Design Values

I have worked with a lot of designers, clients, engineers, and PMs, and have found certain things to be true again and again. Here’s a collection of some core values that I focus on as a designer:

• Put people first. Being a good designer involves creating excellent work, and I believe the best results come from solving problems together, considering the needs and perspectives of everyone involved. I have found that building great working relationships only makes the final output better.

• Cultivate empathy and curiosity. A key strength of mine is an unending curiosity to understand how things currently are, and envision how they could be better. This curiosity naturally evolves into empathy, and empathy is crucial for crafting meaningful user experiences.

• Be open to ideas. Acknowledging that clients and customers often bring their own valuable expertise, I approach problem solving with an open mind. Rejecting ideas outright is shortsighted. Instead, I encourage considering all suggestions (even if sometimes they need a little polish).

• Trust the process. A well-defined design process is the foundation for exceptional outcomes. While individual projects may require some unique approaches, sticking to a tried-and-true overall design process provides a reliable framework for success.

• Welcome criticism. Great design builds on good ideas, and this improvement happens iteratively through constructive challenges and refinement. Not every critique or feedback needs implementation, but I strongly believe in the value of listening to diverse perspectives to strengthen the overall design process.