As designers, we are well-versed in creating great visuals and user-friendly UI. These skills can only take us so far in the work environment if we aim to create more impact and be more valuable in a business.
Below I will outline some additional skills designers could learn to add more value in a business setting.
Understanding Business:
To be an effective designer you need to have a basic understanding of business concepts and how your work impacts the business. This includes a basic understanding of marketing strategies/goals, customer needs, product goals and overall company goals. By understanding the business you will be able to create designs that align with company goals and customer needs.
Problem-Solving Skills
As designers, we are usually associated with creating pretty visuals but our main job is actually to solve problems. The more complex problems you can solve and implement the more valuable you are to a business. Using design thinking for business problems should allow you to effectively gather information and innovatively solve problems for both the business and customers.
Systematic Thinking
Systematic Thinking allows you to break down complex problems into manageable bite-size pieces. This would be a very valuable skill for a designer to have. Allowing them to identify connections and patterns that might not be initially visible. Leading to more effective solutions.
Resource Management
In most work/business scenarios, resources are limited. It is important to know how to use it wisely. These limitations may come in various forms depending on the business it can be tools, assets, money or even time. As a designer, you need to be able to find ways to make use of what you have and balance them correctly to get the job done.
Collaboration
Effective collaboration is key to success in any working environment. Part of the role of the designer is to be able to work effectively with others, including product managers, team members, stakeholders, marketers, developers, etc. Meaning you need to be prepared actively listen, communicate clearly, compromise, and be open to feedback and new ideas.
Communication
I realised that this is in almost every tip I have for designers. As designers, it is your job to communicate clearly through your work and your processes. You need to be able to communicate your ideas and design solutions to others effectively. If this means using visual aids, and data, removing jargon and adjusting to your target audience then do that.
Overall, having some understanding of business and a broad set of skills outside the realm of design deliverables makes you a more valuable and effective member of your team. If you’re a designer looking to make more of a bigger impact in a business and drive success in your career I would look into investing in these skills or similar.