My design principles: How I like to work

Smiling man with glasses and beard representing blog author and UI designer Fred Voigtländer
Fred Voigtländer
UI Designer
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July 17, 2025
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5 mins read

Design is more than just making things look nice. It’s about solving real problems with real people, and ideally, without losing your soul to pixel pushing. Across my career in various roles within different agencies, I’ve developed a few principles for myself to help me stay thoughtful, collaborative, and maybe even a little bit clever in how I work. Here’s how I keep my cool (and also my curiousity) when I’m knee-deep in design work.

1. Users come first, always

Design isn’t art for art’s sake, it’s for humans first and foremost. If it doesn’t make the final product clearer, smarter, or more enjoyable, then what’s the point? I aim to design with purpose, not just personal flair. Even when I’m tempted to toss in a fancy gradient, I try to keep the bigger picture in focus.

2. Teamwork makes the dream work

Design is never a solo gig. Sure, I enjoy bouncing around ideas on my own, but the real magic happens when people from different teams bring their perspectives to the table. Collaborating early and often helps shape stronger ideas and better solutions. Plus, trusting teammates to own their part means more room for creativity, because micromanaging belongs in spreadsheets, not in great design.

A glowing light bulb on a table with a blurred team in the background symbolising shared ideas through collaboration
Collaboration sparks progress

3. Constraints are actually kind of fun

Tight deadlines, slim budgets, and technical hurdles might look like design nightmares on paper. But in practice, they’re often where the real creativity kicks in. Constraints push you to be practical, resourceful, and sometimes even more innovative than if you had all the time and money in the world. So instead of resisting limitations, treat them as creative fuel.

4. Quality is the goal, but perfection is a trap

I like to make things good. Really good. But I also know that chasing “perfect” can be a black hole. So I aim for quality that fits the project, the timeline, and the people using it. Sometimes, “good enough” is more than enough, and that’s okay.

A glowing brain plant being watered symbolising growth through constant learning and education
Bright ideas come from constant growth

5. Stay curious, stay generous

Design isn’t a one-and-done kind of job. There’s always something new to pick up, whether it’s a tool, a trick, or just a fresh way of thinking. I try to stay curious and keep learning, even when the digital world feels huge and sometimes makes me feel a bit behind. And whenever I learn something cool, I’m always happy to share it with whoever’s interested.

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