While the design process is a Vehicle, your principles are its driving Fuel!
A week ago, I was asked to discuss the core tenets of my design philosophy. Curiously, I started jotting down on what I think a great designer should own. Impressively, my brain poured a couple of thoughts from my past readings and experience. I feel excited to share them with you all as well. Here you go…
Humility — Marcelo Paiva, in his medium article, states that humility is an ingredient to nurture a real and thriving team environment. I wholeheartedly agree with this opinion, having a strong impulse to defend one’s own solution can cause unnecessary frustrations. While designing for people, it is essential to be compassionate about your team and surroundings.
” Humility is the new modesty!”
The ‘Why’ Factor — Most inquisitive people start their innovations with the “Why” question. Since design works involve a bunch of creative blocks of your brain, asking yourself the right reasons for your research findings can lead you to a novel work.
“WHY — a three-letter word is the key to your idea treasure!”
No Kitchen Sinking — Since the design world is diverse, narrowing down is a skill that can be a little tricky for the beginners. For a human problem to be solved, a step at a time can help in reaching the target audience and aid in having better boundaries around the problem space.
“Precise definition leads to effective goals!”
Love the Complexity — While it is secure to solve an easy problem, the uniqueness of a great designer lies in solving complex problems with an excellent rationale. Young minds should be directed towards solving a multi-dimensional problem rather than expecting a cakewalk. Courtney Martin, in a blog, says
“But don’t go because you’ve fallen in love with solvability, Go because you’ve fallen in love with the complexity!”
Welcome critiques — Accepting critiques needs open-mindedness and learning to critique is an art. Critiquing can be tricky initially, but those who master can bring massive productivity to the team environment and business. Critiquers are not only detail-oriented professionals but also well-wisher of your growth.
“Critiquers are your invaluable mentors!”
Iteration — If you think that you got it right the first time, you are wrong. Humans are complicated souls, and making a product that fits all is even more complex. Working on feedback can provide the balance of the product in reality and take you closer to the ideal solution.
“Focus on Details, Redefine and Redesign!”
Fail Fast — As a designer, we should learn to embrace failure at the early stages of the design. To fail fast, evaluating your designs/prototypes is a must. People from different backgrounds can give insights into diverse aspects. Involving stakeholders and addressing the feedback will drive us in the right way.
“Fail early than later!”
Psychological Saftey — While a group of people is set out to empathize, people who they are designing for, I believe that empathy should start from your team. In a group setting, there could be different types of people whose brain function in a variety of ways. To blend in the discussion and spur the collaborative intelligence, you should feel psychologically safe to let your thoughts among your peers.
“Collaboration and Comfort are gems of a great team!”
Ethical Design — Depending on the organization, ethics can vary drastically in business culture. Yet, putting people’s emotions and their environment first can pave ways for adaptable designs. Being aware of ethical intricacies could aid in exploring the solution to a specific audience.
“People first!”
Sharpened ToolBox — At any point in time, a designer should have an updated toolbox to meet industry demands and competitive nature of the design field. Tools are not only a bunch of research methods and visual skills but also soft skills such as articulation of one’s own ideas.
“Pick the right tools for the right work and for the right people!”
Will be happy to see what works for you. Feel free to share yours! — Thanks for reading!
