But what if we add one more feature?

Every designer has probably heard this question. And some of us have asked it, too. Search. Filters. Analytics. Settings. AI. Shortcuts. Export. Share.

Before we know it, one screen is trying to do everything. But here’s the problem: A screen can contain everything and still help users with nothing.

Users don’t experience your interface as a list of features. They experience it as one question:

What should I do next? Before adding another feature, ask:

Does the user actually need it?

Does it support the primary task?

How frequently will it be used?

Does it need to be visible right now?

Could it appear later?

What becomes harder if we add it?

This is where progressive disclosure becomes useful. Show the essentials first. Reveal additional complexity when users need it.

You aren’t removing functionality. You’re reducing unnecessary cognitive load. 

Remember: Collecting features isn’t prioritising. Good UX isn’t about showing users everything you can build.

It’s about helping them find what matters, when it matters, without making them dig through everything else.

What’s the one extra feature your team keeps trying to squeeze into the UI?

UX Crumbs — bite-sized UX learning that turns everyday observations into practical design lessons.