ARTICLE
What is Design to Me
Design is now synonymous with many disciplines, Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Motion Design, Game Design, and more. But what does it really mean? Sure, you could simply ask ChatGPT or Google, but I wanted to offer my own personal understanding of this world.
Visuals with goals
If you're a designer reading this, then you probably know the awkward moment when you need to describe your job to someone who might not be in the digital world or simply isn't interested in it. Same here!
"No I don't fix computers.."
A legendary phrase that, funny enough, I didn’t have to say that many times, but it still happens! I mean, I could probably update drivers, but that’s not really my job as a designer.
But is “fixing” such a bad way to describe it? As a UI/UX designer, I’m really just "fixing" or "building" the bridge between interfaces and human interaction behaviors. It’s almost like being a couple's counselor, helping two individuals, technology and users, communicate more effectively.
Nurturing a relationship
So, if we take the couple counseling metaphor once more, often both individuals, technology and users, are in this "relationship" for a reason. They share a common interest or goal, even if they don't fully understand each other's needs or perspectives just yet. (Wink, go read my other article to dig deeper into this.)
My job, as a designer, is to help bridge that gap. I focus on understanding the "boundaries" or limitations of the technology side, as well as the biases and behaviors that individuals bring with them. By recognizing these elements, I can find ways to guide the two sides toward better communication, ensuring both "feel" heard and understood in the process.
In conclusion
For me the design process is an exercise in empathy and mediation. It’s about finding the sweet spot where the technology meets the user’s needs without overwhelming either side. Just like a counselor helps two individuals understand each other's perspectives and find common ground, I help users and technology interact in ways that feel intuitive, natural, and meaningful. It’s not about "fixing" things in a traditional sense, but about aligning goals, managing expectations, and creating a space where both sides can thrive together.