This week I had one really odd example of a UX being terrible. Approximately a year ago, I bought a Xiaomi Mouse. It was fairly expensive, and died out on me within a month or so. I was annoyed af, and left it hanging with the idea that I would like to get back to it and repair it in a few days. Fast forward a year of new mouses and a fantastic Razr Basilisk later -> I found myself rummaging through my drawer when I stumbled upon the old device. Felt like giving it a try – so I put in new batteries and tried to turn it on.

Shit didn’t turn on. Made me really sad.

I then finally took a look at the instructions on the battery casing – and noticed something really odd.

You know how battery contacts are always differently designed, with one contact (the negative terminal) going to a Spring, and the Positive Terminal going to a flat plate? Well, it was sort of muscle memory for me, and I wasn’t even looking when I installed the batteries in a way such that the flat side of the battery always touches the spring, and the side of the battery that has a raised nipple of sorts goes to the flat plate on the contact.

Well, someone at Xiaomi’s Design Lab decide to turn this logic around – and installed the springs both for the positive and negative terminals. Resulting in a circuit that never closed because I wasn’t expecting to put the pointy edge of a battery to a spring.

Hell, what a disaster.

And oh, I got bored last night and asked ChatGPT for advice that it would give to a 20 year old. The answer went like this:

1. Focus on self-improvement and personal growth. Invest in your education, physical and mental health, and relationships.
2. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and step outside your comfort zone. This is a time for exploration and finding your passions.
3. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. Build a strong support system of friends and family.
4. Start saving and planning for your financial future. Establish healthy money habits and consider seeking advice from a financial advisor.
5. Be kind and compassionate to yourself. You are still young and have plenty of time to figure things out. Don’t be too hard on yourself and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.