When I came across the article “The Big Design Freak-Out: A Generation of Design Leaders Grapple with Their Future,” it felt like the author had crawled inside my head and summarized my career. This feeling wasn’t entirely unfounded; as one of the “thousands of design foot soldiers” trained by IBM, my career has been profoundly shaped by the evolution of design thinking.
The Rise of Design Thinking and Its Impact
Design Thinking, once a niche methodology, has grown into a mainstream business process, infiltrating even the highest levels of major corporations. I witnessed firsthand how this approach transformed the design landscape, making it not just about creating aesthetically pleasing or visionary designs, but also about understanding the intricate workings of business and strategy.
The Rules of the Game
Early in my career, I realized that for my designs to truly make an impact, they had to go beyond their visual appeal. Understanding business mechanics and mastering the game were crucial. However, finding mentors or resources to guide me through these uncharted waters was a challenge. As the article aptly notes, “even as design thinking packaged itself successfully as a mainstream business process to senior management, we neglected to mention that designers, by nature, are pretty lousy managers.” 🎤💥
The Generational Identity Crisis in Design
The current identity crisis among design leaders isn’t just a coincidence. It mirrors my decision to step away from an in-house UX design role. Economic pressures and technological advancements, including the rise of AI influence this shift. It’s a moment of reflection on how we define “design” and its intrinsic value.
Beyond Pretty Graphics: The Essence of Design
However, design has never been just pretty graphics, user flow diagrams, or a well-marketed workshop framework called—of all things—“design thinking.” I believe that, at its heart, design is creative problem-solving. This skill transcends industries and economic cycles.
Embracing Change and Moving Forward
As we navigate these changes, it’s crucial to remember that design’s essence lies in its ability to solve problems creatively. Whatever my job title becomes moving forward, the principles of creative problem-solving will always be a central part of who I am.