Great Advice on Writing and Accessible Design for a Remote World

Great Advice on Writing and Accessible Design for a Remote World

In the creative world, finding your voice and style can be a challenging process. Tim Urban, the founder of Wait But Why, shares valuable advice on writing that can be applied to any creative endeavor. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation and continuous improvement. Urban suggests that if something you're trying isn't working, take the time to figure out why and make necessary changes. Keep fiddling until it clicks.

Another key aspect of honing your creative skills is reading. Urban compares reading to fertilizer for a writer's growth. He suggests starting somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between imitation and innovation. By imitating writers you admire, you can develop your own style over time. The goal is to find a balance between being influenced by others and creating something unique.

When seeking feedback as a writer or creator, it's crucial to consider the source. Urban advises receiving feedback from someone who believes in you, roots for your success, and understands that what they're reading is part of your experimentation and growth process. This kind of feedback can be invaluable in helping you refine your voice and ideas.

Transitioning to the world of design, Dylan Field, the CEO of Figma, shares insights on accessible design for a remote world. Field's journey began with applying for the Thiel Fellowship, through which he and his team generated numerous ideas. They recognized the potential of WebGL as the future of creative tools and sought to understand its viability.

To gain insights, Field reached out to Aviary, a company that had previously experimented with WebGL. Despite their warnings against pursuing it, Field and his team believed they had valid reasons to explore the concept further. This highlights the importance of trusting your instincts and having a clear vision, even when faced with skepticism.

Field also emphasizes the value of collaboration and feedback in the design process. By utilizing network visualization tools and reaching out to designers he admired, he was able to gather valuable feedback and insights. This approach allowed Figma to understand its place in the existing market and identify areas where they could differentiate themselves.

One of the key lessons from Field's experience is the importance of launching early. By getting their product to market sooner, Figma would have been able to generate excitement and receive valuable feedback earlier on. This would have accelerated their hiring process and aided in building their own unique culture.

Additionally, Field highlights the need for spaces where people can gather, especially in a remote world. Figma witnessed users even playing virtual games within their platform during the pandemic. This demonstrates the significance of creating inclusive and engaging environments for users to connect and collaborate.

In conclusion, both Urban and Field offer valuable insights for creatives. Urban advises continuous experimentation and improvement, emphasizing the importance of finding your own voice while being influenced by others. Field highlights the significance of trusting your instincts, seeking feedback from the right sources, and creating spaces for collaboration. To apply their advice, consider the following actionable tips:

1. Continuously experiment and refine your style, even if it means rewriting or starting over. Embrace the process of finding your voice.

2. Read extensively to fertilize your growth as a creative. Find a balance between imitation and innovation to develop your unique style.

3. Seek feedback from individuals who believe in you, support your growth, and understand your experimentation. Their insights will help you refine your ideas and voice.

By incorporating these tips into your creative journey, you can navigate the challenges and find success in your chosen field. Remember, the journey to finding your voice and creating impactful work takes time and dedication. Stay true to your vision, seek inspiration, and never stop improving.