How to make goals doable (like a designer)
Design can be quite exciting. Whether you’re devising a new concept for an app, or even just optimizing a feature, your idea may sound simple.
“I want to design a note-taking app”
or
“I want to replicate the iOS experience on Android”
Then, you think… “I’m sure it won’t take that long — how hard could it be?”
As you start diving in however — speaking to users, learning about the system you work in, the technical constraints, budget etc, something seemingly basic can easily become very complicated.
How this applies to you…
Over time, I’ve learned that the word “can” here is crucial. As complex as your goals or creative projects can become, careful planning will allow you to go after what you want without going insane.
Sure, you need to consider the complex system that is your life (whether its your budget or where you live etc) but here are a few tips I use for breaking down my projects and goals so I don’t get overwhelmed.
My top tips…
Have a process: when I start a design project I know what I need. Clear goals, research, inspiration, my sketchpad etc. It changes from project to project, but think about how you generally tackle problems in your life. If you want to get fit, do you reach out to your fitness guru friends? Do you do an audit of your current experience (erm, fridge and workout routine)?
Get a template: To keep track of your progress within this process having a clear template is great. Whether it’s digital or physical, having a binder, notebook or online system with clear tabs, have somewhere where you track it ALL. For each page or tab, have the key stage in your process (see the title photo of this article — something like that).
Be lazier: I have been wanting to build a newsletter / youtube / content empire for ages, but have stalled because I felt overwhelmed with all that youtube requires. Then, I asked myself “can I accomplish my goal of networking in UX and building a reputation in wellness-tech in an easier way?” Alas, this newsletter was born.
Check-in with your support system: While I really dislike hand-holding / micromanagement from others in any area of my life, my boss and my product manager have been great in helping me understand if I’m on the right track with an idea or my work. Similarly, having people I trust and care about who I can check-in with gives me reassurance when my big goal seems super far away.
I’m curious — how do you stay ontop of your goals? How do you break down an overwhelming problem and crush it? Would love to chat more with you over on LinkedIn -> here 👋.
