Sustainable UX: Why it's good to think green
As the world of communications revolves around the latest features, trends, and rapid updates, sustainable UX is becoming increasingly important.
What is sustainable UX anyway?
Sustainable UX is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of digital products. Simply put, it means creating websites, apps, and other digital solutions that save energy, reduce waste, and meet the needs of users. It’s about making products that not only look and work great, but are also environmentally friendly.
And it's not just about ecology – it's about ethics, accessibility, energy efficiency and long-term user satisfaction. Our mission is to create products that are not built on fast trends, but on real value for users and the planet.
Why even care about the environment if you work in digital?
The digital world may seem unrelated to plastic in the ocean or cutting down trees. But the internet consumes an incredible amount of energy. The powerful servers needed for our apps, websites, and now AI, run non-stop. They are powered by electricity, but they are very greedy. The Internet of Things is more energy-hungry than most people realize.
How can we work more sustainably?
Here are some ideas on how we as UX designers can approach sustainable design not only by reducing negative impacts, but also by creating a better experience for users:
1. Speed optimization
Fast pages and apps are not only better for users (let's face it, no one likes slow loading), but they also use less energy. Every time a user waits for a photo or video to load, servers are using up valuable electricity. Let's optimize images, reduce unnecessary code, and only keep the functionality that truly serves users.
2. Less is more and minimalism
“Minimalism” is not a new word, although it is overused. But have you ever thought about “sustainable minimalism”? We remove unnecessary buttons, menus, notifications that only burden pages and drown users in a sea of information. If we create clean, simple and efficient design solutions, users will find what they need faster, which will also be reflected in data transfer and electricity consumption.
3. Accessibility and ethics
Sustainability means that our technology is accessible to everyone, regardless of limitations. By considering users with different needs, we ensure that everyone gets the same good experience. We also strive for an ethical approach to UX solutions and ethical marketing, which, for example, does not involve unnecessary data collection or insidious and misleading marketing tactics.
4. Educate users
If users don't know how they can contribute to a sustainable internet, we can kindly guide and educate them. Reducing data usage and, for example, controlling photo storage in the cloud are two effective steps. Let them realize that every interaction counts. This is also how we contribute to a more aware and sustainable society.
5. Focus on long-term value
Instead of releasing a new version of the app every month with filler features, let's design products that truly meet user needs. We need to understand that long-term value creates loyal users who appreciate the experience we offer them, without "empty" updates.
We sell millions of products. So making even small adjustments can have a meaningful impact.
– Apple
A sustainable future for design
Sustainable UX can be an exciting challenge for any designer. Our job is not just to design something beautiful and functional, but to create positive change. The goal should be that the applications and websites we create contribute to a better, more sustainable world and that users who use our solutions will think: “Hey, this product really is made with my needs in mind and they also think about the planet.”
Sustainable UX is not (just) a fad, but a movement and attitude that connects technology, ethics, and a sustainable mindset. There has never been a better time to think about how I can use my skills to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible digital world. UX can be “green” too.
Here are some examples of products and companies that are already thinking sustainably in the digital world and paving the way for a greener UX.
1. Ecosia - A green alternative to Google
Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with every search. On the platform, users browse the web while Ecosia uses ad revenue to fund reforestation projects around the world. Their design is simple, without unnecessary functionality, which helps to load faster and use less energy.
ecosia.orgecosia.org
2. Too Good To Go – Fighting Food Waste
Too Good To Go is an app that allows users to buy surplus food from restaurants and stores for a small fee that would otherwise end up in the trash. The app is designed to give users quick and easy access to nearby deals, reducing energy consumption and supporting local businesses. All with a minimal carbon footprint.
toogoodtogo.com
3. Patagonia – Sustainable Fashion and Digital Experience
Patagonia, known for its eco-friendly clothing, also has great digital practices. They clearly show users the environmental impact of their purchases on their website, encourage clothing repairs and reuse, and reduce energy-intensive features on their website. The company is building a more sustainable online shopping experience.
patagonia.com/repairs
4. The Ocean Cleanup – Cleaner oceans, clear messages
The Ocean Cleanup uses the web and apps to raise awareness and fund projects that remove plastic from the oceans. Their website is designed to be efficient, with little unnecessary visual “weight.” Clear, concise messaging and a simple design allow users to quickly understand their mission, thus reducing bandwidth usage.
theoceancleanup.com
5. Wren – Carbon Footprint Compensation
Wren is a platform that allows users to track and offset their carbon footprint. The digital experience is simple, without complex animations and add-ons, which reduces the carbon footprint of the website. Their UX focuses on quickly informing users about projects and showing transparently where the funds are going.
wren.co
6. OLIO – Sharing food and items instead of waste
OLIO allows people to share surplus food and things they no longer need with their neighbors. Their app is designed to make it quick and easy for users to find or donate items, promoting a circular economy and reducing waste. This not only helps users, but also reduces the amount of waste and emissions associated with producing new products.
olioapp.com
7. Apple – Emphasis on sustainability throughout all phases
As one of the founding members of the once influential project Jabolko.org – The Apple Users Association of Slovenia, it's no secret that I (still) am impressed by Apple's solutions. Their commitment to sustainability encompasses all phases of the development and use of their products. Apple focuses not only on elegant design, but also on the longevity and energy efficiency of their devices. In addition, they are constantly reducing the carbon footprint of their servers and promoting the recycling of materials, which is key to reducing e-waste.
apple.com/environment
These companies and products are good examples of sustainable thinking in digital design. They offer users a solution that is not only functional but also environmentally friendly. In doing so, they prove that digital products can serve both users and the planet.
Conclusion
Although the digital world (too) often distances us from nature, every click, every update, and every design has a direct impact on our planet. As UX designers, we have the power and responsibility to create products that not only improve the lives of users, but also preserve our world for future generations. Sustainability is no longer just a choice. It is an imperative that we must incorporate into every part of our work.
