Engineering design, technical skills and knowledge are undeniably crucial. However, to truly excel as a designer, one must strive for more than just technical prowess. Even those with less extensive experience can distinguish themselves by cultivating a mindset that embraces principles extending beyond mere technical proficiency. This approach can set individuals apart, highlighting the importance of broader perspectives and principles in shaping exceptional designs.
In this article, we delve into five key aspects for you to use as guidelines to help move away form simple copy and pasting to truly creating something that can only come from you. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring creative, these insights will inspire and empower you to approach design with a new perspective and renewed vigor. Let’s explore how integrating these traits can elevate your design practice to new heights.
1) Utilizing the Tools that are available to you
This trait hinges on your proficiency with the tools at your disposal. Are you merely scratching the surface of your software’s capabilities, or are you delving into its full range of features? Do you take the time to identify and utilize the most effective tools for different tasks? Understanding the full functionality of your tools reveals the breadth of tasks you can accomplish, showcasing your resourcefulness and reliability to your colleagues.
For instance, knowing how to convert a PDF into an editable format saves time compared to starting a design from scratch. Similarly, using Google for quick answers demonstrates initiative.
To enhance this trait, consider cataloging your software tools, exploring their core functionalities, and practicing with them through small scenarios. Compare their features with those of other software to uncover similar functionalities.
2) Researching and Verifying Concepts
The process of research in any project can take various forms. It spans from initial internet searches to grasp a design concept, to gathering and analyzing documents to extract key ideas applicable to the design. Research serves not only to generate new designs but also to validate existing conditions related to a new design. This establishes a firm foundation and thorough understanding from which to initiate the design process. Such groundwork proves crucial when collaborating with fellow designers later on.
What happens when you don’t put enough effort into building the relevant knowledge required on a project you are working on? At best, you could miss out some key information that will make your design more practical. At worst, you could cause a serious flaw within the design that could have negative monetary repercussions, or even prevent the design from working altogether. A common question that comes up will be one that asks you what your reasoning is behind what you have produced. If you do not have an answer to that, then it becomes apparent that you did not do your due diligence in looking through relevant pre existing resources. This can have the impact of fracturing the trust that you colleagues has in you.
3) Applying Established Concepts to Develop a Functional New Design
It’s a common misconception that a design must be entirely original, completely detached from anything that has come before. While novelty is important, this extreme mindset can be inefficient and impractical. Instead, leveraging existing concepts from successful designs is often more effective. Referencing and drawing inspiration is not only encouraged but also proven to yield effective results, as great ideas typically build upon prior successes.
However, excessive copying from a single source can be detrimental—an all too common pitfall. By mirroring another design too closely, one risks overlooking the unique problems they need to solve. For example, implementing a sketch into a broader design without critical assessment can introduce errors like typos, mirrored details, or impractical design choices that seemed appropriate in the initial sketch but not in a professional deliverable.
In the design industry, receiving all necessary information upfront is rare. A skilled designer is expected to gather relevant insights and apply them thoughtfully to new projects. A less proficient designer may rely too heavily on direct instructions, reproducing them without independent thought.
Thus, a competent designer knows how to reference and adapt information to fit the specific requirements of each design challenge.
4) Design for Practicality for the User
When a client approaches you (or the company you work for) to develop a product, they entrust you with the task of translating their general requirements into a practical and cost-effective solution. You avoid adding unnecessary features because you understand they would only complicate the design and increase costs.
Take, for instance, a bridge spanning a body of water. Its fundamental purpose is to connect two points of land. Now, imagine if the bridge designer decided to incorporate unnecessary bends and multiple inclines along its path. While technically achieving the basic function of connecting two points, the design becomes excessively complex and impractical to build.
Avoiding such pitfalls may seem straightforward, yet a skilled designer consistently applies this principle throughout every stage of a project. They prioritize essential features and strive to ensure ease of use in the final product.
5) Understanding the Problem you are Solving
Most crucially, prior to delving into any design endeavor, it is paramount to invest a significant amount of time comprehending the underlying issue at hand. This initial step not only serves as an exercise but embodies the very reason and point of the project’s inception. Taking ample time to pinpoint the exact problem ensures that resources are properly allocated towards a precise solution, rather than hastily embarking on a design path that may ultimately miss the mark. There are instances where clients may not articulate their needs clearly, necessitating a designer’s adeptness in identifying and deciphering underlying pain points. This ability to discern the root causes behind client challenges not only distinguishes a designer but also paves the way for tailored and effective design solutions.
In summary, these five points can help towards cultivating a mindset of a great designer. It is meant to spark thought during the designing process and encourage someone to make the best out of what they have and bring themselves up as a great addition to any team.