Unpacking Architectural Design Gaslighting and Its Impact on User Experience

Dennis Asis
3 days ago
3 min read

Man in a gray room studies a map, holding a briefcase. Signs say "EXIT" and "ENTRANCE." Moody lighting casts shadows. — A man stands in a dimly lit, maze-like corridor, studying a complex map with signs pointing in opposite directions marked "EXIT" and "ENTRANCE," symbolizing confusion and choices.

Architectural gaslighting happens when design flaws are blamed on users instead of being acknowledged as problems in the design itself. This issue often leads to frustration, confusion, and a poor experience for people interacting with buildings or products. Understanding how architectural gaslighting works can help designers create better environments and systems that truly serve their users.

What Is Architectural Design Gaslighting?

Architectural gaslighting occurs when designers or organizations dismiss user complaints by suggesting the problem lies with the user’s behavior or understanding, rather than the design. For example, if a building’s layout causes people to get lost, the blame might be placed on users for not paying attention, instead of addressing confusing signage or poor spatial planning.

This tactic shifts responsibility away from the design team and onto users, making it harder to improve the experience. It also discourages users from speaking up about real issues, as they may feel blamed or misunderstood.

Two images of modern architecture: an empty lobby with large windows and a gray building with stairs outside, three people walking. Text below is gibberish.

How Architectural Gaslighting Affects User Experience?

When design problems are ignored or blamed on users, the overall experience suffers in several ways:

Increased frustration: Users struggle to navigate or use spaces and products that don’t meet their needs.
Reduced trust: People lose confidence in the design and the organization behind it.
Lower accessibility: Ignoring design flaws often means excluding people with different abilities or needs.
Missed opportunities for improvement: Without honest feedback, designers miss chances to fix problems and innovate.
Passengers navigate the modern and clean platform area of the Tbilisi Metro, showcasing the efficient transit hub with clear signage and minimal crowding.

For example, a poorly designed public transit station might have unclear signs and confusing pathways. Instead of improving these features, officials might claim riders are not paying attention or following instructions, which only adds to commuter frustration.

Recognizing Architectural Gaslighting in Practice

Some common signs of architectural gaslighting include:

Blaming users for “not understanding” how to use a space or product.
Ignoring repeated complaints about confusing layouts or controls.
Using vague or technical language to dismiss user feedback.
Designing with a narrow group in mind, then blaming others for difficulties.
A modern home automation interface showcasing intuitive and efficient control systems for lighting, temperature, and entertainment, designed to enhance user experience in contemporary living spaces.

A real-world example is when smart home devices have complicated interfaces. Instead of simplifying controls, companies might say users need to “learn” the system better, ignoring the fact that the design is not intuitive.

How to Avoid Architectural Gaslighting?

Designers and organizations can take steps to prevent architectural gaslighting and improve user experience:

Listen actively to user feedback without dismissing concerns.
Test designs with diverse groups to identify real problems early.
Own design flaws and communicate plans to fix them openly.
Create clear, simple, and accessible designs that work for a wide range of users.
Educate teams about the impact of blaming users and promote empathy in design decisions.
A spacious, sunlit room with large windows opening to a serene view of lush greenery, featuring modern dark stone flooring and sleek wooden walls.