Confusion Is Not Magic

Dai Vernon (a.k.a The Professor), the most influential close-up magician of the 20th century, said:

😕 “Confusion is not magic.”

By this, he meant that if an effect is so convoluted, procedural, long, and confusing, the spectator’s magic experience is drastically diminished and often never realized.

This doesn’t mean that an effect should be easy to carry out technique-wise; on the contrary, Vernon insisted on magicians using the most direct and effective method possible to enhance the experience of magic, even if, at times, it requires using a more challenging and advanced technique.

The spectator’s experience and appreciation for the magical moment should be the primary drivers in constructing an effect and choosing techniques.

This user-centric approach is the key to creating digital products that are functional and genuinely magical in their simplicity and clarity.

While an effect’s construction may be intricate and use complex techniques internally, it must be presented externally in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. This approach ensures the effect delivers a powerful impact of amazement, wonder, and astonishment.

From this perspective, Vernon’s quote fits many digital products we use today.

😕 “Confusion is not useable or valuable.”

👉 “Make the experience and value proposition easy to understand”

Too many digital products nowadays add too much complexity without increasing their value, often detracting from it.

Confusion is the enemy of a positive user experience. It rears its head, for example, in products with overly long and complicated onboarding processes, disjointed workflows that lead users in circles, and an excess of customization options that shift the focus from value to configuration management.

Confused and frustrated users are not just a problem; they’re churning users! This underlines the urgency of creating digital products that are clear, simple, and have a direct path to value to keep users engaged and satisfied.

Remember… < is >

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