Energy-efficient design

Design decisions directly affect how much energy products consume on user devices and servers. Auto-playing videos, infinite scroll, animated backgrounds, and high-resolution images all demand processing power that drains batteries and generates heat. Dark mode reduces energy consumption on OLED screens,^[1] yet many products still default to bright interfaces. Heavy animations might create delightful experiences but force devices to work harder, shortening battery life and increasing energy draw.

Start by auditing resource-heavy patterns in your product. Lazy load images so they only download when needed. Replace auto-play videos with click-to-play thumbnails. Simplify animations or make them optional. Use image compression tools to reduce file sizes without noticeable quality loss. Choose appropriate image formats — WebP typically outperforms JPEG and PNG for web use.

Balance efficiency with user experience by testing changes with real users. Some optimizations like dark mode defaults improve both energy use and user preference. Others require tradeoffs — minimalist interfaces use less energy but might reduce engagement. Focus on changes that align environmental and experience goals first, then evaluate remaining opportunities based on impact and user feedback.