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5 UX activities you can do today to level up your design game
Written by
Björn Rutholm
Process2 min read
UX is often about long processes, research, testing and workshops. But sometimes you just need quick, practical activities you can run today to get clarity, speed, and better outcomes. Here are five simple but powerful plays you can add to your workflow right now.
1. Five-minute usability test
Action play: Pick one flow in your product (sign-up, checkout, or settings for example). Ask a colleague or friend to complete it while you watch silently. Note where they hesitate, what they say, and how long it takes.
Why: Even a single test reveals blind spots you've missed. Five minutes is enough to catch friction.
2. Lightning design critique
Action play: Gather your team for 15 minutes. Each person gives one piece of positive feedback and one constructive improvement suggestion on a design. Keep the pace fast - one round, no debates.
Tip: Phrase your feedback like this - I think you're really good at this [feedback] and I think you could level up your game even more if you improved in [this area / field].
Why: It surfaces quick wins and lets you spot recurring issues without drowning in discussion. Also, phrasing it like the suggestion above allows for a very positive vibe.
3. Micro user story mapping
Action play: On a whiteboard, a FigJam or Miro board, map out the steps a user takes to complete one task. Capture goals, touchpoints, and pain points. Keep it high-level. 10 minutes max.
Why: It creates shared understanding fast and helps you see gaps or extra steps you can remove.
4. Heuristic sweep
Action play: Open your product and quickly review it against Nielsen's 10 heuristics (visibility of system status, error prevention, match with real world, etc.). Write down at least one issue per heuristic.
Why: A heuristic review is fast, structured, and often reveals easy fixes that improve usability immediately.
5. Content clarity check
Action play: Take one screen (landing page, sign-up form, or dashboard). Highlight every piece of text. Ask yourself: "Can this be said shorter, clearer, or in the user's language?" Aim to rewrite at least three things on the spot.
Why: Clearer copy reduces friction instantly. It also builds trust because users understand exactly what to do and why.
Best of luck!
Written by
Björn Rutholm
Founder of PixelPappa
Technical cofounder for hire. Product designer and developer helping teams build digital products that work.
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