Sweatin’ the Small Stuff: It’s All in the Details
This post describes the power of paying attention to the small details during the design process that make a big impact on user experience.
You have a gift - use it to Design Experiences That Elevate
Attention, fellow detail-obsessed perfectionists (aka “control freaks”, “type-A personalities”, etc.)—it’s our time to shine! Did you know that your attention to detail is a gift?
Our keen eye for the small but powerful details sets us apart, showing that we’re present, engaged, and deeply invested in creating better experiences for everyone. This hyper-awareness allows us to craft elevated, luxurious spaces that feel intentional and effortless.
If you’re like me, you notice everything—the inefficient classroom layout, the clutter disrupting workflow, the subtle design flaws that make a space less accessible. These details matter. I take pride in delivering high-quality products and top-tier customer service because it’s the cumulation of little things that make the biggest impact.
Being detail-oriented isn’t a flaw; it’s a strength.
If this resonates with you - you’re not alone, my friend. It means we’re passionate, disciplined, and driven to create meaningful change. In the world of universal design, the smallest details make the biggest difference in crafting truly inclusive, efficient, and welcoming spaces.
Slowing down to focus on these finer details is time well spent—it’s an investment in excellence. ~ Alison Celmer
Why Details Matter in Universal Design
Universal design isn’t about creating one-size-fits-all spaces. It’s about thoughtfully designing environments that work for everyone—and that level of intentionality means paying attention to the details. Universal design is about thinking ahead and anticipating the needs of everyone who interacts with a space or process. It’s about thoughtfully considering the details so that people feel welcome, empowered, and able to fully participate. Consider which everyday tasks could be streamlined for efficiency and which ones should encourage a more intentional, enjoyable pace—like folding laundry, washing dishes, or making coffee. This is where thoughtful details make all the difference, transforming routine chores into personalized experiences that feel both effortless and fulfilling.
When we embrace our attention to detail, we can create well-designed environments and processes that:
✔ Saves time by reducing unnecessary obstacles
✔ Reduces stress by promoting organization and efficiency
✔ Fosters connection by making spaces inclusive and adaptable
✔ Supports creativity by allowing people to move, collaborate, and engage freely
Think about a classroom where supplies are stored out of reach for some students, or where cluttered furniture makes it difficult to move around. While renovating a kitchen and upgrading appliances, consider; a roll-out rack in an oven, an exterior drawer in a fridge (so you don’t have to open the double french doors to access the interior drawer), or a microwave that offers a variety of heating/cooking options, etc. These have been game-changers for us. (You can click on the images below to purchase GE Cafe appliances I referenced. *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Small shifts—like lowering storage shelves, creating clear pathways, or adding flexible seating—can completely transform how a space functions.
Not all details are obvious to users - and that’s totally okay! In a recent kitchen renovation we added soft-closing hinges to the cabinets, added clear bumper stickers on cabinets and appliances, added pull-out shelving for easier access to deep cabinets, added motion-sensor lighting, added dimmable lighting, added a foot pedal to open the garbage/recycling bins under the cabinet, and more. These little adjustments may seem minor, but they make a world of difference to the people using the space.
Paying attention to the details is not always about ‘adding to’, it can also be about ‘swapping out’, or ‘removing’ details that may not be helping to improve the experience for users. In the kitchen renovation project described above, we also swapped out some of the older two-prong outlets with an upgraded option that has USB outlets as well. We also thought through the frequency of use of specific kitchen appliances and tools to keep the most used items easily accessible or visible, while the less used materials were either removed or stored.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Strengths of a Detail-Oriented Person
If you’re someone who thrives on getting the details right, know that your strengths are valuable:
🔹 You see what others overlook – Whether it's an inefficiency in a system, a design flaw, or an opportunity for improvement, your eye for detail helps create better outcomes.
🔹 You take pride in quality – You hold yourself (and your work) to a high standard, ensuring that what you create is thoughtful, functional, and impactful.
🔹 You are proactive – Instead of waiting for problems to arise, you anticipate them and make adjustments before they become issues.
🔹 You bring clarity and organization – You excel at structuring spaces, processes, and systems in ways that make life easier for everyone involved.
🔹 You create intentional experiences – Whether designing a classroom, an office, or a home, your attention to detail ensures that the space serves its purpose beautifully.
The Challenges of Being Detail-Oriented
Of course, every strength comes with its challenges. Here are some common struggles detail-oriented people face:
⚠ Perfectionism & Overanalyzing – Spending too much time refining things that may not need to be perfect. An important piece of the design process is getting a prototype out to users for initial feedback - at some point, you’ve got to take some risks and put your ideas out there knowing that there will be several iterations and adjustments made based on user experience. Think about the evolution of the Apple iPhone - it just keeps getting better and better!
⚠ Difficulty Delegating – Struggling to trust others to handle tasks with the same level of care. Clearly articulating what your vision is will be essential if you are going to delegate. We’ll also explore the idea of ‘letting go’ in a future blog post…stay tuned for more on this soon!
⚠ Frustration with Others – Feeling annoyed when people overlook what seems obvious to you. Some people can feel criticized, judged, or intimidated by people who are extremely observant - it doesn’t mean that we need to vocalize everything. When you are ready to speak up, do so with curiosity, consideration, and care. There’s no such thing as ‘common sense’ - again, you need to clearly communicate with others and share feedback in a genuine way to help others see your perspective. Assume nothing, teach everything. There is an art to this, which takes a lot of practice. Remember to breathe, pause, and then respond thoughtfully.
⚠ Decision Fatigue – Overthinking small choices, making decisions feel overwhelming. This is also where a lot of people new to the design process can get stuck - there are A LOT of decisions that need to be made, and it can be challenging. Try to give yourself a limit for a day or consult with others to lighten the heaviness of decision-making.
⚠ Losing Sight of the Big Picture – Getting caught up in details and missing what’s most important. It’s crucial to be able to step back and see the big picture, as well as the finer details. Consider how you feel looking at a bouquet of flowers, when you look at the whole group of flowers together it can be beautiful, balanced, colorful, texture, and when you look at the details, you’re seeing each individual flower and the uniqueness each flower brings to pull the whole bouquet together. Block out times in your schedule or project to intentionally slow down and zoom back out. Make sure you’re keeping the ultimate goal in mind throughout the project. You may need to remind yourself to step back and assess whether certain details are worth the time and effort. Prioritize what really matters.
How to Use Your Strengths Without Getting Stuck
Being detail-oriented is an incredible asset, but balancing it with flexibility can help you avoid burnout and keep your focus on what really matters! 🚀✨
Embrace "good enough" when necessary – not every detail needs to be perfect.
Set time limits for detailed tasks to avoid getting lost in perfectionism.
Delegate and trust others – collaboration leads to better results.
Focus on impact—ask yourself if the detail truly makes a meaningful difference.
Give yourself grace—mistakes are part of learning and growth.
Own Your Strengths & Design with Intention
So, if you’ve ever been told you’re "too particular" or "too focused on details," take it as a compliment. Your ability to see what others might overlook is a gift. We need people who see different perspectives - that’s how we improve experiences for others. Use it to design spaces—and a life—that are filled with purpose, connection, and joy.
Channel that energy into intentionally designing and living a life that reflects your values.
For those of you who might be reading this thinking that you’re not a person who pays attention to the details, I would encourage you to build some time in for pausing, taking in your surroundings and your experiences with all of your senses, and write down some details that you encountered throughout the day. It may be things that are subtle, or taken for granted, but there’s an abundance of thoughtful design all around us. Just take time to acknowledge it and appreciate it. Eventually, you’ll be able to incorporate some of these elements into your everyday and make your life just a little bit easier and enjoyable.
When we embrace our attention to detail, we can create environments that support efficiency, inclusivity, and well-being. Whether you're reimagining a classroom, organizing a workspace, or simply structuring your day-to-day life, the little things add up. Paying attention to the details doesn’t mean you’re controlling—it means you care. When we design with care and purpose, we create spaces—and lives—where everyone can thrive.
I’d love to hear what details you’ve added to your spaces or processes - please share in the comments below!
Want more tips on designing with inclusivity in mind? Let’s connect ~ schedule a free 30-minute consultation today!
