For a long time, my co-workers from Cafundó are asking me for some nice posts for the blog! My intention is to post here more content related to interaction design and information architeture. But I want to use this end of January moment, with all of those promises about what to do different for the new years, to suggest  some design trully usefull resolutions. They are based in a post that I have read some time ago at  netmagazine.com , and I decided to translate and add some important personal notes to it!

1. Choose problems to solve
Designers are, by definition, problem solvers. And the world never was so  full of them! We’re using everything we have today (processing, quick information and tools) to produce nonsense. It’s time to think big, we will improve people’s lives. There must be something more we can do for society than a clone of Facebook.

2. Stop junk plagiarizing
Design is the collective knowledge of all that has been done before. So enjoy the solutions of others, learn and see if you can improve them. Be alert, learn from those who came before you and become the person the next generations will plagiarize.

3. Stop trying to save poor job
If something went wrong, do not be afraid to start over. Otherwise the goal becomes to save your work and  not to solve the problem. Layout has no feelings, you’re not abandoning it. The minute you realize that the layout is not working and tries to save it, you’re not saving the layout, you’re trying to save your own ego. Practice detachment.

4. Stop being your own obstacle
Do not expect the customer, job, or the ideal time to do a good job. Appreciate the things that are around you and create opportunities, rather than complain about the lack of them. Every client deserves your best work.

5. You are guilty
Burst-term? Lack of information? It happens. Raise your hand. Let everyone know that was your fault. The sooner you accept this responsibility, the sooner you can fix the failure.Apologies do not help anyone. Everyone respects professionals who admit their faults.This year will be all your fault.

6. Be curious
Do not settle for doing only what you consider good. Suddenly you can be even better on things you do not even know. Look for new technologies, new solutions and even new areas. That ensures the differential of today’s professional.

7. Learn to make mistakes
If the name of your final file has at least 2 digits (example: cafundo_1.psd), something is wrong. Or you’re not wanting to miss, or not recognizing your mistake. Do not be so worried and cerefull with your layout. Even if you think is spectacular in the first attempt, challenge yourself and try another way. You learn more by doing 50 different versions than only trying to make the first work.

8. Stop using your mother as an example of stupid person.
“We need to make it so easy that even my mother can use it”, how many times have we heard that? As much as his mother is not secretary of state, she was smart enough to create you, teach you to read, surf the internet and become a professional. She is not silly.Stop using your mother as the target audience and begin researching for who you are really working. Good design comes from empathy, not stereotypes.

9. Learn to write.
90% of design is communication. And half of it is done writing. A designer who does not write, can not defend their work. And a job that can not be defended dies.Good works are ruined because the designer can not give a clear explanation of the strategy and targets used and how it solves the customer problem. The greatest lie ever told is that good design sells itself. Who said it was not able to  write.

10. Be comfortable in a discussion.
This is the other half of communication. You will have a good time this year presenting your work to clients. They will ask about your work, questions that are to know their obligation to answer them. Sometimes they will ask for changes that you do not agree. Hold on. Calm down and explain why your solution is correct. It’s your job to protect your design from anyone else. Sometimes you will win, sometimes will lose. But you will do your work. Do not give up just because someone asked for further explanation.

Image source: woahthere-.tumblr.com/

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