Infographic showing six overlapping circles labeled Designer, User, AI Layer, Research, Context, and Reality, with an Empathy Bridge in the center. Each circle contains key elements like assumptions, real needs, predictive models, user interviews, spatial computing, and human behavior. Bottom text reads 'HUMAN > ALGORITHM'

Fifteen years after the classic UX axiom was coined, the tools of our trade have evolved from static screens to generative interfaces and spatial computing. Yet, the fundamental rule remains: you are not your user. In 2026, as we navigate the complexities of AI agents and synthetic data, remembering this has never been more critical—or more challenging