Constraints as Features
Limiting options often leads to better outcomes than providing unlimited flexibility.
When building the Theme Builder at Shorthand, we faced a classic design tension: users wanted flexibility, but too many options led to decision paralysis and inconsistent results.
The Paradox of Choice
Our first prototype gave users full control—any color, any font size, any spacing. The feedback was unanimous: "This is powerful but I don't know where to start."
When we added constraints—a curated font selection, a defined spacing scale, color suggestions based on their logo—usage increased dramatically. The constraints weren't limitations; they were guides.
Good Constraints
Not all constraints are helpful. The good ones share a few qualities:
They encode expertise
A well-designed type scale or color palette represents decisions that most users shouldn't have to make from scratch.
They're discoverable
The constraint should be obvious enough that users understand the boundaries without hitting walls.
They have escape hatches
Power users should be able to override when needed, even if it's not the default path.
Finding the Right Balance
The art is in finding the constraint level that serves most users most of the time. Too restrictive and people feel boxed in. Too open and they feel lost.
I've started asking: "What decision could I make for the user here that they'd thank me for later?" Usually there's at least one.
