What Makes a Good Designer?

What Makes a Good Designer? Insights from Industry Professionals

The question "What makes a good designer?" has long been a subject of debate among creatives and clients alike. With the evolving demands of the design world, particularly in the era of digital transformation, defining the qualities of a "good" designer goes beyond mastery of tools and aesthetics. Industry professionals across disciplines have shared their thoughts on this topic, and their insights reveal that a good designer is, at their core, a blend of empathy, strategic thinking, adaptability, and technical skill.

Based on a LinkedIn conversation, here’s a compilation of some of the most valuable qualities that contribute to a designer’s success.

1. Empathy: The Heart of Design

One of the most frequently mentioned traits is empathy. A good designer isn’t just crafting visuals; they’re understanding and solving the challenges their users and clients face. Empathy involves the ability to “deeply listen,” as Jeff Bryant mentions, and design with an understanding of the ‘why’ behind each project. From stakeholders to end-users, a designer must consider the perspectives of all involved, making empathy a cornerstone of effective design. As Charith Weerasooriya shared, it's about designing with purpose—going beyond aesthetics to create solutions that genuinely add value.

2. Curiosity and Continuous Learning

A good designer never stops learning. The fast-paced design world is constantly changing, and staying relevant means staying curious. Whether it’s new tools, emerging trends, or understanding different industries, curiosity drives a designer to push boundaries and explore new ways to solve problems. Grahame Beresford sums it up well: a good designer “knows there’s always something they don’t know but should.” Curiosity not only enhances creativity but also enables designers to adapt to the unique challenges of each project.

3. Strategic Thinking: Balancing Creativity with Business Goals

As businesses become more data-driven, designers are increasingly required to align their work with business goals. Aaron Jackson points out that understanding business metrics and how design impacts the bottom line separates the good from the great. A designer with strategic insight knows how to blend user needs with business objectives, ensuring their designs achieve more than just aesthetic appeal. This approach allows designers to move from creators of visuals to creators of value.

4. Adaptability and Flexibility

In a collaborative industry like design, flexibility is key. Adaptable designers can work with diverse teams, accommodate feedback, and pivot when needed. Today’s design projects often involve multiple departments and stakeholders, requiring designers to stay flexible and responsive. As Sanika Harshe notes, a good designer needs to ensure the impact of their work resonates across all organizational levels, from leadership to peers.

5. Mastering the Art of Listening

As simple as it sounds, listening is one of the most critical skills for a designer. Rameesa Qureshi aptly summarizes it as "a designer who can shut up and listen." Beyond hearing what’s said, designers must listen for unspoken needs, underlying challenges, and potential opportunities. This type of active listening ensures that designers aren’t simply following instructions but are genuinely understanding the problems they’re tasked with solving.

6. Attention to Detail

A designer’s success often lies in the details, whether it’s fine-tuning color schemes, perfecting typography, or ensuring a design is consistent across platforms. Attention to detail builds trust and credibility, showing clients and users that every element has been carefully considered. Irfan Ali emphasizes that attention to detail, along with creativity and strong communication skills, is essential to achieving impactful design.

7. Collaboration and Communication Skills

Design isn’t a solo endeavor; it’s a collaborative process that requires strong interpersonal skills. Anne Reyes points out that soft skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking become more important as a designer advances in their career. A good designer can not only produce great work but can also communicate its value to clients, gaining buy-in and support from key stakeholders. Paulina Majkowska likens a good designer to a bridge, keeping users and business goals connected throughout the project.

8. Problem-Solving Mindset

Good designers are first and foremost problem-solvers. They understand that design isn’t about making things look pretty; it’s about addressing real issues. Penny Talalak believes that while a good designer creates beautiful products, a great designer understands and addresses the underlying problems those products are meant to solve. Designers with a problem-solving mindset know how to ask the right questions, test various solutions, and refine their approach to deliver meaningful outcomes.

9. Ownership and Accountability

Great designers take ownership of their work, seeing projects through from concept to completion. Emrah Kara emphasizes the importance of a sense of ownership, suggesting that it motivates designers to not only care deeply about their work but also be accountable for its success or failure. When designers feel a strong sense of responsibility, they are more invested in delivering quality results.

10. Endurance and Resilience

Design projects can be challenging, often involving tight deadlines, changing requirements, and differing opinions. Endurance and resilience help designers navigate these challenges with grace. As Jennifer Couchman puts it, “Endurance” can often feel like a requirement in design, where deadlines and revisions are part of the norm. A resilient designer remains positive and focused, even when the creative process gets tough.

Conclusion: The Making of a Good Designer

The consensus among industry professionals suggests that being a good designer is about far more than technical proficiency or artistic talent. It’s a mix of soft skills like empathy and listening, business acumen, and a commitment to constant improvement. The best designers are those who understand that their work has real-world impact, solving problems and enhancing user experiences.

As the industry continues to evolve, these qualities will only become more crucial. For those looking to refine their approach, focusing on empathy, curiosity, strategic thinking, and collaboration can set you on the path to becoming not just a good designer, but a great one.