7 Qualities to Future-Proof Your Design Career
The stereotypical image of a designer is someone chic and cool, with an impeccable sense of style. Traditionally, success in this field has been heavily reliant on aesthetics and artistic talent.
However, in today's fast-paced digital world, design success requires more than just artistic aptitude. There are a number of other factors that contribute to achieving your goals, regardless of whether you're an architect, graphic designer, interior designer, or product designer. Here are 7 key qualities that every designer in the digital age should strive to develop:
1. Think Outside the Box
Think about highly successful designers like Issey Miyake or James Dyson. They weren't trend followers; they were bold leaders who dared to be different, confidently breaking away from established norms.
Thinking outside the box involves training yourself to see things from all angles, to think creatively beyond existing limitations, and to identify opportunities arising from upcoming trends and changes. In the business world, outside-the-box thinking also means evaluating situations from a different perspective, being receptive to new possibilities, and finding innovative solutions for product development or service improvement.
2. Master Signature Design
Just a glimpse of the curvaceous, spaceship-like creations of Zaha Hadid, the legendary "Queen of the Curve," and most architects would instantly recognise her signature style. This kind of unmistakable design "handwriting" is what separates the average professional from the truly remarkable ones who command respect.
A strong, unique identity creates a selling point and memorable brand image, essentially turning you into a brand ambassador. This can help you expand your client base and generate positive word-of-mouth promotion. Conversely, designers who lack a memorable signature style are less likely to be offered the big projects that propel them forward, and they risk stagnation or even disappearing altogether in the increasingly competitive design landscape.
3. Connect the Dots
In addition to cultivating a signature design as a valuable personal asset, new-age designers also need to accumulate knowledge from other disciplines that can enhance their careers. Steve Jobs famously described this cross-pollination of knowledge as "connecting the dots."
Today, design is no longer about following a rigid formula. Fresh ideas often stem from connecting various conceptual "dots" in your mind. The more experience you gain, the more dots you'll have to visualise the bigger picture and transform them into golden opportunities. It's time for designers to embrace learning new skills, to diversify their knowledge base, and to solidify their expertise alongside a broader range of knowledge, ensuring they stay on top of the ever-evolving world.
4. Make Friends with Tech
We now officially live in the age of AI, making technology the new fifth essential factor. Those who can leverage technology effectively will be ahead of those who resist it. Technology can also save resources and open doors to a multitude of income-generating opportunities.
The digital realm is one of the keys to 21st-century success. Designers should take online self-promotion seriously, building connections on various platforms to reach potential clients. Business owners, on the other hand, should consider implementing technologies that enhance team efficiency and streamline management systems, such as time-saving tools or team management apps. This frees up time for further knowledge acquisition or investment in other areas.
5. Communicate to Collaborate
Design work necessitates collaboration with a wide range of people. Communication skills are therefore crucial for effectively conveying ideas, presenting work in a way that impresses others, fostering strong team relationships, and ultimately, closing deals with clients more easily.
Beyond the ability to transmit information effectively, designers also need to strategically manage incoming messages. This includes attentively listening to clients, meticulously following briefs, receiving both positive and negative feedback without bias or emotional outbursts, and having the ability to negotiate using sound reasoning and principles to find creative solutions that benefit everyone.
6. Consistently Exceed Expectations
Unbridled eccentricity might have once been a celebrated quality in the design world, but in today's fast-paced environment where clients have an abundance of choices, an undisciplined and unpredictable "artistic temperament" is a recipe for failure, regardless of how much talent or support you have.
Even with a strong sense of individuality, when there are shared goals with others, designers must act professionally to maintain the trust of their clients. Reliability and consistent high-quality work are essential. If you aim to surpass expectations, as world-renowned graphic designer Milton Glaser always advocated ("Wow is the one to aim for."), you'll attract long-term admirers and collaborators.
7. Have Commercial Awareness
Commercially astute designers possess a well-rounded understanding of business, marketing trends, and target audience behaviour. They make strategic decisions and meticulously analyse results, transforming weaknesses into strengths and using their learnings to outmanoeuvre competitors.
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