1. Embrace Progress Over Perfection in Your Process

There is no "perfect" design process. Stop chasing an idealized methodology.

  • The Shift: Focus on adaptation and momentum. The best designers adapt, improvise, and prioritize making progress, not achieving perfection.
  • The Action: Treat the design process (Analyse the brief, Research, Idea generation, Testing, etc.) as a flexible guide, not a rigid checklist.

2. Adopt Lean Research

You won't always have the time or budget for deep, comprehensive research dives.

  • The Shift: Understand that some research beats no research. Avoid the trap of analysis paralysis.
  • The Action: Prioritize lean research over guesswork to inform your design direction. Focus on establishing priorities and getting the necessary data collection and analysis steps done quickly.

3. Value Early, Diverse Exposure

Limiting yourself to one type of product or industry early in your career limits your long-term value.

  • The Shift: Recognize that early product exposure equals more opportunities.
  • The Action: Actively seek opportunities to work on diverse products. This builds range, which is a rare and valuable currency later in your career.

4. Master the Art of Filtering Opinions

Everyone involved in the product has an opinion on the design—and that's completely normal.

  • The Shift: Accept that you will rarely be the only voice in the room.
  • The Action: Your core role is to listen, filter, and defend your decisions with clarity based on data and user needs.

5. Apply Feedback with Intent

Taking feedback is easy; applying it correctly is a skill that distinguishes great designers.

  • The Shift: Avoid "Design by committee". Don't surrender to every suggestion.
  • The Action: Good designers take feedback, but great ones know how to apply it with intent. Filter the feedback to find the underlying problem, then solve it with your expertise.

6. Step Out of the Design Bubble

The product is shaped by more than just designers.

  • The Shift: Actively work with Non-Designers more.
  • The Action: Engage closely with Engineers, PMs, and marketers. They all shape the product, and stepping out of your functional bubble provides critical context and leverage.

7. Commit to Compounding Mastery

Design skill is not acquired overnight; it's a result of sustained effort.

  • The Shift: Realize that mastery pays off.
  • The Action: Start honing your craft early. Over time, those small, consistent improvements compound into huge wins that set you apart.

Your mindset is your edge.