My trading app makes buying stocks frictionless, one tap, instant execution. My Bitcoin wallet requires authentication, manual recipient address verification, and a manual signature before broadcast. Guess which one I make better decisions with.
If my trading app had friction, I’d notice the stocks I buy aren’t actual stocks but derivatives. Friction slows you down, but it also makes you think.
Zero friction enables both good and terrible decisions at equal speed. Sometimes the best system design includes intentional resistance at key decision points.
Smoothness is a feature until it isn’t. Friction is a bug until it saves you.