to address them, like, yesterday—but I want to take a little time to talk about what’s possible in hopes that we’ll get there one day.
Alternative text
Joe’s piece spends a lot of time talking about computer-vision models generating alternative text. He highlights a ton of valid issues with the current state of things. And while computer-vision models continue to improve in the quality and richness of detail in their descriptions, their results aren’t great. As he rightly points out, the current state of image analysis is pretty poor—especially for certain image types—in large part because current AI systems examine images in isolation rather than within the contexts that they’re in (which is a consequence of having separate “foundation” models for text analysis and image analysis). Today’s models aren’t trained to distinguish between images that are contextually relevant (that should probably have descriptions) and those that are purely decorative (which might not need a description) either. Still, I still think there’s potential in this space.
As Joe mentions, human-in-the-loop authoring of alt text should absolutely be a thing. And if AI can pop in to offer a starting point for alt text—even if that starting point might be a prompt saying What is this BS? That’s not right at all… Let me try to offer a starting point—I think that’s a win.
Taking things a step further, if we can specifically train a model to analyze image usage in context, it could help us more quickly identify which images are likely to be decorative and which ones likely require a description. That will help reinforce which contexts call for image descriptions and it’ll improve authors’ efficiency toward making their pages more accessible.
While complex images—like graphs and charts—are challenging to describe in any sort of succinct way (even for humans), the image example shared in the GPT4 announcement points to an interesting opportunity as well. Let’s suppose that you came across a chart whose description was simply the title of the chart and the kind of visualization it was, such as: Pie chart comparing smartphone usage to feature phone usage among US households making under $30,000 a year. (That would be a pretty awful alt text for a chart since that would tend to leave many questions about the data unanswered, but then again, let’s suppose that that was the description that was in place.) If your browser knew that that image was a pie chart (because an onboard model concluded this), imagine a world where users could ask questions like these about the graphic:
- Do more people use smartphones or feature phones?
- How many more?
- Is there a group of people that don’t fall into either of these buckets?
- How many is that?
Setting aside the realities of large language model (LLM) hallucinations—where a model just makes up plausible-sounding “facts”—for a moment, the opportunity to learn more about images and data in this way could be revolutionary for blind and low-vision folks as well as for people with various forms of color blindness, cognitive disabilities, and so on. It could also be useful in educational contexts to help people who can see these charts, as is, to understand the data in the charts.
Taking things a step further: What if you could ask your browser to simplify a complex chart? What if you could ask it to isolate a single line on a line graph? What if you could ask your browser to transpose the colors of the different lines to work better for form of color blindness you have? What if you could ask it to swap colors for patterns? Given these tools’ chat-based interfaces and our existing ability to manipulate images in today’s AI tools, that seems like a possibility.
Now imagine a purpose-built model that could extract the information from that chart and convert it to another format. For example, perhaps it could turn that pie chart (or better yet, a series of pie charts) into more accessible (and useful) formats, like spreadsheets. That would be amazing!
Matching algorithms
Safiya Umoja Noble absolutely hit the nail on the head when she titled her book Algorithms of Oppression. While her book was focused on the ways that search engines reinforce racism, I think that it’s equally true that all computer models have the potential to amplify conflict, bias, and intolerance. Whether it’s Twitter always showing you the latest tweet from a bored billionaire, YouTube sending us into a Q-hole, or Instagram warping our ideas of what natural bodies look like, we know that poorly authored and maintained algorithms are incredibly harmful. A lot of this stems from a lack of diversity among the people who shape and build them. When these platforms are built with inclusively baked in, however, there’s real potential for algorithm development to help people with disabilities.
Take Mentra, for example. They are an employment network for neurodivergent people. They use an algorithm to match job seekers with potential employers based on over 75 data points. On the job-seeker side of things, it considers each candidate’s strengths, their necessary and preferred workplace accommodations, environmental sensitivities, and so on. On the employer side, it considers each work environment, communication factors related to each job, and the like. As a company run by neurodivergent folks, Mentra made the decision to flip the script when it came to typical employment sites. They use their algorithm to propose available candidates to companies, who can then connect with job seekers that they are interested in; reducing the emotional and physical labor on the job-seeker side of things.
When more people with disabilities are involved in the creation of algorithms, that can reduce the chances that these algorithms will inflict harm on their communities. That’s why diverse teams are so important.
Imagine that a social media company’s recommendation engine was tuned to analyze who you’re following and if it was tuned to prioritize follow recommendations for people who talked about similar things but who were different in some key ways from your existing sphere of influence. For example, if you were to follow a bunch of nondisabled white male academics who talk about AI, it could suggest that you follow academics who are disabled or aren’t white or aren’t male who also talk about AI. If you took its recommendations, perhaps you’d get a more holistic and nuanced understanding of what’s happening in the AI field. These same systems should also use their understanding of biases about particular communities—including, for instance, the disability community—to make sure that they aren’t recommending any of their users follow accounts that perpetuate biases against (or, worse, spewing hate toward) those groups.
Other ways that AI can helps people with disabilities
If I weren’t trying to put this together between other tasks, I’m sure that I could go on and on, providing all kinds of examples of how AI could be used to help people with disabilities, but I’m going to make this last section into a bit of a lightning round. In no particular order:
- Voice preservation. You may have seen the VALL-E paper or Apple’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day announcement or you may be familiar with the voice-preservation offerings from Microsoft, Acapela, or others. It’s possible to train an AI model to replicate your voice, which can be a tremendous boon for people who have ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or motor-neuron disease or other medical conditions that can lead to an inability to talk. This is, of course, the same tech that can also be used to create audio deepfakes, so it’s something that we need to approach responsibly, but the tech has truly transformative potential.
- Voice recognition. Researchers like those in the Speech Accessibility Project are paying people with disabilities for their help in collecting recordings of people with atypical speech. As I type, they are actively recruiting people with Parkinson’s and related conditions, and they have plans to expand this to other conditions as the project progresses. This research will result in more inclusive data sets that will let more people with disabilities use voice assistants, dictation software, and voice-response services as well as control their computers and other devices more easily, using only their voice.
- Text transformation. The current generation of LLMs is quite capable of adjusting existing text content without injecting hallucinations. This is hugely empowering for people with cognitive disabilities who may benefit from text summaries or simplified versions of text or even text that’s prepped for Bionic Reading.
The importance of diverse teams and data
We need to recognize that our differences matter. Our lived experiences are influenced by the intersections of the identities that we exist in. These lived experiences—with all their complexities (and joys and pain)—are valuable inputs to the software, services, and societies that we shape. Our differences need to be represented in the data that we use to train new models, and the folks who contribute that valuable information need to be compensated for sharing it with us. Inclusive data sets yield more robust models that foster more equitable outcomes.
Want a model that doesn’t demean or patronize or objectify people with disabilities? Make sure that you have content about disabilities that’s authored by people with a range of disabilities, and make sure that that’s well represented in the training data.
Want a model that doesn’t use ableist language? You may be able to use existing data sets to build a filter that can intercept and remediate ableist language before it reaches readers. That being said, when it comes to sensitivity reading, AI models won’t be replacing human copy editors anytime soon.
Want a coding copilot that gives you accessible recommendations from the jump? Train it on code that you know to be accessible.
I have no doubt that AI can and will harm people… today, tomorrow, and well into the future. But I also believe that we can acknowledge that and, with an eye towards accessibility (and, more broadly, inclusion), make thoughtful, considerate, and intentional changes in our approaches to AI that will reduce harm over time as well. Today, tomorrow, and well into the future.
Many thanks to Kartik Sawhney for helping me with the development of this piece, Ashley Bischoff for her invaluable editorial assistance, and, of course, Joe Dolson for the prompt.
I am a creative.
I am a creative. What I do is alchemy. It is a mystery. I do not so much do it, as let it be done through me.
I am a creative. Not all creative people like this label. Not all see themselves this way. Some creative people see science in what they do. That is their truth, and I respect it. Maybe I even envy them, a little. But my process is different—my being is different.
Apologizing and qualifying in advance is a distraction. That’s what my brain does to sabotage me. I set it aside for now. I can come back later to apologize and qualify. After I’ve said what I came to say. Which is hard enough.
Except when it is easy and flows like a river of wine.
Sometimes it does come that way. Sometimes what I need to create comes in an instant. I have learned not to say it at that moment, because if you admit that sometimes the idea just comes and it is the best idea and you know it is the best idea, they think you don’t work hard enough.
Sometimes I work and work and work until the idea comes. Sometimes it comes instantly and I don’t tell anyone for three days. Sometimes I’m so excited by the idea that came instantly that I blurt it out, can’t help myself. Like a boy who found a prize in his Cracker Jacks. Sometimes I get away with this. Sometimes other people agree: yes, that is the best idea. Most times they don’t and I regret having given way to enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm is best saved for the meeting where it will make a difference. Not the casual get-together that precedes that meeting by two other meetings. Nobody knows why we have all these meetings. We keep saying we’re doing away with them, but then just finding other ways to have them. Sometimes they are even good. But other times they are a distraction from the actual work. The proportion between when meetings are useful, and when they are a pitiful distraction, varies, depending on what you do and where you do it. And who you are and how you do it. Again I digress. I am a creative. That is the theme.
Sometimes many hours of hard and patient work produce something that is barely serviceable. Sometimes I have to accept that and move on to the next project.
Don’t ask about process. I am a creative.
I am a creative. I don’t control my dreams. And I don’t control my best ideas.
I can hammer away, surround myself with facts or images, and sometimes that works. I can go for a walk, and sometimes that works. I can be making dinner and there’s a Eureka having nothing to do with sizzling oil and bubbling pots. Often I know what to do the instant I wake up. And then, almost as often, as I become conscious and part of the world again, the idea that would have saved me turns to vanishing dust in a mindless wind of oblivion. For creativity, I believe, comes from that other world. The one we enter in dreams, and perhaps, before birth and after death. But that’s for poets to wonder, and I am not a poet. I am a creative. And it’s for theologians to mass armies about in their creative world that they insist is real. But that is another digression. And a depressing one. Maybe on a much more important topic than whether I am a creative or not. But still a digression from what I came here to say.
Sometimes the process is avoidance. And agony. You know the cliché about the tortured artist? It’s true, even when the artist (and let’s put that noun in quotes) is trying to write a soft drink jingle, a callback in a tired sitcom, a budget request.
Some people who hate being called creative may be closeted creatives, but that’s between them and their gods. No offense meant. Your truth is true, too. But mine is for me.
Creatives recognize creatives.
Creatives recognize creatives like queers recognize queers, like real rappers recognize real rappers, like cons know cons. Creatives feel massive respect for creatives. We love, honor, emulate, and practically deify the great ones. To deify any human is, of course, a tragic mistake. We have been warned. We know better. We know people are just people. They squabble, they are lonely, they regret their most important decisions, they are poor and hungry, they can be cruel, they can be just as stupid as we can, because, like us, they are clay. But. But. But they make this amazing thing. They birth something that did not exist before them, and could not exist without them. They are the mothers of ideas. And I suppose, since it’s just lying there, I have to add that they are the mothers of invention. Ba dum bum! OK, that’s done. Continue.
Creatives belittle our own small achievements, because we compare them to those of the great ones. Beautiful animation! Well, I’m no Miyazaki. Now THAT is greatness. That is greatness straight from the mind of God. This half-starved little thing that I made? It more or less fell off the back of the turnip truck. And the turnips weren’t even fresh.
Creatives knows that, at best, they are Salieri. Even the creatives who are Mozart believe that.
I am a creative. I haven’t worked in advertising in 30 years, but in my nightmares, it’s my former creative directors who judge me. And they are right to do so. I am too lazy, too facile, and when it really counts, my mind goes blank. There is no pill for creative dysfunction.
I am a creative. Every deadline I make is an adventure that makes Indiana Jones look like a pensioner snoring in a deck chair. The longer I remain a creative, the faster I am when I do my work and the longer I brood and walk in circles and stare blankly before I do that work.
I am still 10 times faster than people who are not creative, or people who have only been creative a short while, or people who have only been professionally creative a short while. It’s just that, before I work 10 times as fast as they do, I spend twice as long as they do putting the work off. I am that confident in my ability to do a great job when I put my mind to it. I am that addicted to the adrenaline rush of postponement. I am still that afraid of the jump.
I am not an artist.
I am a creative. Not an artist. Though I dreamed, as a lad, of someday being that. Some of us belittle our gifts and dislike ourselves because we are not Michelangelos and Warhols. That is narcissism—but at least we aren’t in politics.
I am a creative. Though I believe in reason and science, I decide by intuition and impulse. And live with what follows—the catastrophes as well as the triumphs.
I am a creative. Every word I’ve said here will annoy other creatives, who see things differently. Ask two creatives a question, get three opinions. Our disagreement, our passion about it, and our commitment to our own truth are, at least to me, the proofs that we are creatives, no matter how we may feel about it.
I am a creative. I lament my lack of taste in the areas about which I know very little, which is to say almost all areas of human knowledge. And I trust my taste above all other things in the areas closest to my heart, or perhaps, more accurately, to my obsessions. Without my obsessions, I would probably have to spend my time looking life in the eye, and almost none of us can do that for long. Not honestly. Not really. Because much in life, if you really look at it, is unbearable.
I am a creative. I believe, as a parent believes, that when I am gone, some small good part of me will carry on in the mind of at least one other person.
Working saves me from worrying about work.
I am a creative. I live in dread of my small gift suddenly going away.
I am a creative. I am too busy making the next thing to spend too much time deeply considering that almost nothing I make will come anywhere near the greatness I comically aspire to.
I am a creative. I believe in the ultimate mystery of process. I believe in it so much, I am even fool enough to publish an essay I dictated into a tiny machine and didn’t take time to review or revise. I won’t do this often, I promise. But I did it just now, because, as afraid as I might be of your seeing through my pitiful gestures toward the beautiful, I was even more afraid of forgetting what I came to say.
There. I think I’ve said it.
User Research Is Storytelling
Ever since I was a boy, I’ve been fascinated with movies. I loved the characters and the excitement—but most of all the stories. I wanted to be an actor. And I believed that I’d get to do the things that Indiana Jones did and go on exciting adventures. I even dreamed up ideas for movies that my friends and I could make and star in. But they never went any further. I did, however, end up working in user experience (UX). Now, I realize that there’s an element of theater to UX—I hadn’t really considered it before, but user research is storytelling. And to get the most out of user research, you need to tell a good story where you bring stakeholders—the product team and decision makers—along and get them interested in learning more.
Think of your favorite movie. More than likely it follows a three-act structure that’s commonly seen in storytelling: the setup, the conflict, and the resolution. The first act shows what exists today, and it helps you get to know the characters and the challenges and problems that they face. Act two introduces the conflict, where the action is. Here, problems grow or get worse. And the third and final act is the resolution. This is where the issues are resolved and the characters learn and change. I believe that this structure is also a great way to think about user research, and I think that it can be especially helpful in explaining user research to others.
Use storytelling as a structure to do research
It’s sad to say, but many have come to see research as being expendable. If budgets or timelines are tight, research tends to be one of the first things to go. Instead of investing in research, some product managers rely on designers or—worse—their own opinion to make the “right” choices for users based on their experience or accepted best practices. That may get teams some of the way, but that approach can so easily miss out on solving users’ real problems. To remain user-centered, this is something we should avoid. User research elevates design. It keeps it on track, pointing to problems and opportunities. Being aware of the issues with your product and reacting to them can help you stay ahead of your competitors.
In the three-act structure, each act corresponds to a part of the process, and each part is critical to telling the whole story. Let’s look at the different acts and how they align with user research.
Act one: setup
The setup is all about understanding the background, and that’s where foundational research comes in. Foundational research (also called generative, discovery, or initial research) helps you understand users and identify their problems. You’re learning about what exists today, the challenges users have, and how the challenges affect them—just like in the movies. To do foundational research, you can conduct contextual inquiries or diary studies (or both!), which can help you start to identify problems as well as opportunities. It doesn’t need to be a huge investment in time or money.
Erika Hall writes about minimum viable ethnography, which can be as simple as spending 15 minutes with a user and asking them one thing: “‘Walk me through your day yesterday.’ That’s it. Present that one request. Shut up and listen to them for 15 minutes. Do your damndest to keep yourself and your interests out of it. Bam, you’re doing ethnography.” According to Hall, “[This] will probably prove quite illuminating. In the highly unlikely case that you didn’t learn anything new or useful, carry on with enhanced confidence in your direction.”
This makes total sense to me. And I love that this makes user research so accessible. You don’t need to prepare a lot of documentation; you can just recruit participants and do it! This can yield a wealth of information about your users, and it’ll help you better understand them and what’s going on in their lives. That’s really what act one is all about: understanding where users are coming from.
Jared Spool talks about the importance of foundational research and how it should form the bulk of your research. If you can draw from any additional user data that you can get your hands on, such as surveys or analytics, that can supplement what you’ve heard in the foundational studies or even point to areas that need further investigation. Together, all this data paints a clearer picture of the state of things and all its shortcomings. And that’s the beginning of a compelling story. It’s the point in the plot where you realize that the main characters—or the users in this case—are facing challenges that they need to overcome. Like in the movies, this is where you start to build empathy for the characters and root for them to succeed. And hopefully stakeholders are now doing the same. Their sympathy may be with their business, which could be losing money because users can’t complete certain tasks. Or maybe they do empathize with users’ struggles. Either way, act one is your initial hook to get the stakeholders interested and invested.
Once stakeholders begin to understand the value of foundational research, that can open doors to more opportunities that involve users in the decision-making process. And that can guide product teams toward being more user-centered. This benefits everyone—users, the product, and stakeholders. It’s like winning an Oscar in movie terms—it often leads to your product being well received and successful. And this can be an incentive for stakeholders to repeat this process with other products. Storytelling is the key to this process, and knowing how to tell a good story is the only way to get stakeholders to really care about doing more research.
This brings us to act two, where you iteratively evaluate a design or concept to see whether it addresses the issues.
Act two: conflict
Act two is all about digging deeper into the problems that you identified in act one. This usually involves directional research, such as usability tests, where you assess a potential solution (such as a design) to see whether it addresses the issues that you found. The issues could include unmet needs or problems with a flow or process that’s tripping users up. Like act two in a movie, more issues will crop up along the way. It’s here that you learn more about the characters as they grow and develop through this act.
Usability tests should typically include around five participants according to Jakob Nielsen, who found that that number of users can usually identify most of the problems: “As you add more and more users, you learn less and less because you will keep seeing the same things again and again… After the fifth user, you are wasting your time by observing the same findings repeatedly but not learning much new.”
There are parallels with storytelling here too; if you try to tell a story with too many characters, the plot may get lost. Having fewer participants means that each user’s struggles will be more memorable and easier to relay to other stakeholders when talking about the research. This can help convey the issues that need to be addressed while also highlighting the value of doing the research in the first place.
Researchers have run usability tests in person for decades, but you can also conduct usability tests remotely using tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or other teleconferencing software. This approach has become increasingly popular since the beginning of the pandemic, and it works well. You can think of in-person usability tests like going to a play and remote sessions as more like watching a movie. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. In-person usability research is a much richer experience. Stakeholders can experience the sessions with other stakeholders. You also get real-time reactions—including surprise, agreement, disagreement, and discussions about what they’re seeing. Much like going to a play, where audiences get to take in the stage, the costumes, the lighting, and the actors’ interactions, in-person research lets you see users up close, including their body language, how they interact with the moderator, and how the scene is set up.
If in-person usability testing is like watching a play—staged and controlled—then conducting usability testing in the field is like immersive theater where any two sessions might be very different from one another. You can take usability testing into the field by creating a replica of the space where users interact with the product and then conduct your research there. Or you can go out to meet users at their location to do your research. With either option, you get to see how things work in context, things come up that wouldn’t have in a lab environment—and conversion can shift in entirely different directions. As researchers, you have less control over how these sessions go, but this can sometimes help you understand users even better. Meeting users where they are can provide clues to the external forces that could be affecting how they use your product. In-person usability tests provide another level of detail that’s often missing from remote usability tests.
That’s not to say that the “movies”—remote sessions—aren’t a good option. Remote sessions can reach a wider audience. They allow a lot more stakeholders to be involved in the research and to see what’s going on. And they open the doors to a much wider geographical pool of users. But with any remote session there is the potential of time wasted if participants can’t log in or get their microphone working.
The benefit of usability testing, whether remote or in person, is that you get to see real users interact with the designs in real time, and you can ask them questions to understand their thought processes and grasp of the solution. This can help you not only identify problems but also glean why they’re problems in the first place. Furthermore, you can test hypotheses and gauge whether your thinking is correct. By the end of the sessions, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how usable the designs are and whether they work for their intended purposes. Act two is the heart of the story—where the excitement is—but there can be surprises too. This is equally true of usability tests. Often, participants will say unexpected things, which change the way that you look at things—and these twists in the story can move things in new directions.
Unfortunately, user research is sometimes seen as expendable. And too often usability testing is the only research process that some stakeholders think that they ever need. In fact, if the designs that you’re evaluating in the usability test aren’t grounded in a solid understanding of your users (foundational research), there’s not much to be gained by doing usability testing in the first place. That’s because you’re narrowing the focus of what you’re getting feedback on, without understanding the users’ needs. As a result, there’s no way of knowing whether the designs might solve a problem that users have. It’s only feedback on a particular design in the context of a usability test.
On the other hand, if you only do foundational research, while you might have set out to solve the right problem, you won’t know whether the thing that you’re building will actually solve that. This illustrates the importance of doing both foundational and directional research.
In act two, stakeholders will—hopefully—get to watch the story unfold in the user sessions, which creates the conflict and tension in the current design by surfacing their highs and lows. And in turn, this can help motivate stakeholders to address the issues that come up.
Act three: resolution
While the first two acts are about understanding the background and the tensions that can propel stakeholders into action, the third part is about resolving the problems from the first two acts. While it’s important to have an audience for the first two acts, it’s crucial that they stick around for the final act. That means the whole product team, including developers, UX practitioners, business analysts, delivery managers, product managers, and any other stakeholders that have a say in the next steps. It allows the whole team to hear users’ feedback together, ask questions, and discuss what’s possible within the project’s constraints. And it lets the UX research and design teams clarify, suggest alternatives, or give more context behind their decisions. So you can get everyone on the same page and get agreement on the way forward.
This act is mostly told in voiceover with some audience participation. The researcher is the narrator, who paints a picture of the issues and what the future of the product could look like given the things that the team has learned. They give the stakeholders their recommendations and their guidance on creating this vision.
Nancy Duarte in the Harvard Business Review offers an approach to structuring presentations that follow a persuasive story. “The most effective presenters use the same techniques as great storytellers: By reminding people of the status quo and then revealing the path to a better way, they set up a conflict that needs to be resolved,” writes Duarte. “That tension helps them persuade the audience to adopt a new mindset or behave differently.”
This type of structure aligns well with research results, and particularly results from usability tests. It provides evidence for “what is”—the problems that you’ve identified. And “what could be”—your recommendations on how to address them. And so on and so forth.
You can reinforce your recommendations with examples of things that competitors are doing that could address these issues or with examples where competitors are gaining an edge. Or they can be visual, like quick mockups of how a new design could look that solves a problem. These can help generate conversation and momentum. And this continues until the end of the session when you’ve wrapped everything up in the conclusion by summarizing the main issues and suggesting a way forward. This is the part where you reiterate the main themes or problems and what they mean for the product—the denouement of the story. This stage gives stakeholders the next steps and hopefully the momentum to take those steps!
While we are nearly at the end of this story, let’s reflect on the idea that user research is storytelling. All the elements of a good story are there in the three-act structure of user research:
- Act one: You meet the protagonists (the users) and the antagonists (the problems affecting users). This is the beginning of the plot. In act one, researchers might use methods including contextual inquiry, ethnography, diary studies, surveys, and analytics. The output of these methods can include personas, empathy maps, user journeys, and analytics dashboards.
- Act two: Next, there’s character development. There’s conflict and tension as the protagonists encounter problems and challenges, which they must overcome. In act two, researchers might use methods including usability testing, competitive benchmarking, and heuristics evaluation. The output of these can include usability findings reports, UX strategy documents, usability guidelines, and best practices.
- Act three: The protagonists triumph and you see what a better future looks like. In act three, researchers may use methods including presentation decks, storytelling, and digital media. The output of these can be: presentation decks, video clips, audio clips, and pictures.
The researcher has multiple roles: they’re the storyteller, the director, and the producer. The participants have a small role, but they are significant characters (in the research). And the stakeholders are the audience. But the most important thing is to get the story right and to use storytelling to tell users’ stories through research. By the end, the stakeholders should walk away with a purpose and an eagerness to resolve the product’s ills.
So the next time that you’re planning research with clients or you’re speaking to stakeholders about research that you’ve done, think about how you can weave in some storytelling. Ultimately, user research is a win-win for everyone, and you just need to get stakeholders interested in how the story ends.
This Omega-3 ‘Cheat Sheet’ Contains 16 Powerful Foods That Help Boost Brain and Heart Health
From fish to hemp seeds, there’s something for everyone.
It’s the busiest astrological week of the month, and your weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 is jam-packed with planetary action! The week begins with the second full moon in Capricorn of the year on July 21. Full moons in Capricorn bring a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Some goals you set might reach an exciting turning point. Think about what was unfolding near the previous June 21 full moon for more clues.
Also on July 21, Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in Gemini, bringing optimism, celebration, and generosity. This is a wonderful day to go after who and what you desire, because luck is on your side. Later in the day, the Sun in Cancer links up with Neptune in Pisces, inspiring a sense of emotional fulfillment. Your intuition could also gain you some recognition, so listen to those gut impulses!
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, shifting the cosmic scenery and reminding you that you’re the center of your own universe. The next few weeks encourage you to prioritize your needs and desires, and to have fun while doing so. Later in the day, the Sun in Leo faces off with Pluto in Aquarius, which can activate some deep triggers, wounds, and insecurities. Themes regarding power surface—are you giving your power away or using it wisely? This can also bring an a-ha moment regarding your own self-awareness, or strong feelings of empowerment when you choose to face some of your fears.
We’re in the shadow period before Mercury goes retrograde on August 4, so pay attention to people and topics that pop up now—because you’ll hear from them again during the retrograde period.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, which can help you communicate with tact and refinement. However, Mercury will go retrograde on August 4, and we’re already in the midst of the pre-retrograde shadow period (also known as “retroshade“). Pay attention to people and topics that pop up now because there is a strong chance they’ll be revisited once the retrograde kicks off.
The Sun in Leo also syncs up with Mars in Gemini on July 25, giving you confidence and courage to make progress and take risks. The energy is also pretty steamy in the sky—great for some hot sex or pursuing a creative project.
On July 26, Chiron (a comet known as the “wounded healer”) goes retrograde in Aries, bringing a turning point in your healing journey. You might feel a wave of sadness, insecurity, or disappointment. Something you thought you’d worked through might re-emerge. Be curious about your feelings, and gentle with yourself.
The week ends with the last quarter moon in Taurus on July 27. This brings you back to the full moon in Capricorn at the start of the week. This part of the moon’s cycle asks you to let go, surrender, shed, and release. Think about what played out under the full moon: What can you refine or release? It’s time to clear out the emotional and physical clutter to make room for new and aligned opportunities and people to find you.
To get a closer look at what these cosmic shifts have in store for you, read on to find your zodiac sign’s weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 (and be sure to read for your sun sign and your rising sign for the most accurate forecast).
Looking for even more cosmic insights? Check out your full July 2024 monthly horoscope, or take a look at your yearly 2024 horoscope.
Key astrological events for your weekly horoscope from July 21 to 27, 2024
- Sunday, July 21: Full Moon in Capricorn
- Sunday, July 21: Moon enters Aquarius
- Sunday, July 21: Venus in Leo sextile Jupiter in Gemini
- Sunday, July 21: Mercury in Leo square Uranus in Taurus
- Sunday, July 21: Sun in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces
- Sunday, July 21: Mars in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius
- Monday, July 22: Sun enters Leo
- Monday, July 22: Sun in Leo opposite Pluto in Aquarius
- Tuesday, July 23: Moon enters Pisces
- Thursday, July 25: Moon enters Aries
- Thursday, July 25: Mercury enters Virgo
- Thursday, July 25: Sun in Leo sextile Mars in Gemini
- Friday, July 26: Chiron Retrograde in Aries
- Saturday, July 27: Moon enters Taurus
- Saturday, July 27: Last Quarter Moon in Taurus
Weekly horoscope by zodiac sign for July 21 to 27, 2024
Aries
Something life-changing is unfolding for you, Aries, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re ready to call out a toxic boss or leave a career path that feels unfulfilling. You might also receive some recognition or accolades or hit a personal milestone. This is a reminder for you to take up space and celebrate yourself. You deserve this!
Fortunately, immense healing can take place when the Sun in Cancer mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is a great time to focus on the people in your life who leave you feeling safe and secure. Your intuition is also at an all-time high, so listen to those initial gut responses.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, and your daily routine and schedule gets a bit busier! You might take on new projects at work or in your personal life. This can feel overwhelming, but rest assured that the next few weeks allow you to optimize your habits so you can establish a healthier work-life balance.
Taurus
You could learn some shocking news in your personal life,Taurus, when Mercury in Leo bumps into Uranus in your sign on July 21. Perhaps you’re choosing to share a memory from the past, or feelings you’ve buried with someone else. It’s also possible you learn something unexpected about a family member or make a sudden decision about your living situation. The good news: challenging convos today may also lead to breakthroughs.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and puts a spotlight on your private life—putting you in a more introspective and even nostalgic mood. Over the next few weeks, you may opt to spend more time at home or with loved ones, and find yourself reflecting on how the past has shaped who you are today.
You’re learning some lucky news once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might receive an invitation from someone special, or even decide to put yourself back out there in the dating world. This is also a productive time to come up with plans to pursue creative or passion projects.
Gemini
A financial matter comes to a close, Gemini, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re wrapping up a contract or project, or finally settling some debt. Emotionally, this can stir up some of your fears and insecurities. Lean on your loved ones for support. You deserve to be nurtured and cared for, too.
A wave of optimism appears on the same day when Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in your sign. You could make progress on a personal goal, receive a particularly sweet compliment from someone, or learn exciting news. Connecting with close friends and family today can lighten your spirits.
You’re focused on your living situation or relationships with family once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might consider a move, renovation, or even a deep household purge. Important news and conversations in your close, personal relationships also begin to take place. You may also feel a bit more nostalgic and sentimental over the next few weeks.
Cancer
Your weekly horoscope for July 21 wants you to support loved ones, Cancer. A lover, BFF, or family member might be in crisis or need to lean on you for support or advice during the full moon. This is also a transformative moment in your close relationships—either bringing you closer to someone special or helping you to realize toxic people who you’ve outgrown.
You’re more magnetic than normal when the Sun, in your sign, mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is an important moment to show up and share your gifts and talents with the world. People are drawn to you and what you have to say, so ask for what you want! You could also learn some exciting news about a personal goal or make fun plans for the future with someone special.
Finances are top of mind once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. The next few weeks help you gain attention and recognition for your work and talents. This is an aligned time to go after a promotion or to ask for a raise. You may also feel ready to launch a side project or business of your own.
Leo
Your dreams are coming true, Leo, when Venus in your sign meets with Jupiter in Gemini on July 21. You could learn some positive news or receive support from someone substantial. This is also a great day to make progress on your personal goals and form deep, meaningful relationships. Your charisma is off the charts, so use it to your advantage.
The Sun enters your sign on July 22 and quickly squares off with Pluto in Aquarius. The next few weeks will make you the main character (as if you ever aren’t), and can bring you the recognition and support you deserve. It’s also a fun time to experiment with your style and to show the world a new side of yourself. First, you’ll have to contend with Pluto’s intense energy, which could stir up power struggles in your close relationships.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing your attention to your finances. The next few weeks you can come up with a plan to pad your savings account, apply for a job, or even ask for a raise. You may also learn a new skill that benefits the work you do or your contributions to the world.
Virgo
You’re wrapping up a creative project, Virgo, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. It’s ready to unveil to the masses! But this can stir up a bit of fear and insecurity that you’ll need to push through first. It’s also possible you experience a turning point regarding a hobby you enjoy or a romantic relationship.
The Sun enters Leo on July 21 and you’re ready to catch up on rest. Your intuition grows louder over the next few weeks and it’s nearly impossible to ignore all of the signs and symbols you’re receiving from the universe. You’re moving through a period of revelations, and may recognize areas of your life you’ve got to change.
Mercury, your planetary ruler and the planet of information, enters your sign on July 25, bringing important news your way. New intriguing conversations may also begin. You could dream up a new goal or plan for yourself, or ever hear from someone significant in your life. It’s time to focus your mental energy on you and what you want.
Libra
The full moon in Capricorn on July 21 brings a personal matter to the forefront, Libra. You could learn intense or important information about a family member, or maybe you’re confronting some skeletons in the closet. This energy is triggering, so tread lightly. You may also experience a big shift regarding your living situation or career.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, making you want to focus on fun! Spending time with friends and people who make you feel appreciated is recharging. You could also pour a lot of effort and work into one of your dreams for the future, drafting up plans to make it a reality or connecting with people of influence who can help fund or support you.
You’ll have to try your hardest to not overdo it once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. It will be easier than ever to take on more than you can handle and give into self-sacrificing tendencies. Your intuition is stronger than normal, so listen to it—especially when you feel the urge to say no.
Scorpio
Speak your truth, Scorpio, on the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. You’re not one to shy away from difficult conversations, and now it’s time to reveal what’s been left unsaid and shine a light on taboo topics or issues. Conversations today can feel a bit messy, but ultimately freeing when you choose to face some of your fears.
You’re focused on your career and your overall life path once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This could mark a moment of recognition, receiving compliments or awards for your hard work. You may also reconsider the work you do. Is there something more fulfilling for you? Some of your manifestations might also begin to show up over the next few weeks, too.
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, leaving you craving more time with friends over the next few weeks. You’re also feeling a bit more optimistic when it comes to going after your dreams and goals. This is a productive time to collaborate or brainstorm with others, and come up with a plan to bring your dreams to life.
Sagittarius
Your finances are shifting, Sagittarius, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Perhaps you’re ready to leave a job that feels toxic or push for a promotion. You could also dream up a new side business that you’re eager to pursue. If you have any feelings of imposter syndrome, this is the time to face your fears, push through, and acknowledge your own worth and value.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and you’ve got the travel bug! You’re eager to soak up new experiences and learn new things. This is also a powerful time to reconnect with your voice through writing or speaking projects. You may also share some of your expertise with a wider audience at a conference or at school.
Once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25, you’re learning important news about your professional life. Major news also comes your way over the next few weeks regarding the important people in your life.
Capricorn
You’re taking your power back, Capricorn, under the full moon in your sign on July 21. This is a transformative day for shedding past versions of yourself and stepping deeper into alignment. Facing your fears today can be life-changing.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, bringing your attention to your finances and intimate relationships. On one hand, you may deal tough conversations in your romantic or business relationships about financial expectations. You may also reflect more on trust and intimacy in your close connections. Which relationships are reciprocal and leave you feeling safe and secure?
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing news your way. You could feel inspired to chase after a new idea, learn something new, or book some travel.
Aquarius
In this weekly horoscope for July 21, Aquarius, your relationships are in the spotlight. It all starts off with some shocking news on July 21 when Mercury in Leo rams into Uranus in Taurus. Other people might feel a little erratic and eccentric today, and what they share with you can feel jarring, enlightening, or even inspiring. Uranus is a planet of unpredictability, so just try to expect the unexpected.
The Sun in Leo stares down Pluto in Aquarius on July 22, bringing resentment and power struggles to a climax. If you’ve been feeling jealousy or obsessive thoughts popping into your head about a particular connection, today you may choose to confront those issues. Relationships can evolve today when you investigate your shadow side and share honestly with someone you care about.
The energy lightens on July 25, and you’re ready to put some fun back in your connections when the Sun in Leo mingles with Mars in Gemini. This gives you confidence in where you’re headed with the important people in your life. It’s also a great day to experiment with a lover or plan a hot date night.
Pisces
A goal or dream you set for yourself may materialize, Pisces, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. While this is something you dreamed about, you may find yourself wondering if it still feels aligned and authentic with who you’ve become. You might also need to confront issues or feelings of projection in your friendships today.
You’re finally getting recognition for all of your hard work once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This is also a powerful time to focus on your small habits and daily routine. What can you tweak and change to set yourself up for success?
You might hear from an ex, old roommate, or co-worker once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow phase, so people who pop up now will likely reappear in early August. The next few weeks invite you to have uncomfortable conversations in your close relationships and to reconsider who you invest your time and energy into.
4 Things Olympic Beach Volleyball Players Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss Use to Stay Healthy Off the Sand
They’re a package deal.
It’s the busiest astrological week of the month, and your weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 is jam-packed with planetary action! The week begins with the second full moon in Capricorn of the year on July 21. Full moons in Capricorn bring a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Some goals you set might reach an exciting turning point. Think about what was unfolding near the previous June 21 full moon for more clues.
Also on July 21, Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in Gemini, bringing optimism, celebration, and generosity. This is a wonderful day to go after who and what you desire, because luck is on your side. Later in the day, the Sun in Cancer links up with Neptune in Pisces, inspiring a sense of emotional fulfillment. Your intuition could also gain you some recognition, so listen to those gut impulses!
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, shifting the cosmic scenery and reminding you that you’re the center of your own universe. The next few weeks encourage you to prioritize your needs and desires, and to have fun while doing so. Later in the day, the Sun in Leo faces off with Pluto in Aquarius, which can activate some deep triggers, wounds, and insecurities. Themes regarding power surface—are you giving your power away or using it wisely? This can also bring an a-ha moment regarding your own self-awareness, or strong feelings of empowerment when you choose to face some of your fears.
We’re in the shadow period before Mercury goes retrograde on August 4, so pay attention to people and topics that pop up now—because you’ll hear from them again during the retrograde period.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, which can help you communicate with tact and refinement. However, Mercury will go retrograde on August 4, and we’re already in the midst of the pre-retrograde shadow period (also known as “retroshade“). Pay attention to people and topics that pop up now because there is a strong chance they’ll be revisited once the retrograde kicks off.
The Sun in Leo also syncs up with Mars in Gemini on July 25, giving you confidence and courage to make progress and take risks. The energy is also pretty steamy in the sky—great for some hot sex or pursuing a creative project.
On July 26, Chiron (a comet known as the “wounded healer”) goes retrograde in Aries, bringing a turning point in your healing journey. You might feel a wave of sadness, insecurity, or disappointment. Something you thought you’d worked through might re-emerge. Be curious about your feelings, and gentle with yourself.
The week ends with the last quarter moon in Taurus on July 27. This brings you back to the full moon in Capricorn at the start of the week. This part of the moon’s cycle asks you to let go, surrender, shed, and release. Think about what played out under the full moon: What can you refine or release? It’s time to clear out the emotional and physical clutter to make room for new and aligned opportunities and people to find you.
To get a closer look at what these cosmic shifts have in store for you, read on to find your zodiac sign’s weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 (and be sure to read for your sun sign and your rising sign for the most accurate forecast).
Looking for even more cosmic insights? Check out your full July 2024 monthly horoscope, or take a look at your yearly 2024 horoscope.
Key astrological events for your weekly horoscope from July 21 to 27, 2024
- Sunday, July 21: Full Moon in Capricorn
- Sunday, July 21: Moon enters Aquarius
- Sunday, July 21: Venus in Leo sextile Jupiter in Gemini
- Sunday, July 21: Mercury in Leo square Uranus in Taurus
- Sunday, July 21: Sun in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces
- Sunday, July 21: Mars in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius
- Monday, July 22: Sun enters Leo
- Monday, July 22: Sun in Leo opposite Pluto in Aquarius
- Tuesday, July 23: Moon enters Pisces
- Thursday, July 25: Moon enters Aries
- Thursday, July 25: Mercury enters Virgo
- Thursday, July 25: Sun in Leo sextile Mars in Gemini
- Friday, July 26: Chiron Retrograde in Aries
- Saturday, July 27: Moon enters Taurus
- Saturday, July 27: Last Quarter Moon in Taurus
Weekly horoscope by zodiac sign for July 21 to 27, 2024
Aries
Something life-changing is unfolding for you, Aries, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re ready to call out a toxic boss or leave a career path that feels unfulfilling. You might also receive some recognition or accolades or hit a personal milestone. This is a reminder for you to take up space and celebrate yourself. You deserve this!
Fortunately, immense healing can take place when the Sun in Cancer mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is a great time to focus on the people in your life who leave you feeling safe and secure. Your intuition is also at an all-time high, so listen to those initial gut responses.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, and your daily routine and schedule gets a bit busier! You might take on new projects at work or in your personal life. This can feel overwhelming, but rest assured that the next few weeks allow you to optimize your habits so you can establish a healthier work-life balance.
Taurus
You could learn some shocking news in your personal life,Taurus, when Mercury in Leo bumps into Uranus in your sign on July 21. Perhaps you’re choosing to share a memory from the past, or feelings you’ve buried with someone else. It’s also possible you learn something unexpected about a family member or make a sudden decision about your living situation. The good news: challenging convos today may also lead to breakthroughs.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and puts a spotlight on your private life—putting you in a more introspective and even nostalgic mood. Over the next few weeks, you may opt to spend more time at home or with loved ones, and find yourself reflecting on how the past has shaped who you are today.
You’re learning some lucky news once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might receive an invitation from someone special, or even decide to put yourself back out there in the dating world. This is also a productive time to come up with plans to pursue creative or passion projects.
Gemini
A financial matter comes to a close, Gemini, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re wrapping up a contract or project, or finally settling some debt. Emotionally, this can stir up some of your fears and insecurities. Lean on your loved ones for support. You deserve to be nurtured and cared for, too.
A wave of optimism appears on the same day when Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in your sign. You could make progress on a personal goal, receive a particularly sweet compliment from someone, or learn exciting news. Connecting with close friends and family today can lighten your spirits.
You’re focused on your living situation or relationships with family once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might consider a move, renovation, or even a deep household purge. Important news and conversations in your close, personal relationships also begin to take place. You may also feel a bit more nostalgic and sentimental over the next few weeks.
Cancer
Your weekly horoscope for July 21 wants you to support loved ones, Cancer. A lover, BFF, or family member might be in crisis or need to lean on you for support or advice during the full moon. This is also a transformative moment in your close relationships—either bringing you closer to someone special or helping you to realize toxic people who you’ve outgrown.
You’re more magnetic than normal when the Sun, in your sign, mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is an important moment to show up and share your gifts and talents with the world. People are drawn to you and what you have to say, so ask for what you want! You could also learn some exciting news about a personal goal or make fun plans for the future with someone special.
Finances are top of mind once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. The next few weeks help you gain attention and recognition for your work and talents. This is an aligned time to go after a promotion or to ask for a raise. You may also feel ready to launch a side project or business of your own.
Leo
Your dreams are coming true, Leo, when Venus in your sign meets with Jupiter in Gemini on July 21. You could learn some positive news or receive support from someone substantial. This is also a great day to make progress on your personal goals and form deep, meaningful relationships. Your charisma is off the charts, so use it to your advantage.
The Sun enters your sign on July 22 and quickly squares off with Pluto in Aquarius. The next few weeks will make you the main character (as if you ever aren’t), and can bring you the recognition and support you deserve. It’s also a fun time to experiment with your style and to show the world a new side of yourself. First, you’ll have to contend with Pluto’s intense energy, which could stir up power struggles in your close relationships.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing your attention to your finances. The next few weeks you can come up with a plan to pad your savings account, apply for a job, or even ask for a raise. You may also learn a new skill that benefits the work you do or your contributions to the world.
Virgo
You’re wrapping up a creative project, Virgo, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. It’s ready to unveil to the masses! But this can stir up a bit of fear and insecurity that you’ll need to push through first. It’s also possible you experience a turning point regarding a hobby you enjoy or a romantic relationship.
The Sun enters Leo on July 21 and you’re ready to catch up on rest. Your intuition grows louder over the next few weeks and it’s nearly impossible to ignore all of the signs and symbols you’re receiving from the universe. You’re moving through a period of revelations, and may recognize areas of your life you’ve got to change.
Mercury, your planetary ruler and the planet of information, enters your sign on July 25, bringing important news your way. New intriguing conversations may also begin. You could dream up a new goal or plan for yourself, or ever hear from someone significant in your life. It’s time to focus your mental energy on you and what you want.
Libra
The full moon in Capricorn on July 21 brings a personal matter to the forefront, Libra. You could learn intense or important information about a family member, or maybe you’re confronting some skeletons in the closet. This energy is triggering, so tread lightly. You may also experience a big shift regarding your living situation or career.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, making you want to focus on fun! Spending time with friends and people who make you feel appreciated is recharging. You could also pour a lot of effort and work into one of your dreams for the future, drafting up plans to make it a reality or connecting with people of influence who can help fund or support you.
You’ll have to try your hardest to not overdo it once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. It will be easier than ever to take on more than you can handle and give into self-sacrificing tendencies. Your intuition is stronger than normal, so listen to it—especially when you feel the urge to say no.
Scorpio
Speak your truth, Scorpio, on the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. You’re not one to shy away from difficult conversations, and now it’s time to reveal what’s been left unsaid and shine a light on taboo topics or issues. Conversations today can feel a bit messy, but ultimately freeing when you choose to face some of your fears.
You’re focused on your career and your overall life path once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This could mark a moment of recognition, receiving compliments or awards for your hard work. You may also reconsider the work you do. Is there something more fulfilling for you? Some of your manifestations might also begin to show up over the next few weeks, too.
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, leaving you craving more time with friends over the next few weeks. You’re also feeling a bit more optimistic when it comes to going after your dreams and goals. This is a productive time to collaborate or brainstorm with others, and come up with a plan to bring your dreams to life.
Sagittarius
Your finances are shifting, Sagittarius, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Perhaps you’re ready to leave a job that feels toxic or push for a promotion. You could also dream up a new side business that you’re eager to pursue. If you have any feelings of imposter syndrome, this is the time to face your fears, push through, and acknowledge your own worth and value.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and you’ve got the travel bug! You’re eager to soak up new experiences and learn new things. This is also a powerful time to reconnect with your voice through writing or speaking projects. You may also share some of your expertise with a wider audience at a conference or at school.
Once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25, you’re learning important news about your professional life. Major news also comes your way over the next few weeks regarding the important people in your life.
Capricorn
You’re taking your power back, Capricorn, under the full moon in your sign on July 21. This is a transformative day for shedding past versions of yourself and stepping deeper into alignment. Facing your fears today can be life-changing.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, bringing your attention to your finances and intimate relationships. On one hand, you may deal tough conversations in your romantic or business relationships about financial expectations. You may also reflect more on trust and intimacy in your close connections. Which relationships are reciprocal and leave you feeling safe and secure?
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing news your way. You could feel inspired to chase after a new idea, learn something new, or book some travel.
Aquarius
In this weekly horoscope for July 21, Aquarius, your relationships are in the spotlight. It all starts off with some shocking news on July 21 when Mercury in Leo rams into Uranus in Taurus. Other people might feel a little erratic and eccentric today, and what they share with you can feel jarring, enlightening, or even inspiring. Uranus is a planet of unpredictability, so just try to expect the unexpected.
The Sun in Leo stares down Pluto in Aquarius on July 22, bringing resentment and power struggles to a climax. If you’ve been feeling jealousy or obsessive thoughts popping into your head about a particular connection, today you may choose to confront those issues. Relationships can evolve today when you investigate your shadow side and share honestly with someone you care about.
The energy lightens on July 25, and you’re ready to put some fun back in your connections when the Sun in Leo mingles with Mars in Gemini. This gives you confidence in where you’re headed with the important people in your life. It’s also a great day to experiment with a lover or plan a hot date night.
Pisces
A goal or dream you set for yourself may materialize, Pisces, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. While this is something you dreamed about, you may find yourself wondering if it still feels aligned and authentic with who you’ve become. You might also need to confront issues or feelings of projection in your friendships today.
You’re finally getting recognition for all of your hard work once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This is also a powerful time to focus on your small habits and daily routine. What can you tweak and change to set yourself up for success?
You might hear from an ex, old roommate, or co-worker once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow phase, so people who pop up now will likely reappear in early August. The next few weeks invite you to have uncomfortable conversations in your close relationships and to reconsider who you invest your time and energy into.
Your Weekly Horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024
This is the busiest astrological week of the month—and trust that you’ll feel it.
It’s the busiest astrological week of the month, and your weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 is jam-packed with planetary action! The week begins with the second full moon in Capricorn of the year on July 21. Full moons in Capricorn bring a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Some goals you set might reach an exciting turning point. Think about what was unfolding near the previous June 21 full moon for more clues.
Also on July 21, Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in Gemini, bringing optimism, celebration, and generosity. This is a wonderful day to go after who and what you desire, because luck is on your side. Later in the day, the Sun in Cancer links up with Neptune in Pisces, inspiring a sense of emotional fulfillment. Your intuition could also gain you some recognition, so listen to those gut impulses!
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, shifting the cosmic scenery and reminding you that you’re the center of your own universe. The next few weeks encourage you to prioritize your needs and desires, and to have fun while doing so. Later in the day, the Sun in Leo faces off with Pluto in Aquarius, which can activate some deep triggers, wounds, and insecurities. Themes regarding power surface—are you giving your power away or using it wisely? This can also bring an a-ha moment regarding your own self-awareness, or strong feelings of empowerment when you choose to face some of your fears.
We’re in the shadow period before Mercury goes retrograde on August 4, so pay attention to people and topics that pop up now—because you’ll hear from them again during the retrograde period.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, which can help you communicate with tact and refinement. However, Mercury will go retrograde on August 4, and we’re already in the midst of the pre-retrograde shadow period (also known as “retroshade“). Pay attention to people and topics that pop up now because there is a strong chance they’ll be revisited once the retrograde kicks off.
The Sun in Leo also syncs up with Mars in Gemini on July 25, giving you confidence and courage to make progress and take risks. The energy is also pretty steamy in the sky—great for some hot sex or pursuing a creative project.
On July 26, Chiron (a comet known as the “wounded healer”) goes retrograde in Aries, bringing a turning point in your healing journey. You might feel a wave of sadness, insecurity, or disappointment. Something you thought you’d worked through might re-emerge. Be curious about your feelings, and gentle with yourself.
The week ends with the last quarter moon in Taurus on July 27. This brings you back to the full moon in Capricorn at the start of the week. This part of the moon’s cycle asks you to let go, surrender, shed, and release. Think about what played out under the full moon: What can you refine or release? It’s time to clear out the emotional and physical clutter to make room for new and aligned opportunities and people to find you.
To get a closer look at what these cosmic shifts have in store for you, read on to find your zodiac sign’s weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 (and be sure to read for your sun sign and your rising sign for the most accurate forecast).
Looking for even more cosmic insights? Check out your full July 2024 monthly horoscope, or take a look at your yearly 2024 horoscope.
Key astrological events for your weekly horoscope from July 21 to 27, 2024
- Sunday, July 21: Full Moon in Capricorn
- Sunday, July 21: Moon enters Aquarius
- Sunday, July 21: Venus in Leo sextile Jupiter in Gemini
- Sunday, July 21: Mercury in Leo square Uranus in Taurus
- Sunday, July 21: Sun in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces
- Sunday, July 21: Mars in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius
- Monday, July 22: Sun enters Leo
- Monday, July 22: Sun in Leo opposite Pluto in Aquarius
- Tuesday, July 23: Moon enters Pisces
- Thursday, July 25: Moon enters Aries
- Thursday, July 25: Mercury enters Virgo
- Thursday, July 25: Sun in Leo sextile Mars in Gemini
- Friday, July 26: Chiron Retrograde in Aries
- Saturday, July 27: Moon enters Taurus
- Saturday, July 27: Last Quarter Moon in Taurus
Weekly horoscope by zodiac sign for July 21 to 27, 2024
Aries
Something life-changing is unfolding for you, Aries, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re ready to call out a toxic boss or leave a career path that feels unfulfilling. You might also receive some recognition or accolades or hit a personal milestone. This is a reminder for you to take up space and celebrate yourself. You deserve this!
Fortunately, immense healing can take place when the Sun in Cancer mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is a great time to focus on the people in your life who leave you feeling safe and secure. Your intuition is also at an all-time high, so listen to those initial gut responses.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, and your daily routine and schedule gets a bit busier! You might take on new projects at work or in your personal life. This can feel overwhelming, but rest assured that the next few weeks allow you to optimize your habits so you can establish a healthier work-life balance.
Taurus
You could learn some shocking news in your personal life,Taurus, when Mercury in Leo bumps into Uranus in your sign on July 21. Perhaps you’re choosing to share a memory from the past, or feelings you’ve buried with someone else. It’s also possible you learn something unexpected about a family member or make a sudden decision about your living situation. The good news: challenging convos today may also lead to breakthroughs.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and puts a spotlight on your private life—putting you in a more introspective and even nostalgic mood. Over the next few weeks, you may opt to spend more time at home or with loved ones, and find yourself reflecting on how the past has shaped who you are today.
You’re learning some lucky news once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might receive an invitation from someone special, or even decide to put yourself back out there in the dating world. This is also a productive time to come up with plans to pursue creative or passion projects.
Gemini
A financial matter comes to a close, Gemini, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re wrapping up a contract or project, or finally settling some debt. Emotionally, this can stir up some of your fears and insecurities. Lean on your loved ones for support. You deserve to be nurtured and cared for, too.
A wave of optimism appears on the same day when Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in your sign. You could make progress on a personal goal, receive a particularly sweet compliment from someone, or learn exciting news. Connecting with close friends and family today can lighten your spirits.
You’re focused on your living situation or relationships with family once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might consider a move, renovation, or even a deep household purge. Important news and conversations in your close, personal relationships also begin to take place. You may also feel a bit more nostalgic and sentimental over the next few weeks.
Cancer
Your weekly horoscope for July 21 wants you to support loved ones, Cancer. A lover, BFF, or family member might be in crisis or need to lean on you for support or advice during the full moon. This is also a transformative moment in your close relationships—either bringing you closer to someone special or helping you to realize toxic people who you’ve outgrown.
You’re more magnetic than normal when the Sun, in your sign, mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is an important moment to show up and share your gifts and talents with the world. People are drawn to you and what you have to say, so ask for what you want! You could also learn some exciting news about a personal goal or make fun plans for the future with someone special.
Finances are top of mind once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. The next few weeks help you gain attention and recognition for your work and talents. This is an aligned time to go after a promotion or to ask for a raise. You may also feel ready to launch a side project or business of your own.
Leo
Your dreams are coming true, Leo, when Venus in your sign meets with Jupiter in Gemini on July 21. You could learn some positive news or receive support from someone substantial. This is also a great day to make progress on your personal goals and form deep, meaningful relationships. Your charisma is off the charts, so use it to your advantage.
The Sun enters your sign on July 22 and quickly squares off with Pluto in Aquarius. The next few weeks will make you the main character (as if you ever aren’t), and can bring you the recognition and support you deserve. It’s also a fun time to experiment with your style and to show the world a new side of yourself. First, you’ll have to contend with Pluto’s intense energy, which could stir up power struggles in your close relationships.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing your attention to your finances. The next few weeks you can come up with a plan to pad your savings account, apply for a job, or even ask for a raise. You may also learn a new skill that benefits the work you do or your contributions to the world.
Virgo
You’re wrapping up a creative project, Virgo, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. It’s ready to unveil to the masses! But this can stir up a bit of fear and insecurity that you’ll need to push through first. It’s also possible you experience a turning point regarding a hobby you enjoy or a romantic relationship.
The Sun enters Leo on July 21 and you’re ready to catch up on rest. Your intuition grows louder over the next few weeks and it’s nearly impossible to ignore all of the signs and symbols you’re receiving from the universe. You’re moving through a period of revelations, and may recognize areas of your life you’ve got to change.
Mercury, your planetary ruler and the planet of information, enters your sign on July 25, bringing important news your way. New intriguing conversations may also begin. You could dream up a new goal or plan for yourself, or ever hear from someone significant in your life. It’s time to focus your mental energy on you and what you want.
Libra
The full moon in Capricorn on July 21 brings a personal matter to the forefront, Libra. You could learn intense or important information about a family member, or maybe you’re confronting some skeletons in the closet. This energy is triggering, so tread lightly. You may also experience a big shift regarding your living situation or career.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, making you want to focus on fun! Spending time with friends and people who make you feel appreciated is recharging. You could also pour a lot of effort and work into one of your dreams for the future, drafting up plans to make it a reality or connecting with people of influence who can help fund or support you.
You’ll have to try your hardest to not overdo it once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. It will be easier than ever to take on more than you can handle and give into self-sacrificing tendencies. Your intuition is stronger than normal, so listen to it—especially when you feel the urge to say no.
Scorpio
Speak your truth, Scorpio, on the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. You’re not one to shy away from difficult conversations, and now it’s time to reveal what’s been left unsaid and shine a light on taboo topics or issues. Conversations today can feel a bit messy, but ultimately freeing when you choose to face some of your fears.
You’re focused on your career and your overall life path once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This could mark a moment of recognition, receiving compliments or awards for your hard work. You may also reconsider the work you do. Is there something more fulfilling for you? Some of your manifestations might also begin to show up over the next few weeks, too.
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, leaving you craving more time with friends over the next few weeks. You’re also feeling a bit more optimistic when it comes to going after your dreams and goals. This is a productive time to collaborate or brainstorm with others, and come up with a plan to bring your dreams to life.
Sagittarius
Your finances are shifting, Sagittarius, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Perhaps you’re ready to leave a job that feels toxic or push for a promotion. You could also dream up a new side business that you’re eager to pursue. If you have any feelings of imposter syndrome, this is the time to face your fears, push through, and acknowledge your own worth and value.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and you’ve got the travel bug! You’re eager to soak up new experiences and learn new things. This is also a powerful time to reconnect with your voice through writing or speaking projects. You may also share some of your expertise with a wider audience at a conference or at school.
Once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25, you’re learning important news about your professional life. Major news also comes your way over the next few weeks regarding the important people in your life.
Capricorn
You’re taking your power back, Capricorn, under the full moon in your sign on July 21. This is a transformative day for shedding past versions of yourself and stepping deeper into alignment. Facing your fears today can be life-changing.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, bringing your attention to your finances and intimate relationships. On one hand, you may deal tough conversations in your romantic or business relationships about financial expectations. You may also reflect more on trust and intimacy in your close connections. Which relationships are reciprocal and leave you feeling safe and secure?
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing news your way. You could feel inspired to chase after a new idea, learn something new, or book some travel.
Aquarius
In this weekly horoscope for July 21, Aquarius, your relationships are in the spotlight. It all starts off with some shocking news on July 21 when Mercury in Leo rams into Uranus in Taurus. Other people might feel a little erratic and eccentric today, and what they share with you can feel jarring, enlightening, or even inspiring. Uranus is a planet of unpredictability, so just try to expect the unexpected.
The Sun in Leo stares down Pluto in Aquarius on July 22, bringing resentment and power struggles to a climax. If you’ve been feeling jealousy or obsessive thoughts popping into your head about a particular connection, today you may choose to confront those issues. Relationships can evolve today when you investigate your shadow side and share honestly with someone you care about.
The energy lightens on July 25, and you’re ready to put some fun back in your connections when the Sun in Leo mingles with Mars in Gemini. This gives you confidence in where you’re headed with the important people in your life. It’s also a great day to experiment with a lover or plan a hot date night.
Pisces
A goal or dream you set for yourself may materialize, Pisces, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. While this is something you dreamed about, you may find yourself wondering if it still feels aligned and authentic with who you’ve become. You might also need to confront issues or feelings of projection in your friendships today.
You’re finally getting recognition for all of your hard work once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This is also a powerful time to focus on your small habits and daily routine. What can you tweak and change to set yourself up for success?
You might hear from an ex, old roommate, or co-worker once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow phase, so people who pop up now will likely reappear in early August. The next few weeks invite you to have uncomfortable conversations in your close relationships and to reconsider who you invest your time and energy into.
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It’s the busiest astrological week of the month, and your weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 is jam-packed with planetary action! The week begins with the second full moon in Capricorn of the year on July 21. Full moons in Capricorn bring a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Some goals you set might reach an exciting turning point. Think about what was unfolding near the previous June 21 full moon for more clues.
Also on July 21, Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in Gemini, bringing optimism, celebration, and generosity. This is a wonderful day to go after who and what you desire, because luck is on your side. Later in the day, the Sun in Cancer links up with Neptune in Pisces, inspiring a sense of emotional fulfillment. Your intuition could also gain you some recognition, so listen to those gut impulses!
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, shifting the cosmic scenery and reminding you that you’re the center of your own universe. The next few weeks encourage you to prioritize your needs and desires, and to have fun while doing so. Later in the day, the Sun in Leo faces off with Pluto in Aquarius, which can activate some deep triggers, wounds, and insecurities. Themes regarding power surface—are you giving your power away or using it wisely? This can also bring an a-ha moment regarding your own self-awareness, or strong feelings of empowerment when you choose to face some of your fears.
We’re in the shadow period before Mercury goes retrograde on August 4, so pay attention to people and topics that pop up now—because you’ll hear from them again during the retrograde period.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, which can help you communicate with tact and refinement. However, Mercury will go retrograde on August 4, and we’re already in the midst of the pre-retrograde shadow period (also known as “retroshade“). Pay attention to people and topics that pop up now because there is a strong chance they’ll be revisited once the retrograde kicks off.
The Sun in Leo also syncs up with Mars in Gemini on July 25, giving you confidence and courage to make progress and take risks. The energy is also pretty steamy in the sky—great for some hot sex or pursuing a creative project.
On July 26, Chiron (a comet known as the “wounded healer”) goes retrograde in Aries, bringing a turning point in your healing journey. You might feel a wave of sadness, insecurity, or disappointment. Something you thought you’d worked through might re-emerge. Be curious about your feelings, and gentle with yourself.
The week ends with the last quarter moon in Taurus on July 27. This brings you back to the full moon in Capricorn at the start of the week. This part of the moon’s cycle asks you to let go, surrender, shed, and release. Think about what played out under the full moon: What can you refine or release? It’s time to clear out the emotional and physical clutter to make room for new and aligned opportunities and people to find you.
To get a closer look at what these cosmic shifts have in store for you, read on to find your zodiac sign’s weekly horoscope for July 21 to 27, 2024 (and be sure to read for your sun sign and your rising sign for the most accurate forecast).
Looking for even more cosmic insights? Check out your full July 2024 monthly horoscope, or take a look at your yearly 2024 horoscope.
Key astrological events for your weekly horoscope from July 21 to 27, 2024
- Sunday, July 21: Full Moon in Capricorn
- Sunday, July 21: Moon enters Aquarius
- Sunday, July 21: Venus in Leo sextile Jupiter in Gemini
- Sunday, July 21: Mercury in Leo square Uranus in Taurus
- Sunday, July 21: Sun in Cancer trine Neptune in Pisces
- Sunday, July 21: Mars in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius
- Monday, July 22: Sun enters Leo
- Monday, July 22: Sun in Leo opposite Pluto in Aquarius
- Tuesday, July 23: Moon enters Pisces
- Thursday, July 25: Moon enters Aries
- Thursday, July 25: Mercury enters Virgo
- Thursday, July 25: Sun in Leo sextile Mars in Gemini
- Friday, July 26: Chiron Retrograde in Aries
- Saturday, July 27: Moon enters Taurus
- Saturday, July 27: Last Quarter Moon in Taurus
Weekly horoscope by zodiac sign for July 21 to 27, 2024
Aries
Something life-changing is unfolding for you, Aries, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re ready to call out a toxic boss or leave a career path that feels unfulfilling. You might also receive some recognition or accolades or hit a personal milestone. This is a reminder for you to take up space and celebrate yourself. You deserve this!
Fortunately, immense healing can take place when the Sun in Cancer mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is a great time to focus on the people in your life who leave you feeling safe and secure. Your intuition is also at an all-time high, so listen to those initial gut responses.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, and your daily routine and schedule gets a bit busier! You might take on new projects at work or in your personal life. This can feel overwhelming, but rest assured that the next few weeks allow you to optimize your habits so you can establish a healthier work-life balance.
Taurus
You could learn some shocking news in your personal life,Taurus, when Mercury in Leo bumps into Uranus in your sign on July 21. Perhaps you’re choosing to share a memory from the past, or feelings you’ve buried with someone else. It’s also possible you learn something unexpected about a family member or make a sudden decision about your living situation. The good news: challenging convos today may also lead to breakthroughs.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and puts a spotlight on your private life—putting you in a more introspective and even nostalgic mood. Over the next few weeks, you may opt to spend more time at home or with loved ones, and find yourself reflecting on how the past has shaped who you are today.
You’re learning some lucky news once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might receive an invitation from someone special, or even decide to put yourself back out there in the dating world. This is also a productive time to come up with plans to pursue creative or passion projects.
Gemini
A financial matter comes to a close, Gemini, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Maybe you’re wrapping up a contract or project, or finally settling some debt. Emotionally, this can stir up some of your fears and insecurities. Lean on your loved ones for support. You deserve to be nurtured and cared for, too.
A wave of optimism appears on the same day when Venus in Leo connects with Jupiter in your sign. You could make progress on a personal goal, receive a particularly sweet compliment from someone, or learn exciting news. Connecting with close friends and family today can lighten your spirits.
You’re focused on your living situation or relationships with family once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. You might consider a move, renovation, or even a deep household purge. Important news and conversations in your close, personal relationships also begin to take place. You may also feel a bit more nostalgic and sentimental over the next few weeks.
Cancer
Your weekly horoscope for July 21 wants you to support loved ones, Cancer. A lover, BFF, or family member might be in crisis or need to lean on you for support or advice during the full moon. This is also a transformative moment in your close relationships—either bringing you closer to someone special or helping you to realize toxic people who you’ve outgrown.
You’re more magnetic than normal when the Sun, in your sign, mingles with Neptune in Pisces on the same day. This is an important moment to show up and share your gifts and talents with the world. People are drawn to you and what you have to say, so ask for what you want! You could also learn some exciting news about a personal goal or make fun plans for the future with someone special.
Finances are top of mind once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. The next few weeks help you gain attention and recognition for your work and talents. This is an aligned time to go after a promotion or to ask for a raise. You may also feel ready to launch a side project or business of your own.
Leo
Your dreams are coming true, Leo, when Venus in your sign meets with Jupiter in Gemini on July 21. You could learn some positive news or receive support from someone substantial. This is also a great day to make progress on your personal goals and form deep, meaningful relationships. Your charisma is off the charts, so use it to your advantage.
The Sun enters your sign on July 22 and quickly squares off with Pluto in Aquarius. The next few weeks will make you the main character (as if you ever aren’t), and can bring you the recognition and support you deserve. It’s also a fun time to experiment with your style and to show the world a new side of yourself. First, you’ll have to contend with Pluto’s intense energy, which could stir up power struggles in your close relationships.
Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing your attention to your finances. The next few weeks you can come up with a plan to pad your savings account, apply for a job, or even ask for a raise. You may also learn a new skill that benefits the work you do or your contributions to the world.
Virgo
You’re wrapping up a creative project, Virgo, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. It’s ready to unveil to the masses! But this can stir up a bit of fear and insecurity that you’ll need to push through first. It’s also possible you experience a turning point regarding a hobby you enjoy or a romantic relationship.
The Sun enters Leo on July 21 and you’re ready to catch up on rest. Your intuition grows louder over the next few weeks and it’s nearly impossible to ignore all of the signs and symbols you’re receiving from the universe. You’re moving through a period of revelations, and may recognize areas of your life you’ve got to change.
Mercury, your planetary ruler and the planet of information, enters your sign on July 25, bringing important news your way. New intriguing conversations may also begin. You could dream up a new goal or plan for yourself, or ever hear from someone significant in your life. It’s time to focus your mental energy on you and what you want.
Libra
The full moon in Capricorn on July 21 brings a personal matter to the forefront, Libra. You could learn intense or important information about a family member, or maybe you’re confronting some skeletons in the closet. This energy is triggering, so tread lightly. You may also experience a big shift regarding your living situation or career.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, making you want to focus on fun! Spending time with friends and people who make you feel appreciated is recharging. You could also pour a lot of effort and work into one of your dreams for the future, drafting up plans to make it a reality or connecting with people of influence who can help fund or support you.
You’ll have to try your hardest to not overdo it once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. It will be easier than ever to take on more than you can handle and give into self-sacrificing tendencies. Your intuition is stronger than normal, so listen to it—especially when you feel the urge to say no.
Scorpio
Speak your truth, Scorpio, on the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. You’re not one to shy away from difficult conversations, and now it’s time to reveal what’s been left unsaid and shine a light on taboo topics or issues. Conversations today can feel a bit messy, but ultimately freeing when you choose to face some of your fears.
You’re focused on your career and your overall life path once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This could mark a moment of recognition, receiving compliments or awards for your hard work. You may also reconsider the work you do. Is there something more fulfilling for you? Some of your manifestations might also begin to show up over the next few weeks, too.
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, leaving you craving more time with friends over the next few weeks. You’re also feeling a bit more optimistic when it comes to going after your dreams and goals. This is a productive time to collaborate or brainstorm with others, and come up with a plan to bring your dreams to life.
Sagittarius
Your finances are shifting, Sagittarius, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. Perhaps you’re ready to leave a job that feels toxic or push for a promotion. You could also dream up a new side business that you’re eager to pursue. If you have any feelings of imposter syndrome, this is the time to face your fears, push through, and acknowledge your own worth and value.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22 and you’ve got the travel bug! You’re eager to soak up new experiences and learn new things. This is also a powerful time to reconnect with your voice through writing or speaking projects. You may also share some of your expertise with a wider audience at a conference or at school.
Once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25, you’re learning important news about your professional life. Major news also comes your way over the next few weeks regarding the important people in your life.
Capricorn
You’re taking your power back, Capricorn, under the full moon in your sign on July 21. This is a transformative day for shedding past versions of yourself and stepping deeper into alignment. Facing your fears today can be life-changing.
The Sun enters Leo on July 22, bringing your attention to your finances and intimate relationships. On one hand, you may deal tough conversations in your romantic or business relationships about financial expectations. You may also reflect more on trust and intimacy in your close connections. Which relationships are reciprocal and leave you feeling safe and secure?
Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Virgo on July 25, bringing news your way. You could feel inspired to chase after a new idea, learn something new, or book some travel.
Aquarius
In this weekly horoscope for July 21, Aquarius, your relationships are in the spotlight. It all starts off with some shocking news on July 21 when Mercury in Leo rams into Uranus in Taurus. Other people might feel a little erratic and eccentric today, and what they share with you can feel jarring, enlightening, or even inspiring. Uranus is a planet of unpredictability, so just try to expect the unexpected.
The Sun in Leo stares down Pluto in Aquarius on July 22, bringing resentment and power struggles to a climax. If you’ve been feeling jealousy or obsessive thoughts popping into your head about a particular connection, today you may choose to confront those issues. Relationships can evolve today when you investigate your shadow side and share honestly with someone you care about.
The energy lightens on July 25, and you’re ready to put some fun back in your connections when the Sun in Leo mingles with Mars in Gemini. This gives you confidence in where you’re headed with the important people in your life. It’s also a great day to experiment with a lover or plan a hot date night.
Pisces
A goal or dream you set for yourself may materialize, Pisces, under the full moon in Capricorn on July 21. While this is something you dreamed about, you may find yourself wondering if it still feels aligned and authentic with who you’ve become. You might also need to confront issues or feelings of projection in your friendships today.
You’re finally getting recognition for all of your hard work once the Sun enters Leo on July 22. This is also a powerful time to focus on your small habits and daily routine. What can you tweak and change to set yourself up for success?
You might hear from an ex, old roommate, or co-worker once Mercury enters Virgo on July 25. Mercury is in its pre-retrograde shadow phase, so people who pop up now will likely reappear in early August. The next few weeks invite you to have uncomfortable conversations in your close relationships and to reconsider who you invest your time and energy into.
How to Sell UX Research with Two Simple Questions
Do you find yourself designing screens with only a vague idea of how the things on the screen relate to the things elsewhere in the system? Do you leave stakeholder meetings with unclear directives that often seem to contradict previous conversations? You know a better understanding of user needs would help the team get clear on what you are actually trying to accomplish, but time and budget for research is tight. When it comes to asking for more direct contact with your users, you might feel like poor Oliver Twist, timidly asking, “Please, sir, I want some more.”
Here’s the trick. You need to get stakeholders themselves to identify high-risk assumptions and hidden complexity, so that they become just as motivated as you to get answers from users. Basically, you need to make them think it’s their idea.
In this article, I’ll show you how to collaboratively expose misalignment and gaps in the team’s shared understanding by bringing the team together around two simple questions:
- What are the objects?
- What are the relationships between those objects?
A gauntlet between research and screen design
These two questions align to the first two steps of the ORCA process, which might become your new best friend when it comes to reducing guesswork. Wait, what’s ORCA?! Glad you asked.
ORCA stands for Objects, Relationships, CTAs, and Attributes, and it outlines a process for creating solid object-oriented user experiences. Object-oriented UX is my design philosophy. ORCA is an iterative methodology for synthesizing user research into an elegant structural foundation to support screen and interaction design. OOUX and ORCA have made my work as a UX designer more collaborative, effective, efficient, fun, strategic, and meaningful.
The ORCA process has four iterative rounds and a whopping fifteen steps. In each round we get more clarity on our Os, Rs, Cs, and As.
I sometimes say that ORCA is a “garbage in, garbage out” process. To ensure that the testable prototype produced in the final round actually tests well, the process needs to be fed by good research. But if you don’t have a ton of research, the beginning of the ORCA process serves another purpose: it helps you sell the need for research.
In other words, the ORCA process serves as a gauntlet between research and design. With good research, you can gracefully ride the killer whale from research into design. But without good research, the process effectively spits you back into research and with a cache of specific open questions.
Getting in the same curiosity-boat
What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. It’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.
Mark Twain
The first two steps of the ORCA process—Object Discovery and Relationship Discovery—shine a spotlight on the dark, dusty corners of your team’s misalignments and any inherent complexity that’s been swept under the rug. It begins to expose what this classic comic so beautifully illustrates:
This is one reason why so many UX designers are frustrated in their job and why many projects fail. And this is also why we often can’t sell research: every decision-maker is confident in their own mental picture.
Once we expose hidden fuzzy patches in each picture and the differences between them all, the case for user research makes itself.
But how we do this is important. However much we might want to, we can’t just tell everyone, “YOU ARE WRONG!” Instead, we need to facilitate and guide our team members to self-identify holes in their picture. When stakeholders take ownership of assumptions and gaps in understanding, BAM! Suddenly, UX research is not such a hard sell, and everyone is aboard the same curiosity-boat.
Say your users are doctors. And you have no idea how doctors use the system you are tasked with redesigning.
You might try to sell research by honestly saying: “We need to understand doctors better! What are their pain points? How do they use the current app?” But here’s the problem with that. Those questions are vague, and the answers to them don’t feel acutely actionable.
Instead, you want your stakeholders themselves to ask super-specific questions. This is more like the kind of conversation you need to facilitate. Let’s listen in:
“Wait a sec, how often do doctors share patients? Does a patient in this system have primary and secondary doctors?”
“Can a patient even have more than one primary doctor?”
“Is it a ‘primary doctor’ or just a ‘primary caregiver’… Can’t that role be a nurse practitioner?”
“No, caregivers are something else… That’s the patient’s family contacts, right?”
“So are caregivers in scope for this redesign?”
“Yeah, because if a caregiver is present at an appointment, the doctor needs to note that. Like, tag the caregiver on the note… Or on the appointment?”
Now we are getting somewhere. Do you see how powerful it can be getting stakeholders to debate these questions themselves? The diabolical goal here is to shake their confidence—gently and diplomatically.
When these kinds of questions bubble up collaboratively and come directly from the mouths of your stakeholders and decision-makers, suddenly, designing screens without knowing the answers to these questions seems incredibly risky, even silly.
If we create software without understanding the real-world information environment of our users, we will likely create software that does not align to the real-world information environment of our users. And this will, hands down, result in a more confusing, more complex, and less intuitive software product.
The two questions
But how do we get to these kinds of meaty questions diplomatically, efficiently, collaboratively, and reliably?
We can do this by starting with those two big questions that align to the first two steps of the ORCA process:
- What are the objects?
- What are the relationships between those objects?
In practice, getting to these answers is easier said than done. I’m going to show you how these two simple questions can provide the outline for an Object Definition Workshop. During this workshop, these “seed” questions will blossom into dozens of specific questions and shine a spotlight on the need for more user research.
Prep work: Noun foraging
In the next section, I’ll show you how to run an Object Definition Workshop with your stakeholders (and entire cross-functional team, hopefully). But first, you need to do some prep work.
Basically, look for nouns that are particular to the business or industry of your project, and do it across at least a few sources. I call this noun foraging.
Here are just a few great noun foraging sources:
- the product’s marketing site
- the product’s competitors’ marketing sites (competitive analysis, anyone?)
- the existing product (look at labels!)
- user interview transcripts
- notes from stakeholder interviews or vision docs from stakeholders
Put your detective hat on, my dear Watson. Get resourceful and leverage what you have. If all you have is a marketing website, some screenshots of the existing legacy system, and access to customer service chat logs, then use those.
As you peruse these sources, watch for the nouns that are used over and over again, and start listing them (preferably on blue sticky notes if you’ll be creating an object map later!).
You’ll want to focus on nouns that might represent objects in your system. If you are having trouble determining if a noun might be object-worthy, remember the acronym SIP and test for:
- Structure
- Instances
- Purpose
Think of a library app, for example. Is “book” an object?
Structure: can you think of a few attributes for this potential object? Title, author, publish date… Yep, it has structure. Check!
Instance: what are some examples of this potential “book” object? Can you name a few? The Alchemist, Ready Player One, Everybody Poops… OK, check!
Purpose: why is this object important to the users and business? Well, “book” is what our library client is providing to people and books are why people come to the library… Check, check, check!
As you are noun foraging, focus on capturing the nouns that have SIP. Avoid capturing components like dropdowns, checkboxes, and calendar pickers—your UX system is not your design system! Components are just the packaging for objects—they are a means to an end. No one is coming to your digital place to play with your dropdown! They are coming for the VALUABLE THINGS and what they can do with them. Those things, or objects, are what we are trying to identify.
Let’s say we work for a startup disrupting the email experience. This is how I’d start my noun foraging.
First I’d look at my own email client, which happens to be Gmail. I’d then look at Outlook and the new HEY email. I’d look at Yahoo, Hotmail…I’d even look at Slack and Basecamp and other so-called “email replacers.” I’d read some articles, reviews, and forum threads where people are complaining about email. While doing all this, I would look for and write down the nouns.
(Before moving on, feel free to go noun foraging for this hypothetical product, too, and then scroll down to see how much our lists match up. Just don’t get lost in your own emails! Come back to me!)
Drumroll, please…
Here are a few nouns I came up with during my noun foraging:
- email message
- thread
- contact
- client
- rule/automation
- email address that is not a contact?
- contact groups
- attachment
- Google doc file / other integrated file
- newsletter? (HEY treats this differently)
- saved responses and templates
Scan your list of nouns and pick out words that you are completely clueless about. In our email example, it might be client or automation. Do as much homework as you can before your session with stakeholders: google what’s googleable. But other terms might be so specific to the product or domain that you need to have a conversation about them.
Aside: here are some real nouns foraged during my own past project work that I needed my stakeholders to help me understand:
- Record Locator
- Incentive Home
- Augmented Line Item
- Curriculum-Based Measurement Probe
This is really all you need to prepare for the workshop session: a list of nouns that represent potential objects and a short list of nouns that need to be defined further.
Facilitate an Object Definition Workshop
You could actually start your workshop with noun foraging—this activity can be done collaboratively. If you have five people in the room, pick five sources, assign one to every person, and give everyone ten minutes to find the objects within their source. When the time’s up, come together and find the overlap. Affinity mapping is your friend here!
If your team is short on time and might be reluctant to do this kind of grunt work (which is usually the case) do your own noun foraging beforehand, but be prepared to show your work. I love presenting screenshots of documents and screens with all the nouns already highlighted. Bring the artifacts of your process, and start the workshop with a five-minute overview of your noun foraging journey.
HOT TIP: before jumping into the workshop, frame the conversation as a requirements-gathering session to help you better understand the scope and details of the system. You don’t need to let them know that you’re looking for gaps in the team’s understanding so that you can prove the need for more user research—that will be our little secret. Instead, go into the session optimistically, as if your knowledgeable stakeholders and PMs and biz folks already have all the answers.
Then, let the question whack-a-mole commence.
1. What is this thing?
Want to have some real fun? At the beginning of your session, ask stakeholders to privately write definitions for the handful of obscure nouns you might be uncertain about. Then, have everyone show their cards at the same time and see if you get different definitions (you will). This is gold for exposing misalignment and starting great conversations.
As your discussion unfolds, capture any agreed-upon definitions. And when uncertainty emerges, quietly (but visibly) start an “open questions” parking lot. 😉
After definitions solidify, here’s a great follow-up:
2. Do our users know what these things are? What do users call this thing?
Stakeholder 1: They probably call email clients “apps.” But I’m not sure.
Stakeholder 2: Automations are often called “workflows,” I think. Or, maybe users think workflows are something different.
If a more user-friendly term emerges, ask the group if they can agree to use only that term moving forward. This way, the team can better align to the users’ language and mindset.
OK, moving on.
If you have two or more objects that seem to overlap in purpose, ask one of these questions:
3. Are these the same thing? Or are these different? If they are not the same, how are they different?
You: Is a saved response the same as a template?
Stakeholder 1: Yes! Definitely.
Stakeholder 2: I don’t think so… A saved response is text with links and variables, but a template is more about the look and feel, like default fonts, colors, and placeholder images.
Continue to build out your growing glossary of objects. And continue to capture areas of uncertainty in your “open questions” parking lot.
If you successfully determine that two similar things are, in fact, different, here’s your next follow-up question:
4. What’s the relationship between these objects?
You: Are saved responses and templates related in any way?
Stakeholder 3: Yeah, a template can be applied to a saved response.
You, always with the follow-ups: When is the template applied to a saved response? Does that happen when the user is constructing the saved response? Or when they apply the saved response to an email? How does that actually work?
Listen. Capture uncertainty. Once the list of “open questions” grows to a critical mass, pause to start assigning questions to groups or individuals. Some questions might be for the dev team (hopefully at least one developer is in the room with you). One question might be specifically for someone who couldn’t make it to the workshop. And many questions will need to be labeled “user.”
Do you see how we are building up to our UXR sales pitch?
5. Is this object in scope?
Your next question narrows the team’s focus toward what’s most important to your users. You can simply ask, “Are saved responses in scope for our first release?,” but I’ve got a better, more devious strategy.
By now, you should have a list of clearly defined objects. Ask participants to sort these objects from most to least important, either in small breakout groups or individually. Then, like you did with the definitions, have everyone reveal their sort order at once. Surprisingly—or not so surprisingly—it’s not unusual for the VP to rank something like “saved responses” as #2 while everyone else puts it at the bottom of the list. Try not to look too smug as you inevitably expose more misalignment.
I did this for a startup a few years ago. We posted the three groups’ wildly different sort orders on the whiteboard.
The CEO stood back, looked at it, and said, “This is why we haven’t been able to move forward in two years.”
Admittedly, it’s tragic to hear that, but as a professional, it feels pretty awesome to be the one who facilitated a watershed realization.
Once you have a good idea of in-scope, clearly defined things, this is when you move on to doing more relationship mapping.
6. Create a visual representation of the objects’ relationships
We’ve already done a bit of this while trying to determine if two things are different, but this time, ask the team about every potential relationship. For each object, ask how it relates to all the other objects. In what ways are the objects connected? To visualize all the connections, pull out your trusty boxes-and-arrows technique. Here, we are connecting our objects with verbs. I like to keep my verbs to simple “has a” and “has many” statements.
This system modeling activity brings up all sorts of new questions:
- Can a saved response have attachments?
- Can a saved response use a template? If so, if an email uses a saved response with a template, can the user override that template?
- Do users want to see all the emails they sent that included a particular attachment? For example, “show me all the emails I sent with ProfessionalImage.jpg attached. I’ve changed my professional photo and I want to alert everyone to update it.”
Solid answers might emerge directly from the workshop participants. Great! Capture that new shared understanding. But when uncertainty surfaces, continue to add questions to your growing parking lot.
Light the fuse
You’ve positioned the explosives all along the floodgates. Now you simply have to light the fuse and BOOM. Watch the buy-in for user research flooooow.
Before your workshop wraps up, have the group reflect on the list of open questions. Make plans for getting answers internally, then focus on the questions that need to be brought before users.
Here’s your final step. Take those questions you’ve compiled for user research and discuss the level of risk associated with NOT answering them. Ask, “if we design without an answer to this question, if we make up our own answer and we are wrong, how bad might that turn out?”
With this methodology, we are cornering our decision-makers into advocating for user research as they themselves label questions as high-risk. Sorry, not sorry.
Now is your moment of truth. With everyone in the room, ask for a reasonable budget of time and money to conduct 6–8 user interviews focused specifically on these questions.
HOT TIP: if you are new to UX research, please note that you’ll likely need to rephrase the questions that came up during the workshop before you present them to users. Make sure your questions are open-ended and don’t lead the user into any default answers.
Final words: Hold the screen design!
Seriously, if at all possible, do not ever design screens again without first answering these fundamental questions: what are the objects and how do they relate?
I promise you this: if you can secure a shared understanding between the business, design, and development teams before you start designing screens, you will have less heartache and save more time and money, and (it almost feels like a bonus at this point!) users will be more receptive to what you put out into the world.
I sincerely hope this helps you win time and budget to go talk to your users and gain clarity on what you are designing before you start building screens. If you find success using noun foraging and the Object Definition Workshop, there’s more where that came from in the rest of the ORCA process, which will help prevent even more late-in-the-game scope tugs-of-war and strategy pivots.
All the best of luck! Now go sell research!
Designers, (Re)define Success First
About two and a half years ago, I introduced the idea of daily ethical design. It was born out of my frustration with the many obstacles to achieving design that’s usable and equitable; protects people’s privacy, agency, and focus; benefits society; and restores nature. I argued that we need to overcome the inconveniences that prevent us from acting ethically and that we need to elevate design ethics to a more practical level by structurally integrating it into our daily work, processes, and tools.
Unfortunately, we’re still very far from this ideal.
At the time, I didn’t know yet how to structurally integrate ethics. Yes, I had found some tools that had worked for me in previous projects, such as using checklists, assumption tracking, and “dark reality” sessions, but I didn’t manage to apply those in every project. I was still struggling for time and support, and at best I had only partially achieved a higher (moral) quality of design—which is far from my definition of structurally integrated.
I decided to dig deeper for the root causes in business that prevent us from practicing daily ethical design. Now, after much research and experimentation, I believe that I’ve found the key that will let us structurally integrate ethics. And it’s surprisingly simple! But first we need to zoom out to get a better understanding of what we’re up against.
Influence the system
Sadly, we’re trapped in a capitalistic system that reinforces consumerism and inequality, and it’s obsessed with the fantasy of endless growth. Sea levels, temperatures, and our demand for energy continue to rise unchallenged, while the gap between rich and poor continues to widen. Shareholders expect ever-higher returns on their investments, and companies feel forced to set short-term objectives that reflect this. Over the last decades, those objectives have twisted our well-intended human-centered mindset into a powerful machine that promotes ever-higher levels of consumption. When we’re working for an organization that pursues “double-digit growth” or “aggressive sales targets” (which is 99 percent of us), that’s very hard to resist while remaining human friendly. Even with our best intentions, and even though we like to say that we create solutions for people, we’re a part of the problem.
What can we do to change this?
We can start by acting on the right level of the system. Donella H. Meadows, a system thinker, once listed ways to influence a system in order of effectiveness. When you apply these to design, you get:
- At the lowest level of effectiveness, you can affect numbers such as usability scores or the number of design critiques. But none of that will change the direction of a company.
- Similarly, affecting buffers (such as team budgets), stocks (such as the number of designers), flows (such as the number of new hires), and delays (such as the time that it takes to hear about the effect of design) won’t significantly affect a company.
- Focusing instead on feedback loops such as management control, employee recognition, or design-system investments can help a company become better at achieving its objectives. But that doesn’t change the objectives themselves, which means that the organization will still work against your ethical-design ideals.
- The next level, information flows, is what most ethical-design initiatives focus on now: the exchange of ethical methods, toolkits, articles, conferences, workshops, and so on. This is also where ethical design has remained mostly theoretical. We’ve been focusing on the wrong level of the system all this time.
- Take rules, for example—they beat knowledge every time. There can be widely accepted rules, such as how finance works, or a scrum team’s definition of done. But ethical design can also be smothered by unofficial rules meant to maintain profits, often revealed through comments such as “the client didn’t ask for it” or “don’t make it too big.”
- Changing the rules without holding official power is very hard. That’s why the next level is so influential: self-organization. Experimentation, bottom-up initiatives, passion projects, self-steering teams—all of these are examples of self-organization that improve the resilience and creativity of a company. It’s exactly this diversity of viewpoints that’s needed to structurally tackle big systemic issues like consumerism, wealth inequality, and climate change.
- Yet even stronger than self-organization are objectives and metrics. Our companies want to make more money, which means that everything and everyone in the company does their best to… make the company more money. And once I realized that profit is nothing more than a measurement, I understood how crucial a very specific, defined metric can be toward pushing a company in a certain direction.
The takeaway? If we truly want to incorporate ethics into our daily design practice, we must first change the measurable objectives of the company we work for, from the bottom up.
Redefine success
Traditionally, we consider a product or service successful if it’s desirable to humans, technologically feasible, and financially viable. You tend to see these represented as equals; if you type the three words in a search engine, you’ll find diagrams of three equally sized, evenly arranged circles.
But in our hearts, we all know that the three dimensions aren’t equally weighted: it’s viability that ultimately controls whether a product will go live. So a more realistic representation might look like this:
Desirability and feasibility are the means; viability is the goal. Companies—outside of nonprofits and charities—exist to make money.
A genuinely purpose-driven company would try to reverse this dynamic: it would recognize finance for what it was intended for: a means. So both feasibility and viability are means to achieve what the company set out to achieve. It makes intuitive sense: to achieve most anything, you need resources, people, and money. (Fun fact: the Italian language knows no difference between feasibility and viability; both are simply fattibilità.)
But simply swapping viable for desirable isn’t enough to achieve an ethical outcome. Desirability is still linked to consumerism because the associated activities aim to identify what people want—whether it’s good for them or not. Desirability objectives, such as user satisfaction or conversion, don’t consider whether a product is healthy for people. They don’t prevent us from creating products that distract or manipulate people or stop us from contributing to society’s wealth inequality. They’re unsuitable for establishing a healthy balance with nature.
There’s a fourth dimension of success that’s missing: our designs also need to be ethical in the effect that they have on the world.
This is hardly a new idea. Many similar models exist, some calling the fourth dimension accountability, integrity, or responsibility. What I’ve never seen before, however, is the necessary step that comes after: to influence the system as designers and to make ethical design more practical, we must create objectives for ethical design that are achievable and inspirational. There’s no one way to do this because it highly depends on your culture, values, and industry. But I’ll give you the version that I developed with a group of colleagues at a design agency. Consider it a template to get started.
Pursue well-being, equity, and sustainability
We created objectives that address design’s effect on three levels: individual, societal, and global.
An objective on the individual level tells us what success is beyond the typical focus of usability and satisfaction—instead considering matters such as how much time and attention is required from users. We pursued well-being:
We create products and services that allow for people’s health and happiness. Our solutions are calm, transparent, nonaddictive, and nonmisleading. We respect our users’ time, attention, and privacy, and help them make healthy and respectful choices.
An objective on the societal level forces us to consider our impact beyond just the user, widening our attention to the economy, communities, and other indirect stakeholders. We called this objective equity:
We create products and services that have a positive social impact. We consider economic equality, racial justice, and the inclusivity and diversity of people as teams, users, and customer segments. We listen to local culture, communities, and those we affect.
Finally, the objective on the global level aims to ensure that we remain in balance with the only home we have as humanity. Referring to it simply as sustainability, our definition was:
We create products and services that reward sufficiency and reusability. Our solutions support the circular economy: we create value from waste, repurpose products, and prioritize sustainable choices. We deliver functionality instead of ownership, and we limit energy use.
In short, ethical design (to us) meant achieving wellbeing for each user and an equitable value distribution within society through a design that can be sustained by our living planet. When we introduced these objectives in the company, for many colleagues, design ethics and responsible design suddenly became tangible and achievable through practical—and even familiar—actions.
Measure impact
But defining these objectives still isn’t enough. What truly caught the attention of senior management was the fact that we created a way to measure every design project’s well-being, equity, and sustainability.
This overview lists example metrics that you can use as you pursue well-being, equity, and sustainability:
There’s a lot of power in measurement. As the saying goes, what gets measured gets done. Donella Meadows once shared this example:
“If the desired system state is national security, and that is defined as the amount of money spent on the military, the system will produce military spending. It may or may not produce national security.”
This phenomenon explains why desirability is a poor indicator of success: it’s typically defined as the increase in customer satisfaction, session length, frequency of use, conversion rate, churn rate, download rate, and so on. But none of these metrics increase the health of people, communities, or ecosystems. What if instead we measured success through metrics for (digital) well-being, such as (reduced) screen time or software energy consumption?
There’s another important message here. Even if we set an objective to build a calm interface, if we were to choose the wrong metric for calmness—say, the number of interface elements—we could still end up with a screen that induces anxiety. Choosing the wrong metric can completely undo good intentions.
Additionally, choosing the right metric is enormously helpful in focusing the design team. Once you go through the exercise of choosing metrics for our objectives, you’re forced to consider what success looks like concretely and how you can prove that you’ve reached your ethical objectives. It also forces you to consider what we as designers have control over: what can I include in my design or change in my process that will lead to the right type of success? The answer to this question brings a lot of clarity and focus.
And finally, it’s good to remember that traditional businesses run on measurements, and managers love to spend much time discussing charts (ideally hockey-stick shaped)—especially if they concern profit, the one-above-all of metrics. For good or ill, to improve the system, to have a serious discussion about ethical design with managers, we’ll need to speak that business language.
Practice daily ethical design
Once you’ve defined your objectives and you have a reasonable idea of the potential metrics for your design project, only then do you have a chance to structurally practice ethical design. It “simply” becomes a matter of using your creativity and choosing from all the knowledge and toolkits already available to you.
I think this is quite exciting! It opens a whole new set of challenges and considerations for the design process. Should you go with that energy-consuming video or would a simple illustration be enough? Which typeface is the most calm and inclusive? Which new tools and methods do you use? When is the website’s end of life? How can you provide the same service while requiring less attention from users? How do you make sure that those who are affected by decisions are there when those decisions are made? How can you measure our effects?
The redefinition of success will completely change what it means to do good design.
There is, however, a final piece of the puzzle that’s missing: convincing your client, product owner, or manager to be mindful of well-being, equity, and sustainability. For this, it’s essential to engage stakeholders in a dedicated kickoff session.
Kick it off or fall back to status quo
The kickoff is the most important meeting that can be so easy to forget to include. It consists of two major phases: 1) the alignment of expectations, and 2) the definition of success.
In the first phase, the entire (design) team goes over the project brief and meets with all the relevant stakeholders. Everyone gets to know one another and express their expectations on the outcome and their contributions to achieving it. Assumptions are raised and discussed. The aim is to get on the same level of understanding and to in turn avoid preventable miscommunications and surprises later in the project.
For example, for a recent freelance project that aimed to design a digital platform that facilitates US student advisors’ documentation and communication, we conducted an online kickoff with the client, a subject-matter expert, and two other designers. We used a combination of canvases on Miro: one with questions from “Manual of Me” (to get to know each other), a Team Canvas (to express expectations), and a version of the Project Canvas to align on scope, timeline, and other practical matters.
The above is the traditional purpose of a kickoff. But just as important as expressing expectations is agreeing on what success means for the project—in terms of desirability, viability, feasibility, and ethics. What are the objectives in each dimension?
Agreement on what success means at such an early stage is crucial because you can rely on it for the remainder of the project. If, for example, the design team wants to build an inclusive app for a diverse user group, they can raise diversity as a specific success criterion during the kickoff. If the client agrees, the team can refer back to that promise throughout the project. “As we agreed in our first meeting, having a diverse user group that includes A and B is necessary to build a successful product. So we do activity X and follow research process Y.” Compare those odds to a situation in which the team didn’t agree to that beforehand and had to ask for permission halfway through the project. The client might argue that that came on top of the agreed scope—and she’d be right.
In the case of this freelance project, to define success I prepared a round canvas that I call the Wheel of Success. It consists of an inner ring, meant to capture ideas for objectives, and a set of outer rings, meant to capture ideas on how to measure those objectives. The rings are divided into five dimensions of successful design: healthy, equitable, sustainable, desirable, feasible, and viable.
We went through each dimension, writing down ideas on digital sticky notes. Then we discussed our ideas and verbally agreed on the most important ones. For example, our client agreed that sustainability and progressive enhancement are important success criteria for the platform. And the subject-matter expert emphasized the importance of including students from low-income and disadvantaged groups in the design process.
After the kickoff, we summarized our ideas and shared understanding in a project brief that captured these aspects:
- the project’s origin and purpose: why are we doing this project?
- the problem definition: what do we want to solve?
- the concrete goals and metrics for each success dimension: what do we want to achieve?
- the scope, process, and role descriptions: how will we achieve it?
With such a brief in place, you can use the agreed-upon objectives and concrete metrics as a checklist of success, and your design team will be ready to pursue the right objective—using the tools, methods, and metrics at their disposal to achieve ethical outcomes.
Conclusion
Over the past year, quite a few colleagues have asked me, “Where do I start with ethical design?” My answer has always been the same: organize a session with your stakeholders to (re)define success. Even though you might not always be 100 percent successful in agreeing on goals that cover all responsibility objectives, that beats the alternative (the status quo) every time. If you want to be an ethical, responsible designer, there’s no skipping this step.
To be even more specific: if you consider yourself a strategic designer, your challenge is to define ethical objectives, set the right metrics, and conduct those kick-off sessions. If you consider yourself a system designer, your starting point is to understand how your industry contributes to consumerism and inequality, understand how finance drives business, and brainstorm which levers are available to influence the system on the highest level. Then redefine success to create the space to exercise those levers.
And for those who consider themselves service designers or UX designers or UI designers: if you truly want to have a positive, meaningful impact, stay away from the toolkits and meetups and conferences for a while. Instead, gather your colleagues and define goals for well-being, equity, and sustainability through design. Engage your stakeholders in a workshop and challenge them to think of ways to achieve and measure those ethical goals. Take their input, make it concrete and visible, ask for their agreement, and hold them to it.
Otherwise, I’m genuinely sorry to say, you’re wasting your precious time and creative energy.
Of course, engaging your stakeholders in this way can be uncomfortable. Many of my colleagues expressed doubts such as “What will the client think of this?,” “Will they take me seriously?,” and “Can’t we just do it within the design team instead?” In fact, a product manager once asked me why ethics couldn’t just be a structured part of the design process—to just do it without spending the effort to define ethical objectives. It’s a tempting idea, right? We wouldn’t have to have difficult discussions with stakeholders about what values or which key-performance indicators to pursue. It would let us focus on what we like and do best: designing.
But as systems theory tells us, that’s not enough. For those of us who aren’t from marginalized groups and have the privilege to be able to speak up and be heard, that uncomfortable space is exactly where we need to be if we truly want to make a difference. We can’t remain within the design-for-designers bubble, enjoying our privileged working-from-home situation, disconnected from the real world out there. For those of us who have the possibility to speak up and be heard: if we solely keep talking about ethical design and it remains at the level of articles and toolkits—we’re not designing ethically. It’s just theory. We need to actively engage our colleagues and clients by challenging them to redefine success in business.
With a bit of courage, determination, and focus, we can break out of this cage that finance and business-as-usual have built around us and become facilitators of a new type of business that can see beyond financial value. We just need to agree on the right objectives at the start of each design project, find the right metrics, and realize that we already have everything that we need to get started. That’s what it means to do daily ethical design.
For their inspiration and support over the years, I would like to thank Emanuela Cozzi Schettini, José Gallegos, Annegret Bönemann, Ian Dorr, Vera Rademaker, Virginia Rispoli, Cecilia Scolaro, Rouzbeh Amini, and many others.
Breaking Out of the Box
CSS is about styling boxes. In fact, the whole web is made of boxes, from the browser viewport to elements on a page. But every once in a while a new feature comes along that makes us rethink our design approach.
Round displays, for example, make it fun to play with circular clip areas. Mobile screen notches and virtual keyboards offer challenges to best organize content that stays clear of them. And dual screen or foldable devices make us rethink how to best use available space in a number of different device postures.
These recent evolutions of the web platform made it both more challenging and more interesting to design products. They’re great opportunities for us to break out of our rectangular boxes.
I’d like to talk about a new feature similar to the above: the Window Controls Overlay for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
Progressive Web Apps are blurring the lines between apps and websites. They combine the best of both worlds. On one hand, they’re stable, linkable, searchable, and responsive just like websites. On the other hand, they provide additional powerful capabilities, work offline, and read files just like native apps.
As a design surface, PWAs are really interesting because they challenge us to think about what mixing web and device-native user interfaces can be. On desktop devices in particular, we have more than 40 years of history telling us what applications should look like, and it can be hard to break out of this mental model.
At the end of the day though, PWAs on desktop are constrained to the window they appear in: a rectangle with a title bar at the top.
Here’s what a typical desktop PWA app looks like:
Sure, as the author of a PWA, you get to choose the color of the title bar (using the Web Application Manifest theme_color property), but that’s about it.
What if we could think outside this box, and reclaim the real estate of the app’s entire window? Doing so would give us a chance to make our apps more beautiful and feel more integrated in the operating system.
This is exactly what the Window Controls Overlay offers. This new PWA functionality makes it possible to take advantage of the full surface area of the app, including where the title bar normally appears.
About the title bar and window controls
Let’s start with an explanation of what the title bar and window controls are.
The title bar is the area displayed at the top of an app window, which usually contains the app’s name. Window controls are the affordances, or buttons, that make it possible to minimize, maximize, or close the app’s window, and are also displayed at the top.
Window Controls Overlay removes the physical constraint of the title bar and window controls areas. It frees up the full height of the app window, enabling the title bar and window control buttons to be overlaid on top of the application’s web content.
If you are reading this article on a desktop computer, take a quick look at other apps. Chances are they’re already doing something similar to this. In fact, the very web browser you are using to read this uses the top area to display tabs.
Spotify displays album artwork all the way to the top edge of the application window.
Microsoft Word uses the available title bar space to display the auto-save and search functionalities, and more.
The whole point of this feature is to allow you to make use of this space with your own content while providing a way to account for the window control buttons. And it enables you to offer this modified experience on a range of platforms while not adversely affecting the experience on browsers or devices that don’t support Window Controls Overlay. After all, PWAs are all about progressive enhancement, so this feature is a chance to enhance your app to use this extra space when it’s available.
Let’s use the feature
For the rest of this article, we’ll be working on a demo app to learn more about using the feature.
The demo app is called 1DIV. It’s a simple CSS playground where users can create designs using CSS and a single HTML element.
The app has two pages. The first lists the existing CSS designs you’ve created:
The second page enables you to create and edit CSS designs:
Since I’ve added a simple web manifest and service worker, we can install the app as a PWA on desktop. Here is what it looks like on macOS:
And on Windows:
Our app is looking good, but the white title bar in the first page is wasted space. In the second page, it would be really nice if the design area went all the way to the top of the app window.
Let’s use the Window Controls Overlay feature to improve this.
Enabling Window Controls Overlay
The feature is still experimental at the moment. To try it, you need to enable it in one of the supported browsers.
As of now, it has been implemented in Chromium, as a collaboration between Microsoft and Google. We can therefore use it in Chrome or Edge by going to the internal about://flags page, and enabling the Desktop PWA Window Controls Overlay flag.
Using Window Controls Overlay
To use the feature, we need to add the following display_override member to our web app’s manifest file:
{
"name": "1DIV",
"description": "1DIV is a mini CSS playground",
"lang": "en-US",
"start_url": "/",
"theme_color": "#ffffff",
"background_color": "#ffffff",
"display_override": [
"window-controls-overlay"
],
"icons": [
...
]
}
On the surface, the feature is really simple to use. This manifest change is the only thing we need to make the title bar disappear and turn the window controls into an overlay.
However, to provide a great experience for all users regardless of what device or browser they use, and to make the most of the title bar area in our design, we’ll need a bit of CSS and JavaScript code.
Here is what the app looks like now:
The title bar is gone, which is what we wanted, but our logo, search field, and NEW button are partially covered by the window controls because now our layout starts at the top of the window.
It’s similar on Windows, with the difference that the close, maximize, and minimize buttons appear on the right side, grouped together with the PWA control buttons:
Using CSS to keep clear of the window controls
Along with the feature, new CSS environment variables have been introduced:
titlebar-area-xtitlebar-area-ytitlebar-area-widthtitlebar-area-height
You use these variables with the CSS env() function to position your content where the title bar would have been while ensuring it won’t overlap with the window controls. In our case, we’ll use two of the variables to position our header, which contains the logo, search bar, and NEW button.
header {
position: absolute;
left: env(titlebar-area-x, 0);
width: env(titlebar-area-width, 100%);
height: var(--toolbar-height);
}
The titlebar-area-x variable gives us the distance from the left of the viewport to where the title bar would appear, and titlebar-area-width is its width. (Remember, this is not equivalent to the width of the entire viewport, just the title bar portion, which as noted earlier, doesn’t include the window controls.)
By doing this, we make sure our content remains fully visible. We’re also defining fallback values (the second parameter in the env() function) for when the variables are not defined (such as on non-supporting browsers, or when the Windows Control Overlay feature is disabled).
Now our header adapts to its surroundings, and it doesn’t feel like the window control buttons have been added as an afterthought. The app looks a lot more like a native app.
Changing the window controls background color so it blends in
Now let’s take a closer look at our second page: the CSS playground editor.
Not great. Our CSS demo area does go all the way to the top, which is what we wanted, but the way the window controls appear as white rectangles on top of it is quite jarring.
We can fix this by changing the app’s theme color. There are a couple of ways to define it:
- PWAs can define a theme color in the web app manifest file using the theme_color manifest member. This color is then used by the OS in different ways. On desktop platforms, it is used to provide a background color to the title bar and window controls.
- Websites can use the theme-color meta tag as well. It’s used by browsers to customize the color of the UI around the web page. For PWAs, this color can override the manifest
theme_color.
In our case, we can set the manifest theme_color to white to provide the right default color for our app. The OS will read this color value when the app is installed and use it to make the window controls background color white. This color works great for our main page with the list of demos.
The theme-color meta tag can be changed at runtime, using JavaScript. So we can do that to override the white with the right demo background color when one is opened.
Here is the function we’ll use:
function themeWindow(bgColor) {
document.querySelector("meta[name=theme-color]").setAttribute('content', bgColor);
}With this in place, we can imagine how using color and CSS transitions can produce a smooth change from the list page to the demo page, and enable the window control buttons to blend in with the rest of the app’s interface.
Dragging the window
Now, getting rid of the title bar entirely does have an important accessibility consequence: it’s much more difficult to move the application window around.
The title bar provides a sizable area for users to click and drag, but by using the Window Controls Overlay feature, this area becomes limited to where the control buttons are, and users have to very precisely aim between these buttons to move the window.
Fortunately, this can be fixed using CSS with the app-region property. This property is, for now, only supported in Chromium-based browsers and needs the -webkit- vendor prefix.
To make any element of the app become a dragging target for the window, we can use the following:
-webkit-app-region: drag;
It is also possible to explicitly make an element non-draggable:
-webkit-app-region: no-drag;
These options can be useful for us. We can make the entire header a dragging target, but make the search field and NEW button within it non-draggable so they can still be used as normal.
However, because the editor page doesn’t display the header, users wouldn’t be able to drag the window while editing code. So let’s use a different approach. We’ll create another element before our header, also absolutely positioned, and dedicated to dragging the window.
... .drag {
position: absolute;
top: 0;
width: 100%;
height: env(titlebar-area-height, 0);
-webkit-app-region: drag;
}With the above code, we’re making the draggable area span the entire viewport width, and using the titlebar-area-height variable to make it as tall as what the title bar would have been. This way, our draggable area is aligned with the window control buttons as shown below.
And, now, to make sure our search field and button remain usable:
header .search,
header .new {
-webkit-app-region: no-drag;
}With the above code, users can click and drag where the title bar used to be. It is an area that users expect to be able to use to move windows on desktop, and we’re not breaking this expectation, which is good.
Adapting to window resize
It may be useful for an app to know both whether the window controls overlay is visible and when its size changes. In our case, if the user made the window very narrow, there wouldn’t be enough space for the search field, logo, and button to fit, so we’d want to push them down a bit.
The Window Controls Overlay feature comes with a JavaScript API we can use to do this: navigator.windowControlsOverlay.
The API provides three interesting things:
navigator.windowControlsOverlay.visiblelets us know whether the overlay is visible.navigator.windowControlsOverlay.getBoundingClientRect()lets us know the position and size of the title bar area.navigator.windowControlsOverlay.ongeometrychangelets us know when the size or visibility changes.
Let’s use this to be aware of the size of the title bar area and move the header down if it’s too narrow.
if (navigator.windowControlsOverlay) {
navigator.windowControlsOverlay.addEventListener('geometrychange', () => {
const { width } = navigator.windowControlsOverlay.getBoundingClientRect();
document.body.classList.toggle('narrow', width < 250);
});
}In the example above, we set the narrow class on the body of the app if the title bar area is narrower than 250px. We could do something similar with a media query, but using the windowControlsOverlay API has two advantages for our use case:
- It’s only fired when the feature is supported and used; we don’t want to adapt the design otherwise.
- We get the size of the title bar area across operating systems, which is great because the size of the window controls is different on Mac and Windows. Using a media query wouldn’t make it possible for us to know exactly how much space remains.
.narrow header {
top: env(titlebar-area-height, 0);
left: 0;
width: 100%;
}Using the above CSS code, we can move our header down to stay clear of the window control buttons when the window is too narrow, and move the thumbnails down accordingly.
Thirty pixels of exciting design opportunities
Using the Window Controls Overlay feature, we were able to take our simple demo app and turn it into something that feels so much more integrated on desktop devices. Something that reaches out of the usual window constraints and provides a custom experience for its users.
In reality, this feature only gives us about 30 pixels of extra room and comes with challenges on how to deal with the window controls. And yet, this extra room and those challenges can be turned into exciting design opportunities.
More devices of all shapes and forms get invented all the time, and the web keeps on evolving to adapt to them. New features get added to the web platform to allow us, web authors, to integrate more and more deeply with those devices. From watches or foldable devices to desktop computers, we need to evolve our design approach for the web. Building for the web now lets us think outside the rectangular box.
So let’s embrace this. Let’s use the standard technologies already at our disposal, and experiment with new ideas to provide tailored experiences for all devices, all from a single codebase!
If you get a chance to try the Window Controls Overlay feature and have feedback about it, you can open issues on the spec’s repository. It’s still early in the development of this feature, and you can help make it even better. Or, you can take a look at the feature’s existing documentation, or this demo app and its source code.