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AMA: Aarron Walter, Started UX at MailChimp, Author of Designing for Emotion, VP of Design Education at InVision

7 years ago from Aarron Walter, VP of Design Education at InVision

  • Aarron Walter, 7 years ago

    Hi, Ruzanna.

    Before you start applying for jobs make a list of the things you want for yourself (environment, opportunities for growth, type of work, etc), and identify deal breakers. If you already have some experience reflect on the places where you thrived and where you were unhappy. That list will help you ask the right questions in interviews to identify the jobs that will be best for you.

    Learning to work with others is one of the most important skills you'll need in your career, so make sure your mind and ears are open when talking about your designs with others.

    Hone your communication skills to change the creative dialogue and reduce conflict. When you present your work are you clear about the problems you're trying to solve for the client? Are your designs practical as well as attractive? How will it help end users satisfy their Job to Be Done? Is your idea something your team can actually build within the given time and budget? If you think and talk about your work in terms of the problems you're trying to solve you'll find you don't have engage in conflicts with others nearly as much.

    Make lots of designs, don't invest your heart in one. You won't get it right the first time.

    4 points
    • Ruzanna Rozman, 7 years ago

      Thanks for your insight Aarron, I really appreciate it! I agree that clear communication is important when presenting work, and focusing the conversation on what problems we'd be solving is a really good tip. Have you had experience working in a team where its members disagree with which problems are most important to solve? What would you recommend to a team to establish a workflow so that everyone is on the same page?

      On a slightly different topic, do you have any thoughts on presenting to a client X number of concepts vs. a more constant collaboration with them in coming up with one concept (that can have multiple iterations)? Do you feel one method is better/more recommended than the other?

      2 points
      • Aarron Walter, 7 years ago

        Although I've certainly been in situations where team members disagree on an approach to a design, it always gets sorted out through discussion. Chances are there's a decider who can make the final call. If you're trying to figure out what to prioritize in your roadmap, consider create a RICE score.

        Working with a client along the way shortens the feedback loop and can help you get closer to the right design solution faster.

        1 point