I'm sure that a lot of these designers would love to have the freedom to try new things and to innovate. But unfortunately creating unique interfaces has a very high chance of confusing and frustrating users. Designers have to work within the confines of their users expectations.
" I am disappointed that the design community has gotten sucked into designing itself more than designing for others"
Designers focus on simplicity for others (their users), not for themselves. Much of Apple's early success comes from focusing on simplicity. Users want simplicity. Designers have to constantly remind themselves to keep it simple, rather than 'innovate' and overcomplicate things for the sake of creating something unique.
Google 'Picasso's bull' - it portrays the evolution of good design and the importance of simplicity.
" I am disappointed that the design community has gotten sucked into designing itself more than designing for others"
Designers focus on simplicity for others (their users), not for themselves. Much of Apple's early success comes from focusing on simplicity. Users want simplicity. Designers have to constantly remind themselves to keep it simple, rather than 'innovate' and overcomplicate things for the sake of creating something unique.
Google 'Picasso's bull' - it portrays the evolution of good design and the importance of simplicity.