15 Things I've Learned

1. Everyone is winging it

I used to yearn for the day that I would be comfortable by knowing everything. Struggling with perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Now I see that everyone is winging it. Everyone is reacting to new situations and figuring it out as they go.

2. You don't need to know the answers

Better to ask questions. We're hypothesising and learning. A lot of a designer’s value comes from simply asking questions / Asking questions seems too easy, but this can be priceless for our clients

3. Be opportunistic

Don't wait for direction. It may never come.

4. Meet clients where they are

Avoid jargon; clients probably understand even less than we think they do. Be mindful of the power dynamic that is often perceived between us and our stakeholders

5. Document as you go

6. Accept when your design system is a waste of time

Is your design system really a source of truth, or a source of fiction? Your live product is the source of truth.

7. Advocate for yourself

Don't expect anyone else to. Protect your time

8. People will easily accept what you put in a slide deck

This unsettles me. Use this power with caution.

9. Sprints do not make you agile.

10. Everything is throwaway work

Sure, it might be glossy and new today, but accept that it might never go live / do well / last more than a year.

11. Map it out, draw it out, write it down

Process maps FTW; never assume everyone is on the same page

12. Testing is your responsibility

Testing product releases takes time; ignore this at your own peril. It's probably not your developer's fault.

13. Nothing exists beyond MVP

It's probably not an MVP either. It's 'good enough' and 'the least we can get away with'. It’s a trap.

14. Personas and principles are probably a waste of time

Only once have personas been useful in a project. Nobody cares about your principles.

15. Be wary of Design Thinking as a solution to anything

Again, not useful.