the keys of a digital product designer

THE KEYS OF A DIGITAL PRODUCT DESIGNER

YOU MUST HAVE VISION

Not an idea, not a calculated guess. To have vision is to release yourself from the constraints of the present and allow yourself to experience the potential of an awesome future.

Actions: Spend more time daydreaming !

Read: Mastery by Robert Greene

YOU MUST INSPIRE

As humans, collaboration is one of our greatest evolutionary traits. Communication is central. Communicating your vision of the future and inspiring others to get behind it creates the type of momentum that can change the world.

Actions: Practice communicating your ideas with friends, share and get feedback. Read: To Sell Is Human by by Daniel H. Pink

YOU MUST BE STRATEGIC

Good plans change and evolve as markets move, but it’s your research, foresight and series of calculated moves that will give your product what it needs to survive.

Actions: Take up chess. Read: How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age by Dale Carnegie & Associates

YOU MUST BE SELF-RELIANT

There are tons of hard problems in crafting a product, there will always be blockers, shit will happen and it’s on you to find the answer. Blame is for the failures. You will ship strong.

Actions: Lynda.com Read: The Five Elements of Effective Thinking by Edward B. Burger, Michael Starbird

YOU MUST UNDERSTAND PRODUCTION

Knowing what you need to get something done is also knowing who you need to do it. Your vision is interpreted by those you inspire and without a solid knowledge of tools and skills needed… you’re lost.

Actions: Lynda.com Read: wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_development

YOU MUST KNOW QUALITY

Why do people like Mercedes? You can get all the same features for far less in another brand. They are not the fastest and maintenance is expensive. Why? They impute quality in every single detail. They have crafted an experience that tells a story about its owner.

Actions: Take note of things you and your peers perceive as valuable and ask “Why?” Troll: www.thecoolhunter.net

YOU MUST FILTER

Once you have the skills and people in place to execute nearly any idea, you are now dangerous. Without passing your concept through proper filters you could spend months guiding your people and resources into the desert. Filters will shorten the time it takes to find your win.

Actions: Sign up for Digital Product Development @ Tradecraft Check out: http://tradecrafted.com/

YOU MUST LOVE

Leading a concept you’re not in love with is like adopting an animal that you’re allergic to. It’s fun for awhile, but will eventually put you in an awkward place and make you look irresponsible.

Actions: Define what industries truly inspire you, soak in the people and products in the sectors you are drawn to. Read: How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth

THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A PERSON IS WHAT THEY DO WITH THEIR TIME

THANKS FOR YOURS @BrettRed