Design Principles

Below is my design etic that I use to approach challenges in design (and sometimes life). I use them as a compass for understanding problems and finding creative solutions. 

Get your hands dirty.

Dig in. Interesting problems are complex and messy. The problem we think we’re solving is often symptomatic of something deeper, and I view it as my job—and my purpose—to get to the root of the matter.

Synthesis is everything.

Deconstruct the problem. Understand your users, their needs, constraints and what problems you are trying to solve. Take a moment to understand all of the players and intricacies, and spend some time steeped in the problem before charging forward.

Allow for room to grow.

Don’t just solve for the problem immediately in front of you. Consider down-the-road implications and future-state needs. In a world where both standards and technology are constantly changing, solutions should always leave room for the opportunity to grow and adapt with the times.

Engage and delight.

Seek to engage and delight the users who are interacting with your design. This can be realized in many ways, such as impactful animations, clever copy, personalization, and more. How are you creating an enjoyable experience?

Instill trust.

Be the trusty hammer in the user’s toolbox. Good design inspires trust and is something a person can rely on to complete their job. Strive to eliminate hesitation, frustration, and lack of understanding and create a system that anticipates the needs of users and builds familiarity.

Be more human.

A digital experience should feel natural to users. Good design feels "human" through careful consideration of copy, actions, helpful hints, etc. Allow your users to feel as if they are having a conversation with another person, rather than interacting with a machine-like system.

Take your ego out of it.

This is two-fold:

First—You are not the user. You are an advocate for the user, and you must take yourself out of the equation and understand that your perspective might be entirely unique to that of your users.

Second—Design is not the product of one. It is most often the result of a collective effort. You must be willing to put your ego aside, learn from those around you, and let the solution be the guiding force.