Ruined by Design: How Designers Destroyed the World, and What We Can Do to Fix It

by Mike Monteiro

We need to fear the consequences of our work more than we love the cleverness of our ideas.

Saying no is a design skill. Asking why is a design skill. Rolling your eyes and staying quiet is not. Asking ourselves why we are making something is an infinitely better question than asking ourselves whether we can make it.

Design is the intentional solution to a problem within a set of constraints.

Today’s designer needs to encourage collaboration between people with different skill sets and experiences. She includes the people who need to be included in the design process, especially the ones who’ve been excluded in the past. She does this with authority. With agency. With good communication. And with conviction.

So, the next time you want to convince people they’re making shitty software that might get people killed, start by telling them they’re making shitty software that might get people killed. Then tell them why. Then tell them how you can keep that from happening.

Find your group. Remember, they want the same thing you do. They want respect. They want be heard.And they want to do the right thing. Remember that, and you’ll have no trouble making allies.

Work like a scientist but present like a snake-charmer.

If you’re not persuading people, you’re not telling a good enough story.

The best, most effective, way for you to effect change is to stay and fight. Persuade others. Present good solutions, and fight for them.