[UX # 23] Book Read: Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Short Summary:
Dave Gray, the author of the book Liminal Thinking, talks about the “liminal space” in his book. The book uncovers the space between reality and what we consider obvious, which he calls the liar space—an in-between zone, a doorway between context and words.
As people, we should be aware of this conscious space, which is created due to our beliefs, judgments, life experiences, and other factors. But because of our limited thinking, shaped by the reality of our own space and world, we create blind spots and ignore the fixed truths that reveal themselves to us. We must investigate the origins of our beliefs, which helps determine how strongly we should hold on to or let go of them—resulting in a change in our thinking. Dave Gray also suggests that visual thinking is a powerful tool to explore this liminal space, by sketching and modeling the construction of belief—making the invisible process visible and open to revision.
The Pyramid of Belief says:
Belief systems are formed with some kind of reality attached to them, but this reality is contextual and shaped by a number of factors that might not be known to us.
Our attention is limited or may be focused at times. In these moments, we grasp only a small slice of experience, which shapes how we perceive reality.
From this focused attention, we develop theories about how the world works—by recognizing patterns and forming expectations.
On top of these theories, we form judgments about how the world should be in specific situations. These judgments and theories together form our beliefs—what we consider to be true.
❓So When Should You Follow the World or Our Own Path?
Gray doesn’t prescribe a one-size-fits-all rule, but here is what I absorbed from Dave's ,Ideas, philosophies.
1. Follow the World (External Direction) When:
The advice comes from someone with domain expertise and long-term credibility.
It’s a well-tested collective wisdom (e.g., basic health habits, laws of physics, financial prudence).
You're new to a field or situation and need orientation.
The consequences of experimentation are too high-risk.
Example: If you’re learning to fly a plane, follow standard aviation protocols before improvising!
2. Trust Yourself (Internal Compass) When:
The guidance feels deeply out of alignment with your values or intuition.
You've gathered knowledge and experience that gives you a valid alternate view.
You recognize a bias or flaw in the prevailing belief (using critical thinking).
You're innovating, creating, or trying to solve new or complex problems.
Example: When pursuing your career path, even though society says "play it safe."
When people are saying UX design will be automated soon enough. My Counter Argument is Machines are here to serve us assist us and not to intimidate us . I will attain deep knowledge even when I am fetching that knowledge from any sources but credible and trustworthy.
3. Are There Risks Involved? Absolutely.
Risks of Following Others Blindly:
You suppress your own wisdom or creativity.
You adopt harmful norms or outdated beliefs (e.g., gender roles, caste discrimination, etc.).
You become externally validated rather than internally directed.
Risks of Going Your Own Way:
You might make avoidable mistakes.
People may reject or misunderstand your choices.
There's emotional and financial uncertainty.
How to Remediate or Course-Correct?
Check your feedback loop: Are you getting data that supports your decision (outcomes, emotional state, feedback)?
Reflect regularly: Journaling or talking to a mentor helps identify if you’re still aligned.
Be liminal: Stay in a mindset of openness and curiosity — don’t become too attached to any belief, even your own.
Shift iteratively: You don’t have to make one big leap; test your beliefs in small, low-risk ways.
Build belief bridges: Blend external and internal wisdom when possible.
🧘🏽♀️ A Good Practice:🧘🏽♀️
Before acting, ask:
“Is this belief useful right now?”
“Is this belief true always, or just in a specific context?”
“What am I afraid will happen if I act differently?”
Final Thought:
Freedom is not the absence of constraint, but the ability to choose which constraints you accept. — Dave Gray
Liminal thinking helps us live consciously in that space — between what the world tells us and what we sense within.
Interesting Links:
Liminal thinking The pyramid of belief https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G_h4mnAMJg&t=189s
Sketch It Out: A Framework for Visual Thinking Visual thinking basics The Pyramid of Belief
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