On escape hatches

Users stumble. They tap the wrong button, trigger a feature they didn’t mean to, and suddenly they’re stuck. That’s where we come in—crafting words that mark a clean exit. No one wants to claw through a maze to undo a slip-up. Give them a flashing neon “emergency exit,” and they’ll thank you. It's what's known as "user control."

Automation, especially with AI, amplifies this. Ever watch autocorrect mangle a text into nonsense? You hit “Send” and wince—too late to fix without awkward follow-ups. AI can steer, but users need the wheel too.

Building this freedom isn’t hard. Sprinkle in “Undo” and “Redo” like lifelines. Slap a “Cancel” button where it’s easy to spot. Label alternate paths so users see their outs before panic sets in. Words here are the difference between a smooth recovery and a spiral.

We’re not here to trap anyone in a slick UI cage. We’re here to guide, then step aside. Clear exits don’t weaken design—they prove we respect the people on the other side of the screen. Give users the reins when you can.