The Intersection of Design, Anthropology, and Programming

Maggie Appleton highlights her unique approach to design, grounded in cultural anthropology, which shapes her views on user experience (UX) and interface design. She studied cultural anthropology at Whitman College, gaining insights that allow her to analyze societal behaviors and cultural nuances in relation to technology. Appleton emphasizes the importance of understanding human motivations behind design choices, such as why users prefer certain button placements. This anthropological framework helps her identify underlying patterns in web development and interface design, filling a niche that few others occupy.