Unlocking the Designer Within
- mmaayann
- Jun 10, 2024
- 2 min read
As a product design leader, I've had the privilege of mentoring and coaching teams of talented UX/UI designers. While the journey is challenging, the most rewarding moments come from helping designers overcome roadblocks and unlocking their full potential.
The Confidence Hurdle
One designer showed incredible raw talent from the start. Their concepts were innovative, their execution flawless. Yet they struggled with crippling self-doubt, constantly questioning their work. In our coaching sessions, I made it a point to highlight their strengths with specific examples of how their designs elegantly solved key user problems.
Over time, they began seeing their work through a new lens - not as subjective criticism, but purposeful solutions. Our conversations shifted from seeking validation to collaborative exploration. Their confidence grew, allowing them to articulate design rationale clearly. Before long, they were leading critiques and shaping the team's perspective.
Focusing on the Essence
Then there was the designer who had fallen into scrutinizing every tiny detail - from typeface nuances to individual pixels. Every design exploration felt like tumbling down an endless rabbit hole, obscuring the strategic essence.
To recenter their perspective, I had them start every concept by explaining it out loud — pitching the core premise concisely, as if to an executive. This exercise helped them quickly differentiate between essential and superfluous details. Their presentations transformed into tighter narratives elevating the strategic rationale over tactics.
Finding an Authentic Voice
One of the toughest challenges was helping a designer find an authentic voice. They were incredibly knowledgeable about principles and trends, but struggled to apply that in a distinctly individual way. Their work, while solid, lacked a unique point of view.
To unlock their individuality, I encouraged them to embark on an ongoing series of experimental personal UX/UI projects with no constraints. These low-stakes outlets became a canvas to take risks and explore different styles.
In our coaching sessions, we analyzed what resonated with them and why. Over time, their distinctive aesthetic and narrative voice emerged. They infused client work with an intentional perspective, driving innovative approaches that turned heads.
The Common Thread
We all face struggles as designers, no matter our experience. But with an open mindset, willingness to experiment, and supportive coaching, it's possible to breakthrough.
My role has never been to impart knowledge or conform designers to my way of thinking. It's to create an environment where they feel safe embracing their unique strengths, learn from open feedback, and discover their own paths.
