Don't Tell Me How To Think

As a designer, few things pain me more than being told to “think blue sky” or “think big.” I wasn’t hired to be told how to think. I was hired because I proved I know how to think.

I’m here to solve problems. Give me the problem, tell me how to reproduce it, show me the data you have to back it, and tell me your ideas to get it solved. Your deadlines, restrictions, limitations, and exceptions are the real indicators of how “big” I can think about the problem.

The basis of my job is to come up with the best solution I can with the time and resources allotted. If I hit a wall, I’ll do more research. If I need more time, I’ll let you know.

Your idea of “big” does not happen in one sprint. It is not the product of one person, but the result of many artifacts and points of input over a long enough period of time to determine that “blue sky” is the right path to take.

Stakeholders, do us a favor: Stick to the facts and stop telling designers how to do their jobs.