I am convinced the Shopify user interface is poorly designed on purpose

Shopify Discussion
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I am always shocked at how terrible the experience of using Shopify is. I need to search discussion posts for answers every time I want to do anything. The layout and navigation are the worst I have ever seen. The only explanation I can think of is that this is done intentionally to encourage hiring Shopify experts to build your store.

I don’t have a question, I am just annoyed.

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Hi @sethpvand

Hey, I hear you. Shopify’s UI can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to do something that should be straightforward but requires digging through help articles or discussion threads. While Shopify is powerful, it does have areas where the navigation feels counterintuitive—and I totally get why that’s annoying.

Is It Designed This Way on Purpose?

Honestly, I don’t think Shopify intentionally makes things difficult to push people toward hiring experts. But, I do think they prioritize making the platform scalable for all types of users—sometimes at the cost of usability for store owners who just want quick, simple actions.

For example:

  • The theme editor has changed multiple times, and it can feel confusing compared to older versions.
  • Features like bulk editing, redirects, and even simple checkout customizations require either Shopify Plus or an app.
  • Some settings (like taxes, shipping, or discounts) feel buried in menus rather than easily accessible.

That said, Shopify is designed for scalability—it has to work for businesses of all sizes, which sometimes means basic features require extra steps.

What Can You Do?- Use keyboard shortcuts (like “/” for search in the admin).

  • Bookmark key pages you frequently use.
  • If a task feels too complicated, there’s usually an app or workaround (even if it shouldn’t require one).
  • If you’re really stuck, Shopify’s support chat is faster than digging through community posts.

I get why you’re annoyed, and you’re definitely not alone. If there’s something specific that’s driving you crazy, let me know—I might have a shortcut or trick to make it easier.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Daisy.