For years, the design industry optimized for engagement: time on site, daily active users, notification clicks. We created infinitely scrolling feeds, intermittent variable rewards, and fear-of-missing-out mechanisms. We became very good at capturing attention - and terrible at respecting human agency.
The costs of attention-economy design are now undeniable: increased anxiety, decreased focus, social comparison, and digital addiction. Users report feeling manipulated by products they use daily. Trust in technology companies has eroded as people recognize they're being optimized for engagement rather than wellbeing.
A new movement is emerging: designing for human flourishing rather than maximum engagement. This means optimizing for user goals rather than platform metrics, respecting human agency rather than exploiting psychological vulnerabilities.
Flourishing-centered design starts with different success metrics. Instead of time spent, measure goals accomplished. Instead of pages viewed, track problems solved. Instead of return visits, focus on user satisfaction and life improvement.
This requires rethinking fundamental design patterns. Infinite scroll keeps users engaged but prevents natural stopping points. Push notifications demand immediate attention but disrupt focus. Social comparison features drive engagement but harm mental health.
Better alternatives exist: finite feeds with clear endpoints, notification systems that batch and prioritize, social features that celebrate personal progress rather than relative status.
Designing for flourishing also means being transparent about how products work. Users should understand recommendation algorithms, data collection, and business models. Informed users can make better decisions about their technology use.
The transition won't be easy - engagement metrics are easier to measure than human flourishing. But companies that prioritize user wellbeing will build stronger, more sustainable relationships with their users.
The future belongs to products that help humans thrive, not just engage.