Navigating Liminal Interfaces
“Two of the most important characteristics of good design are discoverability and understanding. Discoverability: Is it possible to even figure out what actions are possible and where and how to perform them? Understanding: What does it all mean?” ⏤ The Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman
I was thinking about liminal spaces, those in-between places where one stands at the edge of two states, while sitting in the quiet hum of my workspace. Then it struck me.
The user interface itself is a kind of liminal space. It’s the threshold where human intention turns into digital action, where people meet the hidden complexity of systems. The way users see and interact with technology is shaped in this very intersection.
Don Norman, in his book, reminds us that design should make interfaces intuitive so people can easily discover what to do and understand how it works.
Even something as ordinary as a loading screen is part of this experience. It fills the gap between action and response. With thoughtful transitions, these moments reduce cognitive strain and create smoother, more satisfying interactions.
Then I thought about local-first software, which I find really interesting. This too is a liminal experience: data and functionality live mostly on the user’s device, but the system can still reach outward when needed. It balances autonomy with connection and lets users stay in control, yet still interact with the wider network.
Local-first systems work even when offline, preserving user intent during interruptions. This threshold isn’t just about transition, it represents adaptability and resilience as a design principle.
I smiled at the realization. Software is full of “in-between” spaces. Like real-world thresholds, they are the places where transformation happens. Whether in user experience, code, or interface design, these moments hold the potential for meaningful change.
These thresholds are like glass, pushing us toward the future while still letting us glimpse the complexity beyond.