In India, the word “jugaad” means a quick fix. It’s smart, tough, and came about because it was needed.

But Is Jugaad a Type of UX Design?

UX design is about finding & making solutions that are reliable, easy to use and able to grow. At first, jugaad and UX look different. But if you look closer, jugaad is often the spark. UX is what happens when that spark is turned into something that lasts.

Real-Life Examples of Jugaad And UX

1. WhatsApp for business

The Jugaad: Small shopkeepers and businesses used personal WhatsApp accounts to take orders and share updates with customers.

The UX: WhatsApp observed this and launched WhatsApp Business — with catalogs, auto-replies and payments built-in.

2. Using plastic bottles as planters

The Jugaad: People cut bottles to make plants grow on their balconies.

The UX: Brands now sell vertical gardening kits that are safe and easy to use.

3. Washing machine that turns into a cycle

The Jugaad: People in the village turned bicycles into makeshift washing machines.

The UX: Startups made washing machines that run on pedals that are safe, last a long time and are cheap.

4. Coolers made of clay pots

The Jugaad: Families kept their water cool in clay pots called “matkas.”

The UX: Designers made eco-coolers and fridges that use less energy by using the same idea.

5. QR codes at tea stands

The Jugaad: Vendors put Paytm or PhonePe QR codes on their stalls.

The UX: Payment apps made this official with merchant accounts, UPI Integration and receipts.

Why Jugaad Is Important For UX

Jugaad shows what people really need when there isn’t an official answer. It’s design thinking in its most basic form: quick, messy and human.

Most jugaads are made by regular people, not professional designers. That’s strong. It reminds us that people are good at solving problems on their own. If we pay attention, we’ll find real needs that will help us make better products.

To have good UX, you need to watch. Look at what people do. Pay attention to how they fix things. That’s where the real understanding is.

So, Is Jugaad UX?

Not really. Jugaad isn’t enough for UX. But it’s usually the first one. It’s a hint of a way out. UX takes that hint, tries it out, and makes it work for everyone, not just the person who put it together.

The best way to say it might be: Jugaad is UX without polish. Jugaad is UX, but with the world in mind.

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What We Think At Studuo

More than just tools and looks we feel design is all about people. Jugaad shows that users already know what they want. Our job is to listen, watch and turn those everyday fixes into experiences that can be used by a lot of people.

That’s why we keep telling you to talk to your users. You can design better for them if you know them better.

In the end, great UX doesn’t start with just screens, but beyond!
People are where it starts.