Two thoughts
How the Future Works and the Product Designer's toolkit
Hi!
First of all, apologies for not being able to share the interview with Matthew Woo yet. The reason is quite simple, we’ve been very busy with Summer Health, so we’ve had to reschedule our call on a couple of occasions. But this does allow you to still email me questions! Find out more here.
I wanted to share two things that have been going through my mind lately.
I’m currently reading “How the Future Works” and I’m really enjoying it. I’m trying to get back into reading (again) so every evening ends with (at least) 10 minutes of reading. Anyway. One thing that I’ve thought about, and the book highlights this as well, in regards to remote work, flexible work, WFH - call it what you will - is that it’s not primarily about where you work, but when you work. The thing that most of us truly enjoy about not having to go to an office is the freedom it gives our schedules. Yesterday I went grocery shopping in the middle of the day. Today I was at the gym at 11 am. We’ve been fixated on the location when it’s actually more about breaking free from the 9-5.
One thing that I enjoy with being back on Substack is that there are better possibilities to interact with you. Well, primarily perhaps for you to interact with me (so if you like my writing, please ‘like’ a post every now and then - I’m thirsting for validation just like the next man). Cameron replied and sent an interesting question a couple of weeks ago:
My question is how do you see the Product Designer’s toolkit evolving in the next 10 years or so? Do you think 3D design will become more and more prioritized in digital contexts with the advances in VR and AR technologies?
First of all, I think with the speed things are progressing today, 10 years is an impossible time frame to give any kind of realistic POV on. As for 3D design, I think it’s going to impact visual designers more than product designers. What I do think product designers will have to think about more though is z-index/depth with more and more devices and surfaces to consider. This will surely impact product designers - not their toolkit but certainly their mind!
I enjoyed the question so wanted to share a more thoughtful reply here (and hear your thoughts).
Care in design is ultimately about feeling rather than seeing. It is about being thoughtful of users—of humans. It is designing product details that you might randomly discover (sometimes even years later) rather than only designing what should be seen. Care in design is worrying about the small and quiet things like the way something has been considerately packaged or a fun interaction on a website at the stroke of a key or being mindful of accessibility for minorities, that in turn will receive a quiet nod (or tweet) of approval or a gentle smile. Care in design is design that is loved and appreciated by makers and by users—a feeling of connection.
- Care in Design
Until next time, which hopefully is soon, I hope you’re having a great day 🖤
Anton