The purpose of users is to provide data for the websites key stakeholders which are organisations buying data and occasionally advertising space. The design of

The purpose of users is to provide data for the websites key stakeholders which are organisations buying data and occasionally advertising space. The design of every major website and platform is to maximise the collection of data. I would say that the designers, developers and other have been remarkably successful in these endeavours. For websites trying to sell goods and services the situation is no better. They have no interest in users other than to sell their products. I cannot remember the last time I visited a website that had any focus on the user and their actual needs and aspirations. As a community of designers and developers I think we have forgotten how to do that. But who can blame the websites. They need to generate profits and users (other than HN readers) are happy to pay with data. I am disappointed when I pay money and still the primary objective of the user experience is data collection but what can I do.