How to improve as a product designer?
In the world of design, being a product designer is a little like being a Swiss army knife. You must possess a diverse skill set that enables you to identify a significant issue, come up with a solution, and turn the concept into a workable product. There are numerous distinct duties that call for various methods and equipment.
We are all flawed as product designers because, surprise! we are just human. Although nobody is perfect, we should all work to expand our knowledge and develop our skill set.
Recognize your user
Yes, I know it seems trite, but let’s look at the three essential components of user comprehension. Just be patient with me.
You must first accept the possibility that you are your company’s lone user advocate and voice. You should thus do all in your power to understand your consumers. Consider them to be your friends and be inquisitive about their wants, needs, issues, and other daily concerns.
Investigate your user’s connection with your product as well. That is what many folks overlook! Answering inquiries on the environment in which your product is being utilized can help.
The emotional context of your product is all about how your consumer feels when using it (and also before and after). Determine their mental state when using it. Are they typically anxious, bored, joyful, or frustrated? The way you design your product and how you display it to your consumers should change as a result of knowing this.
The environment in which your consumers are utilizing your product explains where they are. You are interested in learning what else is vying for their focus and what they are up to. Are they rushing? A free hand is present? Are they exercising, cooking, lounging on a sofa, or maybe even driving? These are all vital considerations.
The social context investigates how other people see your customers while they use your product. Will they feel sophisticated, hip, or proud as a result? Or will it make them feel embarrassed because it exposes a secret issue they are dealing with? Never forget that Segway intended for its users to be seen as hip and cutting-edge trend-setters. Not at all. They were seen as strange, nerdy, or lethargic.
The phrase I want to underline is that you are not your user, which takes us to that point. Please keep that in mind constantly. If you don’t, you’ll be unaware of important knowledge gaps and you won’t ask the questions that result in discoveries and fantastic products.
Find a relevant issue and a workable solution
As a product designer, you must comprehend that if a solution doesn’t deal with a genuine issue, it is pointless. User research takes place so early in the process because of this.
Many product design consultants still get caught up in the trap of “a terrific concept.” They attempt to reverse the process in order to identify the issue that their clever solution could address. They are prejudiced, and their answer won’t really be needed in 99% of the circumstances. Avoid doing this. Your time and effort will be wasted in this endeavor.