Here are 11 tips to become an epic designer

Photo credit: Viktor Hanacek.

Product Designing for web, mobile, and other devices, that’s what I was doing when I embarked on my journey as a UX and UI Designer.

Earlier, I used to think that creating intricate, beautiful designs, and adhering to the trends were paramount for any Designer, but soon I realized that my thoughts and patterns changed over time as I started working for products and product-based companies.

Technology is in a continuous flux, it changes within a blink of an eye. A trend which might seem revolutionary today will be outdated after a couple of years.

Product companies cannot afford to initiate a re-design or revamp every time the trend changes. Hence, it is useful to develop a habit of thinking beyond design, to design something that maintains a lasting impact on the user as well as the client.

Here’s a list of pointers that you should keep in mind before you get your creative juices churning for your next project.

Think like a businessman

Bear this in mind, every role in the organization is responsible for revenue inflow. Hence, opposite to what you’ve been told so far, your first step while conceptualizing the idea is not to think like a designer, but like a businessman, so that your design depicts sustainable trends.

Ask questions

As you know already, we rarely see any good product managers nowadays. They have been led to believe that product management is project management. Adhering to this cultural trend, we barely see any managers doing justice to his/her role.

As a designer, it is your responsibility to ask enough relevant questions to lure out every information that you feel will help you with your designing process.

Have a vision

Before you begin your designing process, it is mandatory to have a vision in mind. A correct vision for your product or feature will not only help you with designing better, but will also help you see flaws in your product.

Every feature has a role in making your product complete and flawless, and that feature has to be carefully identified with enough research and thought. After due toil and contemplation, if you believe that your product is aligned to your vision then perfect; if not, then convince your stakeholders with an alternate solution.

Think ahead

Trends are continuous and, to an extent, cynical, so it is essential to incorporate ‘future features’ for the product. Every feature of your product will have enhancements with due time, so as a designer, it falls on you to think all about the possible new elements and features which can be added after few months.

This will help you in designing sustainable and scalable products which, if not given the required thought and tenacity, will look ill-fitted.

Keep updated

Have a clear perspective on the trends that are being followed. Keep yourself updated with the technological advancements so that you can have a vision of the possible future trends. Even though it requires great effort, time, and comprehension on your part, it would be best if you can think ahead of your time while designing.

Use the tools available

Keep it simple

Be detail oriented

Work in advance

Be memorable

Stay creative