Law 6: Court the Essence of Design’s Value

48LawsOfDesignPowerProduct Design
Written By Joshua Nard

Description: Group of people standing and discussing what is on a white board with layout flows.

Laws of Design Power #6 of 48: Court the Essence of Design’s Value

Never be reserved with your designs and presentations - stand out. Become a magnate for attention for you and your team as the present designs. As design leaders, we are constantly being evaluated on our value. Generative AI has recently put this further into question. We must create an unforgettable image as leaders. It's better to be in the thick of an active boardroom discussion than on the outside without a voice.

Expanding:

As design leaders, we understand the importance of showcasing the unique contributions of design to a project's success. By emphasizing design's tangible and strategic impact, you encourage a deeper perceived value in a crowded room of opinions. In my two decades of design, I have realized the power of being present. Asking questions such as "If you disagree with this approach, what happens if we do nothing?" to spur indecisions into agreement. Court multi-functional teams with boldness and decisiveness. We urgently understand the role of design to achieve project goals and user satisfaction. Demonstrate this with clear functional, behavioral, and emotional goals of the experience. Capturing this essence will inspire stakeholders to value your team’s integral role in delivering exceptional results. Is someone consistently skeptical of your team's design work? Invite them to a design review so that your team’s revisions become his/her revisions. Court the value of design with persistence.

At the same time, carry a bit of mystery on what you are going to do next on upcoming challenges to gather future attendance with intrigue. Never be clear on what you are doing next, just a general direction of what you are working to solve. Reframe from saying “We’re going to create..” into “We will solve the outlined goal into a well-vetted design." Just like a tango, you're not only entertaining the audience with mystery, but your dance partner as well. By highlighting the value of design as an essential component of success, you foster a culture that recognizes and celebrates design's impact. This approach ensures your design leadership is rooted in a deep respect for the value it brings to every endeavor.

 This is law #6.

 

CONTEXT: I recently gave myself a challenge while reading Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power. Since the author has even suggested we do not take them too literally, could we take inspiration as laws for creatives to convey the value of design among stakeholders?  How would you reframe and expand on this law? Follow for more and comment below.

#productdesign #productleadership #designleadership #48lawsofdesignspower #RobertGreene #48lawsofpower

 

Robert Greene’s book:

https://www.amazon.com/48-Laws-Power-Robert-Greene-ebook/dp/B0024CEZR6/

 
Joshua Nard
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Law 4: Verbalize less, craft designs that speak for you.
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Law 9: Win through design, never through debate.