Short journal · Original editorial · Observation before explanation
A reader prefers the earlier version of a design.
An explanation should not erase the observation that prompted it. Record what happened, under which conditions, and what you still do not know. A plausible interpretation can remain a hypothesis while you decide what would help distinguish it from alternatives.
Ask which feature helps them before interpreting the preference.
You can stop after one small attempt. The purpose is to make a particular choice clearer, not to create a new obligation.
Try a question
What would you notice after trying this in one small, real situation?