Is design your love or addiction?
Obsess over process, not outcomes.
Every design is a system
The mark of a great designer is their awareness of system thinking.
Macro/micro vision for coherent design systems
How alternating focus between the yin and yang of design leads to the perfect balance of consistency and flexibility.
Designing in a state of flux
10 rules to help you thrive when your design foundation is missing or moving.
Inspiration is for amateurs — the rest of us just show up and get to work
Chuck Close describes the designer’s creative process in two perfect sentences.
Novices Design the Surface; Experts Dive Deep
The easiest way to tell a wannabe designer from a valuable pro.
Why Compromise Is the Great Design Superpower
The more important your work, the more trade-offs you have to make.
Data-Driven Design Is Killing Our Instincts
Valuing data over design instinct puts metrics over users
How to fend off bad client ideas
Trust, clear project goals, and objective feedback creates an environment that repels stupid suggestions.
No, not “everyone is a designer”
Everyone can participate in design, but professional designers show their value as expert facilitators who drive the design process.
One design concept, infinite revisions?
On building efficiency and flexibility into your creative process.
The truth about Art vs. Design
Are you frustrated as a designer because you’re trying to be an artist?
R.I.P. – Big Design Up Front
Can a waterfall sprint? Can a greyhound slow down?
Design is not a choice
You can’t create things without design happening.
Fast design vs. quick design
Do you struggle to match the speed of your more experienced design colleagues?
Is Responsive Design Dead?
It’s no longer a selling point when everyone is doing it. And it‘s not impressive if you’re doing a lazy job.
You pay me, but I don’t work for you
Who do designers serve?
Why good designers can never do their best work
Do you find yourself constantly dissatisfied with your creative endeavours? You’re not alone.
Brand is king. Respect the king.
Tales of trouble when a “good” design deviates too far from its parent branding.
Designers who can code are more valuable
Isn’t that enough reason to put this age-old debate to bed?
The best designers are business strategists
The old days of “visual design” are long gone. We need to think much broader & deeper to solve today’s design challenges.
Designers, get uncomfortable
Being stagnant in this industry is as bad as being dead. In order to grow your business, you need to be doing things you’re not prepared for.
Designers, kill your labels
Redefine your freelance service offering as a complementary process that delivers your ideal clients the most value.