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Writer's pictureScott Ellis

Why we can learn valuable UX lessons from Vanlife


In recent years, the VanLife community has grown rapidly, with thousands of people choosing to live in a van or RV as a way to explore the world and escape the traditional 9-5 lifestyle. Social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have played a significant role in popularizing this trend and showcasing the seemingly glamorous lifestyle of van dwellers. However, behind the beautifully curated Instagram feeds and stunning YouTube videos, there are valuable lessons to be learned about User Experience (UX) design.

UX design is all about creating meaningful and satisfying experiences for users. In the context of VanLife, UX design is all about designing the van interior to be comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Van dwellers often have to make the most of limited space and resources, which requires them to be creative and innovative in their design choices.

Influencers in the VanLife community provide valuable insights into the UX design process. They share their experiences, challenges, and solutions, offering a unique perspective on the design process. Here are a few lessons we can learn about UX design from the VanLife community:


  1. Functionality over aesthetics

  2. While it's tempting to focus on creating a beautiful space, the VanLife community shows us that functionality is far more important. Van dwellers have limited space, which means they have to prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Every inch of space must be used efficiently, and each item in the van must serve a purpose. In UX design, it's important to prioritize the user's needs over aesthetics. A beautiful design is meaningless if it doesn't fulfill the user's requirements.

  3. Customization is key

  4. VanLife influencers often highlight the importance of customizing the van to suit their individual needs. This means designing the interior to fit their specific lifestyle, preferences, and habits. This level of customization ensures that the van is functional and comfortable for the user. In UX design, customization is equally crucial. Designers must create products that cater to the specific needs and preferences of the user.

  5. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

  6. VanLife influencers emphasize the importance of simplicity in design. Van dwellers often have limited space, which means that a cluttered or overly complex design can quickly become overwhelming. Simple designs that are easy to navigate and understand are essential for a successful VanLife experience. In UX design, simplicity is also critical. Complex designs can quickly become confusing and frustrating for users. Simple, intuitive designs are easier to navigate and lead to a better user experience.

  7. User feedback is essential

  8. VanLife influencers often rely on user feedback to improve their designs. They listen to their followers' comments and suggestions, which helps them identify areas for improvement. In UX design, user feedback is equally critical. Designers must listen to their users' feedback and incorporate it into their design process. This feedback helps designers create products that meet the needs and expectations of their users.

  9. The reality is not always glamorous

  10. While VanLife influencers often showcase the beauty and freedom of the VanLife lifestyle, they also highlight the challenges and limitations. Living in a van can be challenging, and van dwellers often have to make sacrifices to achieve their desired lifestyle. In UX design, it's important to acknowledge the limitations and challenges of a product or service. Understanding the user's context and constraints is essential for creating designs that are realistic and achievable.


In conclusion, the VanLife community offers valuable lessons in UX design. While the lifestyle may look glamorous and pretty on social media, the reality is that functionality, customization, simplicity, user feedback, and acknowledging limitations are critical to creating a successful user experience. By embracing these principles, designers can create products that cater to the user's needs and expectations, ultimately leading to a better user experience.


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