How the quality of a design is measured

As human beings, we were built to judge. From the clothes someone’s wearing, to a product we see in a store glass window, we critique everything in sight. But how do people who have no experience in design know when something is very well designed?

My own hand drawn map of all the elements and pages that would be included in an app prototype

A few weeks ago, I went to an event hosted for startup professionals as a chance to get to know others in the area and offer my services as a designer . Prior to the meeting, I was conversing with one of the hosts, a hospitality specialist who helps restaurant and hotel owners get their business up and running. He asked me about my plans for the future, to which I responded “I want to eventually open my own design/branding agency in D.C.” With raised eyebrows and a smirk on his face, he responded “That is exactly what we need. There are many design agencies in the city, but none of them are amazing.” This got me thinking: how does one rate how good a design actually is? And what does it actually take to be a great designer?

My question was answered last week when I attended another event, this one a real networking event with employers, booths, information seminars, and tons of booze (because let’s face it, the thought of having to go through the hiring process is one that requires multiple drinks). I walked into a seminar where I met this guy with the title “UX Designer” on his name tag, and I figured it would be a great time to go say hello and make some participant observations for my research. After the seminar, we continued geeking over design until he asked me if I’d like to see the application he’s working on, to which I agreed to with excitement.

He explained what the application does and asked me to find the different options that were available without pointing to any of them. He walked me through the scenario that I was given and then asked me for my opinion. I was thoroughly impressed because it’s not every day that you get asked to test out someone’s app prototype. After a few minutes of discussing some possible challenges and brainstorming solutions, the speaker of the seminar joined our discussion. We introduced ourselves and spoke to her about ourselves for a bit. *Kyle (not his real name) then asked her the same question he asked me, “I’m actually working on designing an application right now. Would you like to see it?” Of course she was just as excited about this as I was. I observed as he went through the same steps with her as he had with me. It was clear that he had rehearsed this prior to the event.

Sitting there, I realized that the quality of a UX designer’s work is determined not only by how users respond to the design, and how they interact with the product, but also by the confidence and the attitude of the designer him/herself. You see, Kyle’s tone of voice, smile, and charisma created a much more inviting experience. And on top of that, his creativity was also conveyed through his work as he had managed to create an application that does not already exist, all just for the fun of it. For someone to be able to create a killer experience between a human being and an inanimate object, they must first master the art of human to human interaction. The basis for this interaction is a grounded, and genuine soul.

My ticket for the event that I attended along with my resume and the agenda sheet we had received which is now covered in notes from the seminars.

So the answer to my question is this:

1. It takes great knowledge of design theories and constant learning of new trends to create great design.
2. It takes passion, hard-work, and a genuine excitement about what you do to make a great designer.
3. Ultimately, a great design is determined by a badass designer who also happens to be known as a screenworker.