Let’s face it, launching a career or pursuing a new job can be challenging in today’s digital age, where competition is everywhere. An employer has an almost unlimited number of websites available to hire people for all jobs and salary ranges. So you must make sure you not only stand out from the rest but that you’re confident you haven’t made a mistake with your life’s choices.
The path of a Product Designer is no different than anything else; you have to believe in your abilities and be prepared to tackle anything that comes your way. Here are a few tips from the pros to ensure you’ll be on your way.
1. Know the art of storytelling
It’s an art as old as humanity itself, and it would do you wonders to know how to story tell. The user of any digital product is going through an emotional journey that you designed. You need to make sure there is a payoff at the end, something that can get them hooked and resonate with them on an emotional level.
Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end, and so should your design. Remember that the user needs a satisfying and joyful experience, much like reading a good book! Since we lived in caves, we told stories, so make sure you tap into your ancestral roots and return to the foundation of it all.
2. A good design would help
Know the rules to make a successful interface design by heart. Make sure you have clarity, adaptability, simple navigation, and consistency in your interface layout. This is the key to not confusing the user and getting your message across without misinterpretation. The last thing your employer wants is a messy, over-complex design ruining their product.
Just remember that most of the time, keeping it simple works the best. Don’t try to create a design that takes Albert Einstein to decode. Even he understood that significant math problems had to be turned into short, simple answers.
3. Remember that although you are the designer, the product is #1
Please don’t lose sight of the real goal here; it’s not to sell your cool and fresh design but rather the product! Many rookies make this mistake; they spend way too much time trying to create a piece of art worthy enough for a digital museum. This is not the right place to paint pretty pictures; it’s a place of business and marketing.
Of course, you want your design to look impressive and slick, but make sure it relates to the actual product and that you’ve done your research, knowing who the target demographic is. It’s a cold reality, but straightforward designs are often the most successful in marketing.
4. Keep the conversation going
The Product Designer’s responsibility is not just to create the interface design for a company. It also involves staying active in discussions not only internally with your employers and colleagues but externally with the users of the product as well.
Communication is a massive part of what makes designers better at their jobs. They can share ideas and gather the information crucial for them to understand where to start with the first concept design. Be constantly talking to everyone, and make a list of questions you might have for the product reps so they can give you a clearer idea of where they want this journey to begin.
5. Things can always be better
Mainly everything is improving over the years; phones are getting smarter, computers are more sophisticated than ever, and even cars can park themselves. Remember that the same thing applies to design; it’s never a finished product and can always be adjusted to fit the times.
You may have finished and leaned back on your desk, gazing upon what you’ve made and feeling proud, but it’s only the first part of the trip. Like the story you’ve told on the interface, the design has its path to take, and you’ll be right there holding its hand as you guide it into the future.
Final Thoughts
Have fun and venture boldly into the world of design! Remember that practice makes perfect, and mistakes will be made. But keep that creativity flowing with your head up; we promise success will be waiting for you around the corner.
