In the early days of the second wave of UX, around 2010, empathy was a popular buzzword. In 2025 empathy seems to have gone out of fashion.
In the tech world growth seems to be the only metric worth considering.
However, empathy in UX (and HCI) is essential, not just for designing solutions that truly meet user’s needs, but also for helping practitioners understand their emotions and cognitive states.
An empathetic practice is essential because it allows designers to not just put their users needs in context, but also opens the door to integrate human rights and ethics in design.
If we can see the world from someone else’s perspective our frame of reference is broadened and we are more inclined to act as an advocate for the user.
Empathy in design is not just an ethical imperative, but it’s also a methodological one. It informs design that is usable, helpful and can be a force for good in the world.
As we move in to an era dominated by rapid technological advancement and growth-driven priorities, it’s crucial not to lose sight of the human element in design. Empathy may have fallen out of fashion as a buzzword, but its role in UX and HCI remains fundamental. A truly impactful design practice goes beyond efficiency and engagement it considers the lived experiences of users, their challenges, and their rights. By embracing empathy, we ensure that technology serves people, rather than the other way around.