I’m in the 1% of mentors on ADPList who spent time talking with other designers who were seeking for advice and open conversation about their careers. Here is a summary of the notes I took on the month of November 2023, where three main themes appeared.
A need for structuring chaotic environments. The search of a strategy to understand the people who consumes the products they design, but also those who build it. And finally, a desire to build something for the greater good. Designers try to find meaning and purpose in a very technical industry that needs to be more in touch with people’s hearts.
Structuring Design Process
- Desire to organize design workflow into clear steps.
- Prioritize tasks, define approval processes, and identify necessary tools.
- Focus on creating a systematic approach to design projects.
Career growth and identity
- Anxious about becoming a manager and navigating conflicting opinions.
- Recognize the need for personal growth strategy, setting goals, and understanding target audience.
- View designers as PMs with visual skills, seeking mentorship and a more mature in-house team.
Personal and professional development
- Struggle with defining goals, dealing with anxiety due to lack of experience, and discomfort in self-promotion.
- Seek inspiration, improvement in the design process, and ways to communicate personal experiences through design.
- Express a desire to contribute to the community, build meaningful services, and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
- Emphasize on separating ego from work and overcoming burnout in the creative process.