17 Design Resolutions for 2017
It’s almost the New Year, so let’s get started.
1. Give back to the community.
While I’ve immensely enjoyed my side project, I have huge respect for individuals and businesses who create for the community — teaching, designing, and mentoring. I want to do something for the community because it has shaped me into the designer I am today. It’s (always) time to give back, and the following I’ve gained on social media will help me serve.
2. Design something for myself.
Between working 40–50 hour weeks, building a side project, and maintaining some semblance of a social life, I’ve neglected to design something for myself. Just for fun. F-U-N. You know…fun 🎉 Maybe a new website? A cool sweatshirt? Some trendy socks?
3. Teach something new.
I’m a tinkerer. I’ve written before about how I like to stretch apps to their limits, and I promise to always share what I find with all of you. Keep an eye out for something new very soon!
4. Push my design limits.
It’s vital that designers know their limits. Asking people in design interviews what they’re not good at provides telling recognition of their true strength(s). That said, even within my strengths I have comfort zones that I’m too afraid to leave. I want to spend 2017 pushing the limits of my strengths, and relinquishing control of my weaknesses.
5. Relinquish control.
Speaking of relinquishing control…that’s hard to do. Designers are control freaks and perfectionists and “ummm, can you just move that two more pixels to the left?”, and it can be incredibly difficult handing projects to others. Sometimes it’s a fear that your vision will be lost, or that they won’t do it justice. But when you see the kickass work that others can do, you’ll start trusting others to pick up where you’re lacking.
6. Grow as a mentor.
My day job can get pretty busy. And I love it. I get the opportunity to work with some incredible companies, and each day is a new challenge. But unless the Earth starts rotating slower, the universe still only grants me a paltry 24 hours to get stuff done. I’d like to become a better a mentor to help others become stronger designers themselves, and to contine building the best design team possible. Shoutout to my fantastic design mentor, coworker, and friend, Christian Beck.
7. Design for a new device.
Smartwatches. AppleTV. VR headsets. Maybe Apple CarPlay or one of those refrigerators with a touch screen? There’s a world of product ecosystems begging to be designed, and I’m ready to explore. Anyone have a project?
8. Step away.
Taking a break is good for you physically, mentally, and socially. My name is Jon and I’m a workaholic. In 2017, I vow to take at least two vacations. That’s what unlimited vacation days are for, right?! If any airlines have extra tickets laying around, I’ll gladly accept.
9. Do more of the hobby I’ve neglected.
I have tens of thousands of dollars of camera equipment sitting around my apartment. Photography and design are perfect for each other, yet here my camera sits collecting dust. I’m going to start building my own library of stock photography, AND FINALLY ORGANIZE MY PHOTO DRIVE OMG IT IS SO TERRIBLE. I’m sure some of you can relate.
10. Speak publicly.
My coworkers know that I like to talk, but I’m fairly quiet when it comes to speaking about design. I present in front of clients all the time, but I’ve never been faced with a crowd of eager listeners who willingly give up their attention to listen to me yammer on about something. Maybe 2017 will be my year in the spotlight.
Our founder Mike Reynolds does lots of public speaking. Here’s an article transcribed from a November event where he brought down the house:
11. Get better at marketing.
Yo, mad respect for marketers, right?! It is HARD. It’s not that I ever thought it was easy, but man, people out there are hard to impress. I write the world’s best email and only 13% of you people open it? Come on, folks. When marketing departments do this kind of stuff with ease, I’m in awe. Teach me your ways 🙌🏼
12. Design something physical.
I want to create something that I can hold in my hand. Not a phone app or something digital. Something tangible that I can touch with my fingers and toes and throw across the room. I’ve been hard at work creating something with my brilliant coworkers, so this is happening. Here’s a peek, and you can preorder it here!
13. Attract and keep talent in the Midwest.
Indiana, specifically! We’re growing at break-neck speed, and tons of money is pouring into Indy tech. Great talent that was headed for the coasts is now staying here to build the next wave of massive tech giants. Salesforce is putting their name on the tallest tower in the city. Successful companies are being scooped up. Next year will be a magnetic time for coastal and international talent. The Midwest is strong, and only growing stronger. Come talk to us!
14. Animate more.
Remember that whole talk about strengths and weaknesses? Animation is not a strength. BUT…I would like to get better. I think I have an eye for it…so it’s really just a matter of learning the tools. If anyone has some great Principle articles or tutorials, do share :)
15. Seek a better understanding of accessibility.
“Of course I’ll make it accessible,” says every designer, ever. To be frank, the small companies we work with don’t usually have the budget for a deep accessibility analysis, so it often gets left out of the MVP (minimum viable product). But beyond contrast ratios and font-sizes, there’s a lot to be learned about building products for everyone. Tab order and screen readers, here I come.
16. Write for a major publication.
I think this desire is rooted in my teaching and speaking aspirations. I’ve seen pretty good success with a handful of my articles in the past, and large platforms like these will continue allowing me to reach more people. If you have an open mic, don’t hesitate to reach out 😊
17. Learn from others.
This one is easy. I learn from readers and authors like you every day. I want to maintain an open mind, keep my cool, and always ask questions. As long as I feed my curiosity, I will grow. And as long as I grow, I will be happy.
What will you do in 2017?
Leave your comments below, or write your own list and share with everyone!
When I’m not goofing off on Medium, I’m working on Sketch design tools at UX Power Tools. Follow us on Twitter @uxpowertools. Follow me too if you want!
