Undoing the Toxic Dogmatism of Digital Design: Lessons from Nature

Undoing the Toxic Dogmatism of Digital Design: Lessons from Nature

In the world of digital design, there has always been a lack of consensus on what constitutes a "good enough" foundational education. Design educators and industry leaders have failed to reach an agreement, leaving aspiring designers unsure of what skills and knowledge they should prioritize. This lack of clarity has led to a perpetuation of outdated methods and practices that have been proven to be ineffective. It is time for us to recognize this problem and take the necessary steps to address it.

One of the biggest issues in digital design is the reliance on linear user flows. Many designers still cling to the idea that users interact with systems in a well-defined linear manner. However, this is far from the truth. In today's world, both consumers and enterprises engage with systems in a non-linear way. Purchases are not made through a linear path, and work is not accomplished in a linear fashion. It is crucial for designers to understand and embrace this reality.

Letting go of established tools and methods can be challenging for many designers. They fear that abandoning these practices would imply that they were wrong for using them in the first place. However, it is essential to remember that deliverables are not the work itself; they are merely evidence of the work. Designers should focus on creating meaningful and insightful experiences rather than producing pretty, but ultimately shallow, deliverables.

Another issue that plagues the digital design industry is the meaningless hierarchy of seniority levels within design teams. Seniority should not dictate the value and expertise of a designer. Instead, collaboration and shared knowledge should be prioritized. Every member of the team, regardless of their seniority, has unique insights and perspectives to contribute. By embracing a more inclusive and collaborative approach, we can foster a healthier and more productive design environment.

We have also lost the safety net that once allowed us to explore and fail. In the pursuit of perfection, we have become afraid of making mistakes. However, failure is a crucial part of the design process. It is through failure that we learn, grow, and discover new possibilities. We need to create a culture that encourages experimentation and embraces the lessons learned from failure.

Moreover, we must address the issue of design leaders having too much power to dictate how design is discussed and conducted. As creatives responsible for mass communication and influencing millions of people, we need to use our power responsibly. We should strive for a fully inclusive design process that considers the needs and experiences of all users. Designing for accessibility is not enough; we must aim for true inclusivity in our designs.

Nature provides us with valuable lessons that can guide us in undoing the toxic dogmatism of digital design. Trees, for example, communicate and support each other through a complex underground network of fungi. This network resembles the neural networks in the human brain. Trees share important information and resources with their neighboring trees, ensuring the health and well-being of the entire forest.

This interconnectedness and collaboration in nature can teach us the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the design industry. Just as trees pass on carbon and nutrients to seedlings, experienced designers should pass on their expertise to the next generation. Instead of clinging to outdated practices, we should embrace new ideas and approaches that can benefit the entire design community.

To begin undoing the toxic dogmatism of digital design, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace non-linear design: Let go of the idea that users interact with systems in a linear fashion. Design experiences that cater to the non-linear nature of how people engage with technology.

2. Foster a culture of experimentation: Encourage designers to take risks and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Create an environment where new ideas can flourish and evolve.

3. Embrace inclusivity: Design for accessibility, but go beyond that. Consider the needs and experiences of all users, ensuring that your design is truly inclusive. Collaborate with diverse perspectives to create more meaningful and impactful designs.

In conclusion, it is time for the digital design industry to break free from toxic dogmatism. We must recognize the flaws in our current practices and be willing to let go of outdated methods. By embracing non-linear design, fostering experimentation, and prioritizing inclusivity, we can create a healthier and more effective design community. Just as trees communicate and support each other, we can collaborate and share knowledge to bring about positive change in the world of digital design.