I’m always curious about how people use technology in different parts of the world. I believe that as a UX designer, I should not limit myself to the apps and websites that I’m familiar with, but explore the ones that are popular in other regions and cultures. Why? Because by doing so, I can learn more about the mental models and approaches of different users, and improve my own design skills and creativity.

What are mental models and why do they matter?

Mental models are the cognitive representations that users have in their minds about how a system works, such as an app or a website. They are based on their previous experiences, knowledge, and expectations. Users rely on their mental models to interact with a system, and they expect the system to behave according to their mental models.

Mental models are important for UX design because they affect how users perceive and use a system. If the system matches the users’ mental models, they will find it intuitive, easy, and satisfying. If the system does not match the users’ mental models, they will find it confusing, frustrating, and disappointing.

Therefore, UX designers should understand the mental models of their target users, and design systems that align with them. However, mental models are not universal. They can vary depending on the region, culture, and context of the users. That’s why UX designers should use apps from different regions, to discover how different users think and behave.

How do apps from different regions differ?

One of the most striking examples of how apps from different regions differ is the comparison between Western and Asian apps. Western apps tend to be more minimalistic, while Asian apps tend to be more maximalistic.

Minimalistic apps have simple and clean interfaces, with few elements, colors, and fonts. They focus on one or a few core functions and avoid unnecessary features or distractions. They aim to provide a clear and consistent user experience, with a high level of usability and aesthetics. Examples of minimalistic apps are Google, Instagram, and Spotify.

Maximalistic apps have complex and crowded interfaces, with many elements, colours, and fonts. They offer multiple and diverse functions and integrate various features and services. They aim to provide a rich and dynamic user experience, with a high level of functionality and convenience. Examples of maximalistic apps are WeChat, Line, and KakaoTalk.

What can we learn from apps from different regions?

By using apps from different regions, we can learn a lot about the mental models and approaches of different users. For example, by using Asian apps, we can learn that:

• Asian users prefer apps that can do many things, rather than apps that can do one thing well. They value convenience and efficiency, and they don’t mind complexity and clutter. They are used to switching between different functions and services within the same app, rather than switching between different apps.

• Asian users are more social and expressive, rather than individual and rational. They like to communicate and share with their friends and family, and they use various forms of media, such as stickers, emojis, and voice messages. They are influenced by social norms and expectations, and they conform to the established rules and etiquette.

• Asian users are more adaptive and flexible, rather than fixed and stable. They are open to change and innovation, and they embrace new trends and technologies. They are willing to experiment and try new things, and they adjust to different situations and contexts.

By learning from apps from different regions, we can also improve our own design skills and creativity. For example, by using Asian apps, we can:

• Expand our design horizons and challenge our assumptions. We can see how different design choices and solutions can work for different users and scenarios. We can question our own preferences and biases, and explore new possibilities and alternatives.

• Enhance our design empathy and diversity. We can understand the needs, wants, and expectations of different users and cultures. We can appreciate the differences and similarities among them, and respect their values and perspectives. We can design for inclusion and accessibility, and avoid stereotypes and discrimination.

• Inspire our design innovation and experimentation. We can discover new features and functions that can add value and delight to our users. We can learn from the best practices and trends of different regions and industries. We can test and iterate our designs, and learn from our failures and successes.

Conclusion

As a UX design student, I think using apps from different regions is a great way to learn more about the mental models and approaches of different users and improve my design skills and creativity. I have been using WeChat for communication with my girlfriend, who is from China, and I have been amazed by the vastness of possibilities that this app offers. It’s great for sending money, chatting, working as TikTok, calling, having broadcast channels, the ability to login to other apps, and of course for design inspiration from Chinese Latin typefaces through dedicated channels to UX practices in Asia.

That’s why I think that designers should expand their horizons and not be afraid to use products and people from different cultures, as it opens up an ocean of information and possibilities that we had no idea even existed. By doing so, we can become better UX designers, and create better products and services for our users.

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