Unleashing Your Design Superpower

They work for good. They can change lives. They’re often tireless individuals who rush to beat killer deadlines. They’re designers.

The idea of a designer as a hero isn’t meant to make grandiose claims of their importance to society. In fact the best designs go unnoticed, keeping their identities secret.

Designers themselves can be downright modest about their work, boasting only through their portfolio or résumé. And that’s fine. No one likes a self-absorbed braggart. However, that means they can get caught up in humility, especially when bombarded with negative feedback for weeks or months on end.

But there is a bit of hero in every designer, even if she or he doesn’t know it. Over time, self-confidence can make good designers better, just as a lack of confidence can detract.

How does it work? This checklist will help you find your inner hero.

How are you a superhero?

What do you like to be known for? Every superhero uses their powers in different ways. Some are known for it, like Spider-man’s web-slinging way to get around town. Identifying your personal and professional values will help keep you on track when accepting work and honing your design process.

Do you show your process? Superheroes may sometimes hide behind their secret identities, but aren’t ashamed to show their stuff in action. How you demonstrate your design process to potential clients, or encourage team members to stick to a plan?

What inspires you to act? Like heroes, many designers aren’t in it for just the paycheck. Remembering why you got into the business will help keep it from becoming just a business.

What’s your itch? Sure, this is more of a super-villain thing, but some designers have their pet peeves (I’m looking at you, bad kerning) — wrongs that must be righted at any cost. Taking professional pride in your work means minding those details … maniacal laugh optional.

What’s more important to your work: tools or skills? Not every designer has powers beyond those of mere mortals. Sometimes they rely on experience or their software. A quick test: do you start a project on pen & paper or in a particular app? The better you understand how you think, the better you can instill confidence in your process to potential clients.

How cool is your hideout (work space)? Great designers find inspiration all around them. Dull cubicles may not always equate to dull work … but surrounding yourself with art that you love helps keep creativity flowing.

For order amidst the chaos of form and function… https://t.co/pnQlXjDCw8

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Up, Up and Away

Not every designer considers her or himself to be a hero. They may not wear flashy costumes or outrace bullets. But they can — and often do — perform stupendous feats while racing against the clock. What are your design heroics?

Join us for the next #uxpinchat on Friday at 11am PDT when we’ll talk about music, open offices, and how they affect productivity.

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