Bias

Can you see your own biases? Most people can’t.

I recently posted here and on social media about product design trade-offs and being able to see the downside of a design decision. I used Tesla as an example. Bad choice.

The comment track was immediately swamped with Elon-haters and Tesla fanboys (in about equal measure). Not many people wanted to participate in the discussion about product design decisions and blind spots.

Interestingly, this proved my point exactly: We all have blind spots. Once we have made a point publicly, it becomes part of our identity. And society appreciates people who stand their ground, while people changing their minds are written off as flip-floppers. But if we want to make good decisions, we have to overcome our biases.

Ideally, you have a group of trusted friends you can discuss important issues with before you make a decision. Failing that, you can borrow someone else’s viewpoint: Ask yourself what that other person would say.