Here are a few anecdotes from an amazing book I picked up called, Design is a Job (Dan Brown). It's a concise, and powerful jolt of wisdom and philosophy that's relevant to any designer working today. Get the book here.
Some key points:
- While working constantly ask yourself ‘why am i doing this and who benefits’.
- Don’t work in a bubble for too long:
- No tasks longer than 2 weeks
- Pull in other team members to validate your progress direction.
- Instead of 1, 12 week project, go for 12, 1 week projects when estimating/scoping projects.
- Prioritize lists visually and keep it concise or you'll lose motivation.
- Make more small choices/decisions, its easier when you're wrong.
- Don't copy competitors. Establish your value props against them.
- Be proud about providing less, especially if you’re a small business. It can be easier and more quality focused.
- Build an audience by teaching them stuff! Be Informative and educational over promotional. It will create more loyalty.
- Be genuine in all you do. Imperfections can foster real connection.
- Writing is today's currency for good ideas. Hire the person who can write better (no matter what job it is).
- Don't try to hide or spin bad news to your customers—the truth will eventually surface anyway.
- If you Apologize, accept responsibility, explain your actions to prevent it occurring next time. Think how you'd feel if you were given 'that' apology.
- Get back to people quickly. Answer personally.
- "Culture is the byproduct of consistent behavior." Don’t force culture.
- If you're small company don't be afraid to sound 'small' in your tone of voice.
- Write to be read. Keep personality.
- Save emergency language for real emergencies!
