Reflection on How People Work
by Jiaqi & Max
Jiaqi:
Given the numerous considerations ranging from different fields and levels that designers need to go through in their work, there are some of the discomforts that designers need to constantly deal with.
Being critical to our mental models all the time is not easy but important. During class, we often start learning a topic by pondering on a broad but seemingly simple question. As we went deeper into those topics, I constantly feel that researching how people work as a human brings as much convenience as biases. Although we have been thinking, feeling, and working for as long as we can remember, this agency of being human does not excuse us from the duty to be conscious of every decision and its consequences.
For example, in the lectures about social justice and inclusivity, we learned that designers usually have a pre-set user persona in mind, which might lead to unintentional exclusion and inconvenience for other users. Admittedly, following the mental models we are used to is instinctual, and putting effort into thinking beyond a schematic approach like using the matrix of domination increases our cognitive load, but only in this way can we designers start to correct others’ mental model and foster a more desirable future.
Another discomfort that designers need to deal with is constantly tackling things that we don’t fully understand. The question “expert in what?” hit me hard because it is so relatable. From time to time I feel that I am caught in the middle. Every problem is unique in a way, which requires different tool kits and knowledge to deal with.
Max:
As much as I am eager to be an aspiring designer, there are many skill sets and creative ideas a designer must have. However, I quickly realized that these weren’t the only skills that designers needed. Designers are creators that make products, visualizations and also the ones that shape the environment. Furthermore, designers should always be conscious that their final deliverables are approached by users.
During the lecture of cognition and Mystery tools, we as a class were challenged to test our ability in creating information to someone else through communication and design. Using miro to work as a class, each group was challenged to observe a tool that was unfamiliar and explain the tool’s function. After the exercise, I learned that the more unique and creative the tool’s usage was, it was way more challenging to create directions for the user since it had a lack of background knowledge.
Throughout the exercise of Mystery tools, it shed light on me that it is important for designers to understand different ways of thought. The user’s process of perception; taking in information and then utilizing its information; Cognition, Designers should always help people ease the cognitive load and make them learn from our creations.
Before learning about the user’s perception and cognition of things, I don’t think I have ever thought of being in the shoes of a user, and imagine how they would approach my design. ‘Will they be able to get a grasp of my design right away?’ Or ‘Will there be obstacles in understanding the cognitive load?’ I am starting to ask myself these questions as I approach making my design and really trying to understand the user’s point of view. After all, designers are more than just people trying to make lavish or fancy products, we are problem solvers that shape human experience.
