#113 Making a difference as a designer w/Rachel Wu
Honest UX Talks
Deep Dive
What inspired Rachel to become a product designer?
Rachel’s inspiration came from an internship where she saw a product designer’s ability to take an idea and see it materialize within weeks. She realized she was already solving design challenges without knowing it, such as improving the queuing system for a refugee center in Paris.
Why did Anfi decide to discuss this episode’s topic with Rachel?
Anfi decided to discuss how to make a difference as a designer with Rachel because Rachel’s pitch on guest experiences at Mews was well-received and widely discussed across the company, showcasing her strategic thinking and bold approach.
What does the concept of 'hearing the whispers' mean for Rachel in her design process?
Hearing the whispers means picking up subtle, often unspoken signals from people in the industry or customers, interpreting these signals, and giving them a voice through research and problem definition. It involves being aware of one’s own assumptions and biases while validating the whispers.
How does Rachel approach research in her design process, and why is this different from the standard approach?
Rachel starts by looking at analogous industries for similar problems and solutions, rather than just comparing features or layouts of existing products. For example, she explored airplane seating and social housing allocation to inform her approach to room allocations in hotels.
Why did Rachel choose high fidelity for her pitch, and what was her thought process?
Rachel chose high fidelity for her pitch to clearly convey the strategic vision and avoid distractions from design details. She learned from a previous experience where low fidelity wireframes were misunderstood by a C-suite audience, leading to a lack of engagement.
How does Rachel approach storytelling to keep her audience engaged?
Rachel uses analogies, such as comparing a pitch to a song, to break down complex topics and make them relatable. She emphasizes the importance of tension and transformational moments in a story, and the value of verbalizing thoughts and getting feedback to refine the narrative.
Why is it beneficial for designers to come from diverse backgrounds?
Diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives and transferable skills to design. For example, a background in accounting can help with stress management and data analysis, while a scientific background can enhance deep research and experimental thinking. These differences can be strengths rather than weaknesses.
What role do words and language play in Rachel's design process?
Words and language are crucial for Rachel. Growing up in a trilingual environment, she developed a deep appreciation for the texture and consistency of words. She emphasizes choosing meaningful words over buzzwords to enhance communication and connection with the audience.
How does Rachel handle imposter syndrome as a designer with a non-linear background?
Rachel acknowledges her imposter syndrome but is becoming more confident by leveraging her diverse background and past experiences. She emphasizes the importance of thinking differently and bringing unique perspectives to the design table.
Shownotes Transcript