3 Design Hacks That Can Help You Today
I’ve spent the last 5 years designing for Spire, and over the years I’ve learned a lot from some of the many leaders in this industry (I’m looking at you, Julie Zhuo, Daniel Burka, Tim Van Damme, Tobias van Schneider, and many others — thank you!). Along the way, I’ve created a few tricks that have improved my design process, and I hope they help you, too.
Let’s get started.
1. Read your copy backwards
By default, Sketch and Photoshop are without the squiggly red line, checking your spelling while you create. Over the years, there have been times where I’ve passed off designs to our developers, and little did I know a typo lurked in one of my files. We’ve all been there, you fixate on your designs for so long that your mind tells you things look peachy—so you move on.
A few years ago I started reading each block of text backwards. For example, if you have copy in one of your screens that looks like this:
“Challenges help users stay motivated on their goals.”
Read it backwards, like so:
“goals their on motivated stay users help Challenges.”
See the difference? You can’t fly through on autopilot. Reading the sentence backwards forces your brain to focus on each word, allowing you to see each set of characters. I’ve caught numerous spelling errors this way, and I bet you will, too.
2. Use your sketchbook as a mousepad.
This gives me quick access, right under my mouse, to sketch ideas and thoughts throughout the day (I use a 9 x 12 sketchbook). I keep another notebook in my bag, sketches and prototypes live there, but this mouse/sketch pad allows me to see what’s important for that given day or week. Each Monday, I flip to a fresh white sheet and start over.
3. Add to your hat collection
I used to work at Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and while I was there I learned the ad agency pipeline dance. Creatives created, art directors reviewed, creative directors approved. If things made it that far, then the big whigs presented it to the clients. At Spire, I needed my own dance—I wear all the hats when reviewing my designs, minus the big whig hat — it’s too big for me.
I ask myself questions from each perspective. This allows me to think differently, and in many cases, provides answers to the inevitable questions that will arise during a review. This practice grants you a free ticket to pretend to be anyone you want, which is kind of fun.
Ask yourself what a user would think. What will your boss say? What about clients, friends, family? Junior designer. Senior designer. Engineer. Sales team. Each position represents a different hat. Keep trying on new hats until you feel confident in your solution. This practice allows me to take a step back from being the creator, while playing the role others may have. Add these hats to your collection, trust me, your team will appreciate this.
I enjoy sharing my thoughts and tips about design, if this is helpful to you, please tap the green heart below! If you have some of your own tricks, feel free to drop them in the responses.
Thank you!
