Articulating Design Decisions Book Review: A Designer's Essential Guide
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Tom Greever's Articulating Design Decisions is a must-read book for any designer struggling with communication. This book teaches you how to effectively communicate your design choices to stakeholders or decision-makers, ensuring that your ideas are understood and accepted. With clear advice and practical tools, it makes a complicated task more manageable.
Please note: I use stakeholders, decision-makers, and clients interchangeably. The goal is to speak to individuals who may work with one person, a small team, or a large corporation. I personally and currently work with one-on-one clients building Squarespace websites while writing this book review.
Pros
The book's strategies work well across different design fields, including UX and personally working as a web designer making it adaptable for various design environments.
Greever offers clear, actionable tips that designers can immediately use to improve how they communicate their design choices, enhancing collaboration and project efficiency.
It helps designers effectively explain their decisions to stakeholders, crucial for gaining trust and fostering better teamwork.
Cons
It may feel more geared towards beginners, covering foundational principles that might be less insightful for experienced designers who have dealt with various situations of communicating with decisions makers.
Some themes are repeated throughout the book, potentially making it less engaging or concise. Some reviewers believe that it could have been condensed more.
Some believe that it lacks in-depth guidance on handling complex design challenges that senior designers or leaders may encounter.
Key Takeaways
Effective communication of design choices is crucial for gaining stakeholder or decision makers approval.
The book offers practical tools and tactics for better communication.
Greever's strategies make it easier to create a collaborative design environment.
Understanding your audience helps in saving time and avoiding unnecessary redesigns.
Building trust with clients is essential for successful project outcomes.
Interested already? Get Articulating Design Decisions book here.
My personal experience reading the book.
Back in 2020, I was searching for books to help me better explain my UX design decisions and improve my overall design skills. As a shy person who disliked confrontation and sharing my thoughts, I realized that this was hindering my ability to effectively work with clients and stakeholders. Recognizing the need to improve my communication skills, my peers recommended "Articulating Design Decisions" by Tom Greever, and I purchased it immediately.
As a newcomer to the UX design field, I found the book incredibly helpful. It provided practical advice and relatable experiences, teaching me how to use storytelling to connect with different decision-makers. Listening to others' perspectives was emphasized as a key element.
In my experience as a UX designer and now specializing in Squarespace web design projects, explaining design decisions can be quite frustrating, especially when stakeholders or clients lack a design background. I apply concepts from this book by studying my audience and preparing thoroughly for meetings. I like to write out key points and connect them to pain points mentioned during discovery calls.
Greever’s book offers strategies to help bridge the communication gap, turning potential conflicts into collaborative discussions. This approach has made the design process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned from this book is the importance of guiding clients through the rationale behind design decisions.
For example, I have clients that often focus on adding extensive content to a single web-page without considering how a user-friendly design with less text can drive higher conversion rates that they are aiming for. This book helped me explain to decisions makers why this wouldn’t be a good idea and found a way to present design as a narrative that guides them effectively, rather than just sharing information with no context.
Greever also dives into different tactics for mastering communication. Whether you’re presenting to a single person, a small team, or a large group of stakeholders, the frameworks outlined in this book are invaluable. This book helps you present your ideas clearly and confidently, increasing the likelihood of gaining approval and moving your projects forward.
An actual photo of my own copy of the book.
What I have applied after reading Articulating Design Decisions Book
Articulating Design Decisions book clearly is essential for securing feedback and buy-in from stakeholders.
When I communicate my design decisions now, I focus on clarity and context. In other words, I focus on the "why" behind my choices in simple terms. I make sure that I connect visual design elements to business requirements that help to justify my decisions.
On the other hand, feedback is essential for improving my designs. I actively seek input from decision-makers and clients, which helps me identify potential issues and refine my work. I want to show that I value others' opinions and am open to collaboration. It's easier to solve problems when everyone feels safe sharing differing views. Plus, I enjoy a light and healthy working environment.
I try to see things from the perspective of clients. Building empathetic relationships fosters trust and collaboration. When I show that I care about their viewpoints and am willing to compromise, it creates a stronger, more united project. This leads to better design outcomes that satisfy everyone involved.
An actual photo of my own copy of the book.
Strategies that I use now in my design environment
A book only becomes a tool when you start applying its lessons. Here are some strategies I've adopted from this book, which I now use in both my UX design and Squarespace web design projects.
prepare for meetings
When I attend meetings or client kickoff calls, my aim is to stay focused and make the best use of everyone's time. Preparation is key; I come armed with a clear agenda and the desired outcomes. I find it helpful to start by highlighting the goals to keep discussions on track. I also make sure everyone gets a chance to voice their opinions. I always set aside some time at the end to summarize the key takeaways and next steps.
2. practice active listening
While this is not new and can be applied outside of the design space, I do still practice using active listening when communicating with decisions makers and clients by maintaining eye contact and showing that I value their input. When someone is speaking, I take notes and ask clarifying questions. This not only helps me understand their perspective but also shows that I am engaged. Reflecting back what they've said is a great way to confirm understanding. Moreover, it’s important to be empathetic and respectful. Even when I disagree, I acknowledge the other person’s point before presenting my own view. This approach fosters a more collaborative atmosphere.
3. use simple language instead of jargon
Presenting designs to non-designers, like entrepenuers, soloprenuers, or developers, requires a adapted communication style. I try to avoid using jargon and instead use simple language. I focus on the why behind each design decision, explaining the benefits and how it addresses specific user needs or business goals. I also use visuals such as wireframes, sketches, or interactive prototypes to help bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Lastly, I invite questions and feedback, showing that I am open to their input. This not only aids in better communication but also in gaining their buy-in for the project.
4. be open and allow for feedback
In a collaborative design environment, especially as a Squarespace Web Designer, I’ve found that open communication and support are key. I encourage clients to share their ideas freely, whether they're about improving a design or suggesting a new approach. This openness leads to more streamlined solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've gathered some common questions about the book "Articulating Design Decisions" by Tom Greever, based on information from various credible sources and my own experience.
What are the key takeaways from the 'Articulating Design Decisions' book?
The book helps designers communicate their design choices effectively. It emphasizes listening, responding, and following up with stakeholders. It offers pragmatic methods for explaining why design decisions are important in clear and persuasive ways.
Is there an audiobook version of 'Articulating Design Decisions' available?
Yes, there is an audiobook version of "Articulating Design Decisions." It's helpful for those who prefer listening to books during commutes or while multitasking. You can get the audio book here.
How does 'Articulating Design Decisions' assist in making better design choices?
The book provides tools and techniques for presenting and defending design decisions. It helps reduce anxiety and frustration when discussing designs with stakeholders by teaching effective communication strategies. This, in turn, leads to more informed and considered design choices.
What are readers' opinions about 'Articulating Design Decisions' on Goodreads?
Readers on Goodreads generally praise the book for its practical advice and clear writing. Many appreciate how it addresses real-world challenges designers face when communicating their ideas.
Does 'Articulating Design Decisions' come in a Kindle version?
Yes, you can find "Articulating Design Decisions" in a Kindle version on major platforms like Amazon. This makes it easy to access the book on multiple devices and read on the go.
