Why I drink from this ridiculous teacup at work

This is the cup I drink my coffee from in the morning. It's a throw-back porcelain teacup complete with a matching saucer. It's decorated with a dainty purple and gold floral pattern suitable for a parlor and velvet chairs. Most importantly, it's a far cry from a paper cup or a gargantuan mug designed only for efficiency of consumption. This teacup is designed for the experience of smelling, holding, and relishing a hot beverage.

Until her dying day my grandmother would complain vehemently if she was served coffee in a paper cup - as if drinking coffee from a paper cup were somehow obscene or vulgar. This mentality has stuck with me. My grandma was somebody who stopped and smelled the roses and lived life boldly. This cup is not only a reminder of her, but also a gentle nudge to slow down and focus on the experience - to be grateful.

My job as a UX Researcher is to take this teacup's message to the world in digital form - "slow down and enjoy the journey." We're constantly pressured to "ship it," "meet the deadline," and "be efficient." Good design is not always the fastest or most efficient solution. The best design is about context - what's needed for a particular user, at a certain time, in an exact location. No matter what we're doing online, we're still humans searching for joy. When I get caught up in the details of a project, I use the teacup as a reminder that there is a simple solution. All I need to do is enjoy a cup of coffee and listen intently - the solution will become obvious soon.