Jan
07
2019

Design isn’t only about great ideas — it’s about finishing projects

Finish Line

Design is about making an idea possible, it’s not about having an idea. In reality, your idea is the cheapest thing you own.

“Ideas aren’t worth that much on their own. Even the most brilliant idea is just a starting point, not something magical. A significantly compromised but executed design is infinitely more valuable than an abstract notion in mental isolation.” (Thought Merchants)

The other day I was reading a great article by A List Apart on the illusion of control in web design. The article talks about how we, as designers, try to scrutinize every detail of an interaction — from pixel-perfect designs, to beautiful animations, to each tiny fraction of a second of the user’s experience — but the harsh reality is that we control way less than we think.

“The high fidelity of today’s design tools creates the illusion that our mockups are feasible out in the real world.”

The high fidelity of today’s design tools creates the illusion that our mockups are feasible out in the real world. Designing a static board or even a Principle prototype is relatively easy. You’re usually illustrating an ideal flow. You’re not accommodating for multiple scenarios. You’re not concerned about performance. You’re not designing for edge cases, for less tech savvy users, for older devices.

“The moment a design starts to be built is the line that separates good from great designers.” (TNW)

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