Nobody Cares About What You Like

While many of us do it, there is little place in Design to talk about the things you do and don’t like. Clients don’t want to hear it, and users don’t care for it.

The word ‘like’ communicates a message of pure subjectivity — it is an opinion, and of course while everyone’s opinion is just as valid as the next persons, they will all differ and ‘liking’ something should have no role when discussing design in the scope of strategy and problem solution.

What is important then?

What you, as a professional, experienced designer, think works; and even more importantly, why it works. By reframing your message from ‘I like…’ to ‘this works because…’, your opinion is no longer a matter of subjectivity, but is now based on insight, experience, and knowledge. All of a sudden, it matters. To your client and your users.

Always think of design in terms of what works–in the context of the business problem, the strategic objectives, and your insights in to the market and users. You may not like it, but your clients and your users will, and you will find greater success.

Remember, you are a Designer, not an Artist. Design is about function as much as it is about form. It is as much about solutions as it is about appearances. It needs to work.