The BN Manifesto: The Principles of Good Interface Design

PublishedOctober 3, 2024BySlava Tarasov

(Intro)

This manifesto explores foundational principles of interface design through historical intellectual traditions rather than purely utilitarian approaches. Drawing on philosophy, ethics, and communication theory, it argues that design excellence emerges from intellectual rigour, ethical commitment, and genuine care for the human experience. From Derrida's deconstruction to Heidegger's concept of care, each principle offers a lens for creating interfaces that respect both the craft and the people who use them.

BN Manifesto: Good Interface Design ⊹ Blog ⊹ BN Digital — Fig. 0

Interdisciplinary Foundation

Design education has historically separated from philosophy, leaving designers lacking an interdisciplinary connection with rich intellectual traditions. Reconnecting design practice with philosophical inquiry restores depth to the discipline.

Ethical Considerations

Good designers love themselves; their craft; their clients; their colleagues, and, last but not least, good designers love users. Drawing from Christian scholasticism, designers must avoid dark patterns—manipulative design techniques that prioritise stakeholder interests over user welfare.

Rationality in Design Decisions

Design requires empirical validation. Methods such as AB testing, focus groups, click and eye-tracking heatmaps derive from scientific methodology. Yet designers must recognise the limitations of purely deterministic approaches and apply judgement where data alone is insufficient.

Against Dogmatic Systems

There is no best system for everything. Good designers will never blindly follow any framework—adopting instead a critical, reflective approach to methodology. Referencing Hegel's systematic philosophy and its real-world consequences, the essay warns against the dangers of ideological rigidity in design practice.

Design as Care

Drawing from Heidegger's concept of Dasein, good designers care deeply about their products and the results of the choices made. Design is not a mechanical process but a form of engaged stewardship.

Communication Clarity

Following Derrida's deconstruction theory, designers should recognise the inherent ambiguity in communication. Good designers are constantly reducing the complexity of their designs, stripping away what is unnecessary to ensure clarity in every interaction.

Core Principles

The manifesto advocates for passionate, ethically grounded designers who balance data with interpretation, question established methodologies, and prioritise user welfare over stakeholder manipulation. Design excellence emerges from intellectual rigour, ethical commitment, and genuine care for the human experience.