March 10, 2024

Design ego, the crux of agency life, and the real value of product designers with Rowdy Hoogendijk

1 hour 3 minutes

Summary

In this conversation, Dylan and Rowdy discuss their current projects and backgrounds. They explore the topics of imposter syndrome and perfectionism, particularly in the context of design work. They discuss how to manage perfectionism in both agency and product environments, including the importance of defining quality and measuring success. They also touch on the challenges of recognizing user standards versus designer standards and integrating business goals into design work. In this conversation, Rowdy and Dylan discuss various topics related to design, including gaining experience, shifting focus, setting priorities, and saying no. They also explore the importance of defining a design vision, surrounding yourself with the right people, and embracing fear and vulnerability. Dylan shares insights on training your visual eye and idea generation skills, breaking patterns, and getting out of your design bubble. They conclude by discussing the role of designers as facilitators and craftsmen and the importance of being comfortable with the unknown.

Takeaways

Imposter syndrome and perfectionism are common challenges for designers.

In a product environment, it is easier to measure the quality of design work and iterate based on user feedback.

Defining quality and setting a bar for design can help combat imposter syndrome.

In an agency, it can be more challenging to innovate due to time constraints and client expectations. To gain experience as a designer, it's important to seek opportunities outside of traditional agency work, such as working for an IT consultancy or integrating with clients' businesses.

Designers should shift their focus to consider the impact of their work on clients' businesses and develop a broader understanding of design, technology, and business.

Setting priorities and saying no to tasks that don't align with your vision as a designer is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Designers can train their visual eye and idea generation skills by studying and analyzing the work of other designers, experimenting with different styles, and seeking inspiration from diverse sources.

Breaking patterns and trying new things is essential for innovation and growth as a designer. Designers should challenge conventions and explore unique solutions.

Designers should actively seek inspiration from sources outside of the design industry, such as art, photography, music, and film, to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to their work.

Designers are both facilitators and craftsmen, responsible for delivering value and solving problems while also pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.

Being comfortable with the unknown is a valuable skill for designers. Embracing vulnerability and taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth.

Having a clear vision of the kind of designer you want to be and actively working towards that vision can help guide your career and decision-making as a designer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Projects

01:10 Background and Study

08:15 Dealing with Perfectionism in a Product Environment

12:12 Quality Definition and Measuring Success

21:42 Recognizing User Standards vs. Designer Standards

25:49 Differentiating Between Agency and Product Environments

29:09 Transitioning from Agency to Product Work

30:35 Integrating Business Goals into Design

30:53 Gaining Experience and Shifting Focus

32:10 Becoming a Good Product Designer

34:23 Setting Priorities and Saying No

36:31 Defining Your Design Vision

38:40 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

39:10 Embracing Fear and Vulnerability

42:40 Training Your Visual Eye and Idea Generation Skills

46:26 Breaking Patterns and Trying Something New

50:53 Getting Out of Your Design Bubble

55:00 Designers as Facilitators and Craftsmen

01:00:23 Being Comfortable with the Unknown

...more

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By Dylan de Heer