Design Thinking + Leadership
It is important to be able to make informed, definitive decisions at pivotal junctures in the design process. Navigating safely past potential hurdles to weave a cohesive story is a crucial skill to leading a successful design program.
A Hands-on Approach
I find great value in turning to physical mock-ups early and often in the design process. Holding something in hand and living with it (as the user would) can lead to important realizations far beyond what sketches cannot afford.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Good design cannot come about in a vacuum. An appreciation of the role of other disciplines is critical to heading off potential issues before they arise. A collaborative approach throughout the product development process leads to a far better end result.
Ergonomic Evaluation
A thorough examination of the use of a product can refine ergonomics to improve a product’s usability. This may be the difference between whether a user can use a device more efficiently or if they will.
Rapid Prototyping
Much can be gained in the evolution of a product by interacting with physical mock-ups and rapid prototypes. The ability to generate these through a range of methods and levels of fidelity can provide great value to a project and team.
Design Strategy
A seasoned designer's ability to step back and look at the bigger picture to ensure the best path forward is an essential attribute. Avoiding myopia that can occur during the product development process can ensure that the team is asking the right questions rather than having the answers to the wrong ones.
Design Research
Thorough user research never fails to uncover surprises. Gaining an understanding of the thoughts and emotional state of the user through contextual inquiry can provide insight into how a design will be received in formal usability research and as a commercial product.
Refined Concept Realization
The ability to take a concept to a polished level representative of the commercial product helps to preserve design intent. Doing so in CAD can permit the design to challenge traditional manufacturing limitations while still remaining grounded in technical feasibility.
Color, Material, & Finish
CMF is vital to how a product and brand are viewed by the user. A product that communicates the right message can be seen as friendly or approachable and even be perceived as easier to use and interact with.
Ideation
The value of rapidly putting many ideas down on paper is a rich form of communication that goes beyond words and hand waving. A simple sketch can give birth to an impromptu brainstorm or a major project breakthrough.
