When something is intuitive we can lose an awareness of what it truly contributes to a project because it is something that we do so naturally. Or, we take it for granted thinking that everyone has that same knowledge or perspective.
Today we want to call out one of those intuitive ideas for two reasons:
- To bring encouragement.
- To share a new idea.
Designers who are naturally aware and in-tune when they design, what I’m about to say will affirm what you have been doing.
For those who struggle in how they design or feel like they keep missing the mark, this may illuminate a disconnect and help take your design up a notch. Here it is:
Design is a function of empathy.
It’s a simple idea, but can be a powerful way to transform your work.
Empathy is being able to put ourselves in other people’s shoes, to connect with how they might be feeling about a problem or situation.
When design is being used to it’s fullest potential, it’s the result of a designer understanding the perspective of the audience and finding a visual solution that speaks to that understanding.
For those who have a knack for empathizing, this isn’t an earth-shattering concept. I dare say that for some of us it’s like breathing, we just intuitively “know” how to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.
For those who this may not be quite so natural, here are a few things that may help.
Shake Up Your Routine
We all have our regular routes and familiar places we go. One way to strengthen empathy is to try new things. Maybe it’s going to a different restaurant, watching a type of movie, or reading a book you wouldn’t normally pick up.
Even small adjustments can give you a new experience that can expand your perspective and open you up to new ideas.
Get Feedback
If you really are serious about getting better at empathy, it may serve you well to get some feedback from friends and family. People who know you well and have seen you in a variety of situations.
We all have blind spots, but I guarantee that the people who interact with you on a regular basis have valuable observations to share.
Cultivate Curiosity
Some times we place more value on “certainty” and “knowing.” Of course there are places where certainty is essential. For example, we want a surgeon to be certain about what she is doing before operating.
However, let’s also make space for curiosity. When it comes to ideas, people or cultures, what could we learn? The more that we foster curiosity, the more we strengthen our ability to see other sides of a situation and can bring that perspective to find stronger design solutions.
So which are you? Do you already have an intuitive sense and apply that skill to your design approach? Or is this giving you a new thought about how you can approach an upcoming design challenge?
If there is any way we can serve you regarding design needs, we are always open to establishing new partnerships. You bring your design challenges and we help find the right solution. Click here to start the conversation.
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