I designed by committee — and here’s what went wrong

In the design world, the phrase "A camel is a horse designed by a committee" captures the pitfalls of collaborative design processes that prioritize consensus over clarity and innovation. While a committee-driven approach can lead to technically correct but uninspiring and directionless user experiences, the article argues that great UX design requires a strong, focused idea with intentional decisions that align with user needs. The challenges of design by committee include scope creep, the stifling of creativity due to stakeholder approval gauntlets, and a lack of clear roles, leading to designs that are cluttered and inconsistent. To mitigate these issues, the article suggests implementing structured feedback windows, prioritizing user impact over collective compromise, and protecting the early stages of design from premature scrutiny. The goal is to maintain a clear purpose and vision, ensuring that designs are impactful and user-centered rather than diluted by the need to satisfy multiple agendas.