What distinguishes good designers from bad designers?
Design is more than just aesthetics — it is the art of developing functional and user-centered solutions that offer real added value. But how can you distinguish good designers from less good ones? This article highlights **10 key characteristics** that distinguish great designers and gives you valuable insights on how to recognize them.
1. Empathy and empathy
A good designer not only understands the project, but also the people behind it. Empathy is crucial to empathize with the challenges and needs of users and customers. It is about taking the target group's perspective, understanding their problems and developing solutions that make their everyday lives easier.
How do you recognize empathic designers?
- They ask you questions to better understand the target group.
- They include personas or user interviews in the design process.
- Your designs solve real problems instead of just looking pretty
2. Ask the right questions
Outstanding designers are curious. They ask lots of questions to make sure they fully understand the problem, the target audience, and the goals of the project.
Examples of good questions:
- “What is the main goal of this project? ”
- “What challenges have you had with your design so far? ”
- “How should users feel when interacting with this design? ”
Questions are not only tools for understanding, but also a sign of commitment and professionalism.
3. Versatility: present ideas and options
Good designers don't limit themselves to a single solution. Instead, they design multiple approaches to cover different perspectives and opportunities. This not only shows creativity, but also the ability to respond flexibly to your wishes.
Benefits of multiple design solutions:
- You have a choice to find the best one for your needs
- It promotes discussion and enables better decisions.
4. Discipline and Reliability
Discipline is the backbone of a successful designer. Creativity alone is not enough — without a structured way of working and reliability, every project stops halfway through.
What characterizes discipline?
- Meeting deadlines, even when things get difficult
- Clear communication of project status with you.
- Motivation to make progress even on challenging days
5. Acting independently
A good designer acts independently and proactively. Instead of waiting for instructions, he takes responsibility for the project and works in a solution-oriented manner.
Examples of responsible behavior:
- Make suggestions for optimising the project.
- Analyze data or user feedback to improve the design
- Send you regular updates without having to ask
6. Looking for feedback
Constructive criticism is invaluable. Excellent designers recognize that they can grow and deliver better results through feedback.
How do designers integrate feedback?
- They're actively asking you for feedback on their designs.
- They analyse points of criticism and look for opportunities for improvement.
- They don't get discouraged, but use feedback as an opportunity.
7. Focus on functionality rather than trends
While trends in the design world come and go, good designers keep an eye on the essentials: functionality and ease of use. They are based on your goals and are not distracted by the latest hypes.
Examples of this focus:
- You prioritize a clean, functional layout over playful effects
- They ensure that the design reflects your brand and its goals.
- They choose tools and methods that work best for your project — not the newest or “coolest.”
8. Planning and time management
Time is one of the most valuable resources in any project. Good designers know how to use their time effectively and prioritize their tasks to meet deadlines.
Tips for good time management:
- Preparation of a clear schedule with milestones.
- Fixed time frames for creative work and corrections.
- Flexibility to respond to unexpected changes
9. Transparency and open communication
A trustworthy designer works transparently. This applies not only to the design itself, but also to pricing, project progress and communication with you.
Transparency is shown by:
- A clear breakdown of costs and services.
- Open communication about challenges and solutions
- Regular updates on the current project status.
10. Identify mistakes and learn from them
No one is perfect, and that is completely okay. But what makes a great designer is their ability to recognize mistakes, fix them, and learn from them.
Examples of this approach:
- Improvisation and creative problem solving in difficult situations.
- Reflection after completing a project: “What went well? What could be better? ”
- Continuous improvement through continuing education and new experiences.
Conclusion: What really makes a good designer
A good designer not only brings creativity, but also professionalism, commitment and the will to always achieve the best for you. If you're looking for a designer, pay attention to these 10 characteristics—they make the difference between “good” and “great.”
Regardless of whether you are a designer yourself or are looking for one for your next project: These qualities are the key to a successful result. 😊
