Published on | Prototyping: From UX to Front End — Medium Ian Hazelton.

Hi. I’m Ian. A UX design consultant in Stockholm, Sweden. What follows is my unorganised collection of personal daily mantras which I try to apply in my work. I wrote these just for myself, but I felt perhaps it was time to share it publicly. These examples come from a UX design perspective, but I suspect they are just as applicable to other disciplines.

“Show up every day.”

Don’t stop when you achieve something. The initial achievement is just the beginning.

Understanding what you’re supposed to do and why is infinitely more important than how you do it.

Having a goal is not as important as having a process. A solid process will always yield good results.

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection”

Feedback is not criticism.

Identify and understand your flaws and weak points. Be open about them. Seek out thoughtful criticism.

Everyone you meet knows something you don’t.

Be a good listener.

Be a good talker.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

It’s ok to fail. Just never give up. See failure as a step on the path of growth and mastery. Never blame others for failures.

Share wisdom.

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

The trees that flex in the wind will be the ones to survive the storm. Be adaptable in changing, turbulent situations.

Don’t focus on being correct. Focus on getting the best outcome.

Be confident to make decisions outside of committees where nobody is accountable if things go wrong. Make decisions as an individual and take ownership.

Strive to go further, not faster.

The first idea is rarely the best idea. Don’t lock-in.

Try to think in ways which can be measured and validated.

Avoid absolutes. Favour probabilities.

The person who understands the problem the best will usually have the best solution.

See disagreements an opportunity to learn.

“Discover -> Create-> Observe -> Repeat”

My design philosophy toolbox. was originally published in prototypr on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

My design philosophy toolbox.

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