Why Our Brains Hate Redesigns

Right on cue with Apple’s new Liquid Glass updates forcefully changing menus on our iPhones, another truth is resurfacing: even “better” design can feel wrong. Sonos, Netflix, Duolingo, and Google Photos all tested their big redesigns. Users still revolted over them. Why? That’s easy: because our brains run on muscle memory. When a familiar button moves or a tool disappears, it doesn’t feel innovative, it feels frustrating. Good design isn’t just about cleaner UI or smarter systems. It’s about respecting the habits people have built around your brand. So excuse us while we try to find our open tabs in the new iOS Safari.