Recently, I think I was on the verge of a design crash. As designers, we take a lot of crap. Other industries do too, so this isn’t completely exclusive to design. Restaurant servers, retail employees, nurses, and many other occupations are very tough. I’d argue it’s a unique style of crap that happens in the design world. If I hear someone say, “design is fun”, “you get to be so creative”, “don’t you draw pictures all day (yeah right)?”, I’m going to scream, out loud this time, not in my head like I usually do.
I’m beginning to think creativity is viewed as some magical talent that falls out of the sky and poof, the design is ready to go. Well, what they don’t see is the behind the scenes of the project, which is the vast majority of time and effort. This is the changing scope, frequent meetings, additional content generation (I have yet to work on a project where the content is “ready to go”, and no I’m not designing with Lorem Ipsum, so I’ll write it myself), and this magic deadline that goes from crickets to we need it tomorrow. Worry about all this amongst millions of notifications that pop up (because nowadays instant responses are required, thanks so much instant messenger) while trying to stay in a design mindset.
I’m not alone – reflecting on design symptoms
James Greig really saved me. The article was very helpful to me, especially at a time when I really needed it. I do not consider myself a graphic designer currently, but I still do some GD. I have since move on to more of the UX side of things, but a lot of what he has to say is what I have been feeling lately. As I write this, I read the first paragraph of this post and I see some frustration but honestly not ready to give up.
I really thought I was going crazy because I am more content focused than “hey make it look [insert adjective here]” and what I have been working with lately is requiring “cool visuals” over content and testing. I’ve been hearing too much about “making it look cool” and the dreaded “make it pop”. Design is important, but strong content is crucial of any design. Seeing people drool over what looks “modern” is all fine and good, and yes, this is somewhat satisfying because it typically means that changes will be minimal and the client is having a positive experience. However, guess what? Most other competitors appear to be “modern” as well. What makes the site or product different? How will the site (or software) improve a customer’s experience? How are your clients/customers treated? How will the site or product improve over time, especially as the business evolves? This is what really matters, not a “popping design” (whatever that really means).
Why bother and what to do about it
Well, why don’t I just do something else? It isn’t that simple because I’m drawn to the industry and want to keep improving things and moving design forward. Making someone’s experience better, saving their time, and seeing products improve is why I get up each morning and work 9-5. I love never being bored, there is always something to learn. Most importantly, I think it is because I spend so much time frustrated with digital and software experiences that I want to do my best to eliminate as much of this as possible. I truly think that it would take a lifetime effort of all UX designers on this planet to fix all the bad design out there.
Doesn’t have to be perfect right out of the gate
The idea that the launch is just the beginning was helpful for me to get over the idea of things having to be perfect. Putting something out there to get feedback or as a starting point is sometimes the hardest step, but the most important. Fast iterations and continuous improvement. Feedback, feedback and more feedback.
Make clients respect your time
This is design stress is not common, if at all, in other industries. Maybe that is why non-designers don’t quite understand the process. Have someone tiling your kitchen? Then change your mind and decide it’s not the color or style that you want? It’s still going to cost you since you committed to buying the materials and the expertise of the tile installer. Why is it acceptable for clients to commit to it and then change their mind without expecting to pay the cost (time and money)? Remember, you are the expert and you are providing value, without you, the project would not be completed. Always do your best, but at the end of the day, remember the value you are providing. You deserve to be fairly compensated and live a balanced life with time for yourself to regroup and recharge.
Be yourself
Your occupation is only part of who you are. It’s great to enjoy it, but remember you have people and other talents that need your time as well. Design changes, it get outdated, it get’s updated, and sometimes even unfortunately projects get cancelled. Relationships and time spent on hobbies should be long term, so take care of yourself and those around you.
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