This is a collection of principles or ideas that I believe to be important to my practice of design and life in general. They are here to remind me, and for others to know what to expect of me. They are in no particular order.
Principle 1
Be empathetic.
When designing or working with humans, it’s best to treat them like humans with real needs, desires, and dreams. Even if you don’t understand them, try.
Principle 2
Find a way to be curious.
Curiosity is critical. I think a good designer can find something to be curious about even in the most mundane or minuscule project.
Principle 3
Use my hands.
When I’m working with my hands it gives me more time to think and more possibilities to work with than when I am on a computer. Maybe it just slows me down.
Principle 4
Work within a context.
Knowing the context or goal of a project helps me determine the right design process to use for the project. Designing for “cool” is different than designing for usability.
Principle 5
Find room for solitude.
My ideas need time and space to grow. I’m no good in collaboration if I don’t also have time for solitude.
Principle 6
Make space for collaboration.
As G.K. Chesterton said, 1 + 1 = 1,000. I need feedback and stimulation to balance times of solitude and keep me from getting stale or formulaic.
Principle 7
Simplicity is about being simple.
Technology, style, or minimalism don’t necessarily make simplicity. Nothing makes things simple except simplicity.
Principle 8
Design is a process.
Design is a process of research, exploration, evaluation, refinement and implementation. Sometimes the process is more internal and other times it is far more collaborative.
Principle 9
Research is diverse.
Research can be a deep, self-guided aesthetic exploration, a qualitative, human-centered experience, or a rigid, quantitative survey. There is value in all, but depending on the project and context, they are not always valuable.
Principle 10
Clarity requires feedback.
There’s no way to know if something is clear without asking someone—preferably someone that has little idea what you are talking about. Simplicity does not always make something clear and neither does all the information.
Principle 11
Make life better.
That might mean bringing delight, making things easier, or helping avoid negative outcomes, but design should make life better.
Principle 12
Needing help is a good place to be.
When I’m in need it means I need other people. I need their insight, experience, expertise, and friendship. When I’m in need it means I’m reaching beyond my own knowledge, experience and strength. And that’s just better for everyone.