Being a People Person (not in the traditional sense, keep reading)
I’ve come to realise that every problem is a people problem and that every people problem has a people solution.
In other words, there are people at the start, middle and end of every every problem and every solution. I strongly believe that, all other aspects of problem-solving are either factors, tools, enablers or blockers that cannot be determined or leveraged without genuinely understanding and empathising with people - their attitudes, behaviours, motivations and apprehensions. So to be a better designer, I strive to better understand, empathise and collaborate
with people both inside and outside of work.
Being a No-Bullshit designer (pardon my French)
While I understand that it is sometimes essential to communicate and position myself as an ‘x’ designer, I’m not a
fan of jargon or design labels, neither can I claim to resonate with just one of those. I hope and strive to add value as a designer who operates with flexibility and can adapt to take on roles that are most required to fit the context, dynamics and intended outcomes. To put it informally, I’m working on stocking up my closet with a lot of hats, pulling off most of those, but wearing the one that’s most appropriate for the occasion :)
Imbibing Authenticity, Audacity & Tenacity every step of the way
As a part of an exercise at design school, I was once asked to describe my practice in three words (easier said than done) and after a lot of contemplation and mental editing, I concluded with these - authentic, audacious and tenacious. Approaching all challenges, briefs and opportunities with authenticity, whole-heartedly accepting my strengths and limitations. Capitalising on the audacity that design as a discipline lends, to question the bigger things, take bigger risks and challenge the set norms. Last but not the least, taking on every task, no matter how big or small with equal amounts of tenacity, drive and relentless go-getter energy.