How to Drive Design Without Designing a Thing
Effective design isn't about Photoshop, software applications, email, project management, or even computers. It's about service.
Observe problems around your customers and use your insights to drive decision making. Make sure you listen. Repeat what you've heard and seen, then listen some more. The answers are already there, the questions are only rhetorical.
Don't get too distracted with your sketches, notes, and technology— remember to listen, observe, and think.
- Clients and Consultants from Hell
- Get your team to design like Netflix: Do's & don'ts with Bill Scott
10 comments
Joshua Lyman says
Kudos, that's a great and simple quote. Design is really about solving problems, isn't it? But that's easy to forget. Thanks for the reminder!
AC says
absolute truth
Bryan (ZURB) says
@Joshua It certainly is. I simplify the equation: Art creates questions. Design solves problems.
shod4n says
Well, my eyes are open again. It's so easy to forget all this ...
Ryan says
Great advice, our tools may change over time but our purpose remains the same.
Matt (ZURB) says
It's so much easier to just execute and not think about why you're building what you're building. In fact it may be necessary if you work in an organization when doing so is considered mutiny.
I generally find that thinking is harder then not thinking, but not nearly as hard as it is perceived to be.
alan says
One day when I grow up I want to come work at Zurb. Great posts these, the last couple. Thanks.
