Ever found yourself wondering if product design is the right career for you? Well, after attending a fascinating talk on “Loving Your Career in Product/Design,” I can confidently say, yes, it is! Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for years, there’s a lot to love about this dynamic field. Let me walk you through some of the key takeaways from this talk that can help you fall head over heels for your product design career.
The Joy of Evolution: One of the standout points made was about the beauty of watching the field of design evolve over time. Product design is not static. It grows, it adapts, and you—whether you’re fresh in the field or a seasoned veteran—are part of that exciting transformation.
Think about how far we’ve come: from the early days of clunky, poorly designed websites to the sleek, user-friendly interfaces of today. As technology continues to advance, so too does our craft, making it an exciting career that keeps you on your toes. The speaker even mentioned how entering the design field back in the late ‘90s was like entering the Wild West. Today, while things have gotten more sophisticated, the thrill of creativity and innovation remains.
From Passion to Profession: A critical point the speaker made was how their love for drawing comic books as a child transitioned into a full-blown passion for design. If you’re someone who loves creativity, enjoys solving problems, and has a knack for thinking outside the box, this field allows you to harness all that energy.
It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating something that works, that benefits people, and that makes an impact. Designing products for users means you’re improving people’s daily experiences. Whether it’s simplifying a process, making something more intuitive, or adding a delightful surprise within a user interface, the impact of your work is tangible.
Adapting to Technology (Without Losing Your Creative Edge): The talk highlighted an important question many designers face: Do you need to know how to code to be a great designer? The answer: No! Coding is not a requirement, but understanding how things work from a technical standpoint can be an added advantage. The beauty of product design is that it combines the best of both worlds—art and technology. You don’t need to dive into coding unless you want to, but a designer who understands the capabilities of tech can navigate the field more effectively.
Even if you don’t code, you’ll always find ways to adapt and expand your skill set. The field pushes you to evolve, from mastering new tools like Figma to staying updated with design trends.
Why the World Needs Product Designers: Another key takeaway from the talk is how product designers create things that matter. Whether you’re designing for a niche market or creating something that “everyone” uses, your work directly impacts people’s lives. In a world where digital products have become integral to our daily routine—from apps to social media platforms to e-commerce sites—designers are at the forefront of shaping these experiences.
Consider this: every button you press, every page you scroll, and every product you buy online had a designer behind it, thinking through every detail. That’s what makes this job so cool—you’re not just designing something pretty; you’re building solutions, improving systems, and making life easier for users.
Why Imposter Syndrome is (Almost) a Rite of Passage: The speaker shared a personal story about imposter syndrome, something many of us struggle with, especially early in our careers. They recalled being told, “You’re not an illustrator,” despite having grown up drawing comics. That kind of feedback can be tough, but it’s part of the journey. The key takeaway? Embrace it. Everyone starts somewhere, and imposter syndrome is just a sign that you’re pushing yourself into new and challenging territories.
This career isn’t about knowing everything from the get-go—it’s about growth, adaptability, and learning as you go. The speaker emphasized that you don’t need to know it all right away. What matters is that you’re open to learning and passionate about improving your craft.
The Power of Community: One of the most empowering aspects of this field is the sense of community. Product design isn’t a solitary career—it’s a collaborative one. As the speaker pointed out, when they started, there wasn’t this kind of community support, but today it’s a whole different story. Platforms like ADP List allow designers to connect, share, mentor, and support each other across the globe.
Being part of a design community means you’re not alone on this journey. Whether you’re looking for feedback on your portfolio, needing advice on job hunting, or just wanting to bounce ideas off someone, there’s always a network of people willing to help.
Conclusion: In the world of product design, there’s always something new to learn, someone new to meet, and something amazing to create. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or deep into it, this career offers endless opportunities for growth and creativity. The speaker wrapped up with a powerful message: be kind to yourself, stay curious, and keep pushing forward. Product design is a career worth loving—now and for years to come.
So, embrace the challenges, enjoy the process, and remember: you’re building the future, one design at a time.