Why are UX-UI designers often seen as divas?
In many companies, designers have a reputation for being divas. At the beginning of my career, this shocked me and I didn’t understand it. How did designers manage to acquire this label? Well, now I can explain.
Where does this designer-diva stereotype come from?
Whether you work in an agency or not, I think you’re probably dealing with this type of personality. Maybe you’ll even recognize yourself in this article, in which case I’ll give you some tips on how to get out of this category. So I apologize in advance but I’m not going to start by telling you that this stereotype is wrong. I’ve worked with many design divas. I can even describe the typical profile of the detestable designer.
But first, let me tell you that this old cliché is damaging us on a daily basis. Especially when we’re trying to do good work. It compromises collaboration and is dangerous for our profession. Because little by little, other team members find it hard to work with designers.
Let’s get back to our subject. According to cambridge.org, a diva is a person who is difficult to please and behaves as if they are very special or important.
This perfectly describes the situation I’m trying to talk about. But I’m not just going to give you a simple definition; I’m going to explain the specific points that make collaboration with a designer almost impossible. (I hope you don’t check all the boxes).
Who are the “Diva Designers?”
There are many behaviors that illustrate designer divas, here are just a few.
Designers who think they’re artists
They have always believed that the UX-UI designer is a kind of artist because they design visual elements. They love to be inspired by sites like Apple, don’t care about feasibility, have no technical knowledge, and ignore constraints. For them, if it’s possible on figma, then developers can code it.
Designers who confuse who they are with what they do
They can’t put their ego and personality aside. For them, their designs are the product of their imagination. It’s primarily a means of expression, and they love to add their personal touch, like an artist signing at the bottom of their canvas. Of course, they don’t like other designers. Probably because they’re the best in their team. They have nothing more to learn; their designs speak for them and reflect their identity.
Designers who can’t handle criticism
This one is by far my favorite. They haven’t understood that others have the right to have a different opinion. Because they’re artist and they love to involve their ego everywhere, they find it very difficult to accept criticism. To the point where it’s almost impossible to do iterations. You can only do one-shot designs because if your diva is sensitive, you won’t be able to move a single pixel on their screen.
Designers who have an opinion on absolutely everything
Lastly, the designer who has an opinion on absolutely everything. They’re considered to have an aesthetic sense, so they love to be consulted on the company’s and colleagues’ choices. The only problem: our dear designer has forgotten that a UX-UI designer doesn’t base decisions on personal choices but on data.
How to avoid your colleagues and management seeing you as a designer diva?
I still have a few pieces of advice to give to beginners and those who are affected by these stereotypes and would like to overcome them.
What not to do
Let’s imagine that one of your colleagues (or even your boss) comes to you requesting a choice between option A or option B and says “which one do you prefer?”. Then don’t respond immediately with “I like version B.” What your colleague is actually asking for is what is best, not what you prefer. You must interpret this question. The correct answer depends on what is right and consistent with your users. This is not about your personal tastes. Remember, you are not the user (I know, it’s never said enough).
Also, consider UX as a science, not an art. You know that it’s not just about colors and shapes. Designs are based on data and research. If you misunderstand your users, you will be forced to improvise and do something that “reflects you.” This will involve ego and emotions where they are not necessary.
Besides, try as much as possible to detach yourself from your design and take a step back. You are not your work or what you produce. If someone tells you that your mockup is “super ugly”, it doesn’t mean you’re not a good designer. Even if no one should criticize your work in such terms, don’t defend your work as if it were an art. Because it’s not it’s not designed to please but to be optimal.
Some non-designers tend to believe that our role is limited to providing something beautiful. That’s why they judge by giving their personal opinion, as if judging a painting in a museum.
In this case, you have the right to respond to them “If you’re not the user, your comment is not valid,” or “I’m not here to create beautiful mockups but to offer an optimal experience to users.”
Why this is important?
By working on your personality, ego, and striving to deliver quality work based on data, you contribute to the positive evolution of the UX and UI design profession. Creating mock-ups doesn’t make us artists. You don’t even need to like what you create.
UX is a scientific field regardless of what your colleagues may think. If you hadn’t realized it before, this simple thought can change your approach to work from now on.
Contact me, if you need me!
How Can I help?
I believe that we have to redefine our self-worth if we want to thrive in today’s world. Let me help you find it, so you can start your journey with peace of mind, feeling that you are where you belong.