Journal
Article
Humility is key to success in design (in my humble opinion)
In design, success depends not only on creativity, technical skills and experience, but also on our attitudes
Reflecting on my early days as a junior UI designer in 2011, I remember the mindset that drove my work—it was all about me. Each project was my chance to prove myself, to prove I was capable, and to chase away my imposter syndrome. I thought I had to show up and know it all, scrambling away in the background to learn and improve on my own to maintain my exterior as a skilled designer.
This approach often led to stress and frustration. I was juggling too many things, trying to keep control of everything, and inevitably dropping the ball.
More often than not, I felt isolated in my role, unsure of how to navigate the process. What I didn’t realise then was that I was missing out on the opportunity to tap into the collective expertise of my team. It wasn’t until I embraced a more collaborative, ego-free approach that things truly began to click.
Once I became open to collaboration, I began to see the value in working with others. Developers brought innovative and creative ideas to the table, project managers ensured consistency and alignment, and visual designers highlighted opportunities for telling a compelling brand story.
By letting go of the need to control every aspect and instead embracing my colleagues' input and talents, I dramatically improved the quality of my work. This led to better design solutions and a stronger sense of camaraderie and alignment within the team.
We were no longer a group of individuals working in silos—we became a cohesive unit aligned toward common goals.
This might sound obvious, particularly with hindsight, but it really wasn’t that simple in the earlier days. Designers are told (and know) it’s a privilege to work in a creative industry where the best of the best are embalmed in the close-knit community halls of fame. There’s a narrative of mystique to being ‘a great designer’.
This shift in mindset wasn’t just beneficial for me of course, it also led to better outcomes for our clients and users.
Ego can often create invisible barriers that stifle collaboration. When we cling too tightly to our own ideas, we become less receptive to feedback or alternative viewpoints. On the other hand, a humble approach encourages a culture of openness, where everyone’s input is valued, and the best ideas can rise to the surface. As I learned, shedding ego allowed for more open dialogue and an atmosphere where creativity could thrive. The result was often a broader range of ideas and solutions that exceeded our initial expectations.
Another key benefit of a humble, ego-free mindset is the creation of a learning environment. When we approach design with the understanding that we don’t have all the answers, we open ourselves to growth. This perspective fosters a willingness to experiment, take risks, and learn from failures. In the fast-paced world of design, this mindset is essential. As we collaborate and learn from each other, we grow both as individuals and as a team, unlocking potential that might not be possible in a more ego-driven environment.
Embracing the iterative nature of design becomes much easier without the weight of ego. Each round of feedback is an opportunity for growth and improvement. Humility allows us to view each iteration as a stepping stone, not a failure. The more open we are to refining our work based on user testing and team input, the better the final product will be.
Design is an ongoing journey, not a one-time destination. An open-minded approach ensures we continue learning, growing, and improving throughout the entire process.
Collaboration thrives in a positive, ego-free environment. When team members feel respected and valued for their contributions, they are more engaged and motivated to do their best work. A culture of humility builds trust among team members, strengthening the overall dynamic and creating a more productive and enjoyable work environment.
For instance, when a front-end developer is given the freedom to creatively contribute to the interface design, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership over the product. This ownership fosters greater communication and inspires them to produce higher-quality work.
This kind of team culture doesn’t just benefit the process—it leads to better results and higher-quality designs. When every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives, the collective output is stronger, and the team grows both creatively and professionally.
In a culture without ego, the focus shifts from individual accolades to shared success. Celebrating team accomplishments fosters a sense of camaraderie, strengthening bonds among colleagues and creating an environment where everyone is eager to contribute their best work. This collective approach makes aligning on common goals easier and creates a stronger, more unified final product.
When we let go of ego, it creates space for mentorship and knowledge-sharing. Instead of guarding knowledge for fear of being overshadowed, we become more willing to teach others, share what we’ve learned, and collaborate on new ideas. This spirit of mentorship enriches the design process, bringing fresh perspectives and helping new talent develop their skills. In turn, this continuous exchange of ideas fosters both personal and professional growth, benefiting the entire team.
The success of a project is also measured by the satisfaction of the client. A collaborative, ego-free approach ensures that the designer’s vision aligns with the client’s needs, leading to better outcomes and stronger client relationships. In order to achieve this, it’s crucial that clients feel like valued and welcomed members of the team. Encouraging clients to ask questions, share concerns, and propose ideas creates a safe space for open communication and genuine collaboration. This inclusivity fosters trust and ensures that all perspectives—both client and design team—are heard and respected.
By actively engaging with clients throughout the process and being receptive to their feedback, designers can ensure that the final product not only meets expectations but exceeds them. A humble, team-oriented approach helps to strengthen the client’s confidence in the team’s abilities, making them feel secure in their partnership with the design team. When clients feel respected and included in the creative process, they are more likely to invest in the project’s success, which ultimately leads to better outcomes for all involved.
In the world of UI design, an ego-free approach is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. When we prioritise collaboration, user-centric thinking, and a positive team culture, we can create innovative and effective designs.
Adopting humility in all design practices enriches our professional lives and fosters personal growth. It empowers us to be better designers and more compassionate collaborators, ultimately enabling us to create work that truly serves the needs of our users and clients.