Dropping acid for profit together
tl/dr: Designers and Consultants care equally about methods and outcomes. But we care about them at different times. Let me be clear, I don’t think consultants are evil. I married one, and she’s mostly nice.
Collaborate and co-create
tl/dr: Collaboration and co-creation might sound similar, but they’re worlds apart. The distinction isn’t just academic semantic ego stroking; it can mean the difference between unlocking value and not.
Designing in a Post-Design era
tl/dr: In the Post-Design era, Designers must pair strategic design with business acumen, using empathy to solve both user and business challenges if they want to remain relevant.
Conflict is part of design
tl/dr: Conflict is essential for progress and shows people care. As Adam Grant says, “The absence of conflict is not harmony, it’s apathy.” In design, conflict arises when making choices, and leaders should embrace it as a healthy part of the process.
Breaking up with Lean Startup
tl/dr: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries became hugely influential in startups and beyond when it came out in 2011. It's still widely recommended, but it's time to let it go. The world has moved on, and so should we.
Are Design Sprints just theatre?
tl/dr:Jeff Davidson’s article criticizes Design Sprints as "innovation theatre," and I have to agree. It’s a strong piece that challenges the design community and sparks debate.
You are not an artist.
tl/dr: Design’s purpose is to solve problems. When we’re excluded from defining the problem, we’re left to create art rather than purposeful design. This article speaks to both designers and their collaborators: designers should remember that design needs purpose, while others can follow tips for a productive partnership.
Design documentation.
tl/dr: Documentation is often overlooked, with designers prioritizing design over recording their work. Yet, good documentation is crucial—it’s the DNA of design systems, capturing decisions, learnings, and plans. It goes beyond onboarding; it’s the go-to source for answers when questions arise.
How to use psychology.
tl/dr: Designers acquire various skills—like coding and business basics—that are useful, but not essential. However, understanding psychology is crucial for every designer. Too often, designs force users to adapt, rather than making experiences intuitive and accessible. Applying key psychology principles can transform design, but with so many out there, which ones truly matter