A good designer knows they are more than their design(s).

While a good designer brings creativity and insight and beautiful points of view, they are more than what they produce. They are the experiences, the relationships, the passions, the interests, and the histories they represent, and all of this they bring with them into the design space. Invest in these things outside of design and your design will be better for it.

A good designer does not bring harm.

They do not exploit for the sake of profit or success. With every effort, they do no harm to people and the planet. They look for ways to promote the respect and goodness of humankind, and sustainable practices that honor and protect the Earth’s resources.

A good designer is willing to slow down.

Slowing down means the designer is willing to put people over profit. A good designer who is willing to slow down is willing to listen and learn, to receive feedback and act upon that feedback, even at the expense of starting again.

A good designer gives their best.

Whether the first time or the hundredth time, a good designer designs with excellence. In order to do this, that means continuing to learn the best tools, seeking out feedback, staying engaged with the design community, and saying yes to projects they can stand behind and no to the ones they cannot.

A good designer understands that their work transcends the here and now.

They understand that to shape the future, one must appreciate, understand, and be willing to learn from the past. Because good design not only affects the present but also shapes the design field, such as policymakers, academics, historians, and social workers, to minimize the risk of causing harm through design.

A good designer does not design to advance consumerism.

Good design is more than selling products or advancing careers. Good design impacts culture for the better; it enriches experiences by adding value to users’ lives.

A good designer looks for ways to design with, rather than for.

To be a good designer you must recognize that your opinion and viewpoint is just one opinion and viewpoint. In order to create good design, you must include the voices of who you are designing for, not just your interpretation of their voice. While empathy is critical to good design, this goes beyond empathy and makes space at the design table.

A good designer recognizes that all design has value.

Whether your own values being embedded in your design or your competitor’s values or your stakeholder’s values - no design is value-free. And, because of that, you are responsible for what you design - and this responsibility is not to be taken lightly.

A good designer strives for inclusivity and celebrates diversity.

A good designer recognizes that the beauty and strength of the world come from differences in culture, background, perspective, language, belief, and ability. Inclusive design, which honors and respects these differences, must be integrated into every aspect of the process, from idea to release.

A good designer evolves.

In order to remain a good designer, you must continue to grow and change. Just as your design impacts the world around you, so you too must also be impacted - heed the good, combat the bad, hold an ethical standard, listen, and keep learning.

Last updated: 12/13/2024