FAQs
Are you more of a strategist or an executioner?
I don’t think this question has the answer—I find the true elegance in design lies in the execution. While strategy sets the stage, it is through meticulous execution that ideas are brought to life and truly resonate with people.
My approach is deeply rooted in the belief that a well-crafted strategy must evolve through the process of execution. This hands-on experience not only refines the strategy but ensures that every detail is thoughtfully considered and impeccably realised.
Therefore, I am profoundly focused on execution, viewing it as the critical bridge that transforms strategic vision into meaningful, impactful experiences.
Are you more of a detail-oriented or a big-picture thinker?
To create truly remarkable products, the designer must fluidly navigate between both disciplines. A meticulous attention to detail and an expansive vision are inherently intertwined.
I immerse myself in the minutiae, refining every element to ensure it contributes harmoniously to the whole. Yet, I continually step back to see how these details coalesce into a transformative experience for the user. This dual perspective allows me to craft products that not only function flawlessly but also evoke an emotional response.
Ultimately, the synergy between detail-oriented craftsmanship and visionary thinking defines my design philosophy, ensuring that each creation is not merely functional but a testament to thoughtful, holistic design.
What is your approach to coaching and mentoring?
When it comes to personal growth, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; recognising and nurturing each individual’s unique potential is key. I use four distinct strategies tailored to different types of people:
- Highly talented and well-mannered individuals: I provide unwavering support and encouragement, making myself available for guidance and discussion whenever needed.
- Talented but challenging individuals: I adopt a thoughtful coaching approach, using probing questions to promote introspection and self-discovery, complemented by distant follow-ups to give them space to apply their insights.
- Well-mannered but less talented individuals: I focus on mentoring through collaborative projects, helping them develop tangible skills and a deeper understanding of design principles and methodologies.
- Individuals lacking both talent and manners: I focus on creating an environment that encourages personal growth and helps them prepare for future coaching and mentoring opportunities. However, if this type of person has a significant ratio in your team, I also recommend reviewing your current recruitment process.
What makes a good designer a great designer?
Seamlessly integrating these 3 things.
- Hard-skill: The ability to create, combining thought process, creativity, imagination, and a solid foundation in art and design. Mastery of these elements is achieved through relentless practice. While this makes you a good designer, it is merely the beginning.
- Soft-skill: The ability to understand people and collaborate effectively. Design is a commercial art, it must add value and connect emotionally with its audience so called empathy. This empathy cannot be learned from books alone—it requires living, observing, and working closely with others.
- Consistency: The ability to maintain high standards. Design challenges are ever-changing, and a great designer consistently upholds their philosophy and quality across all projects.
What is good design?
Good design helps people complete their tasks more easily. Great design changes people’s behaviour and transforms their habits and perspectives without them realising it. Excellent design is great design that also brings joy and delight to its users.
An example of excellent design is the iPhone keyboard. It made touch screens practical by appearing when needed, maximising screen space, and shifting people’s mindset on physical keyboards like those on BlackBerry phones.
Many, including one of the most influential people in the world, Barack Obama—who once said they couldn’t live without their BlackBerry—were won over by the iPhone’s keyboard, a design that has remained largely unchanged since its introduction.
