When I first transitioned to design, I went through a period that, in retrospect, was a little bit crazy. I mean, I learned like crazy.

I went to Parsons to learn graphic design and branding while working as a writer. Later, I jumped into a UX/UI boot camp, ultimately pivoting me into product design.

I learned everything I could. No matter what it was — graphic, UI, user research, even coding —it was out of curiosity and probably mainly out of fear. Fear of failing to achieve my dream of becoming a designer in my late 20s.

Several years later, despite all the challenges, I made my dream come true. But the design world has also changed a lot. Nowadays, designers — especially product designers— are more like hybrid roles than visual communication masters.

The visual part is still relevant, but you must learn many other things. The list can go on and on, from strategy, research, and UX principles to UI and design systems. It's only natural to feel overwhelmed, confused, and a bit frustrated.

• Which areas should I focus on?
• Should I be a specialist or a generalist?
• Do I need to learn UI if I want to focus on UX?
• Do I need to know UX if I only enjoy the visual part?

Surprisingly, if you turn to a design lead, a design mentor, a design course, or open your LinkedIn, you will find people with all kinds of opinions on it, often contradicting each other. It only leads to more confusion. The only conclusion you could draw from seeking answers from outside is this:

The design industry has yet to make up its mind!

No wonder there is confusion about what makes a great product designer. How do you evaluate the skillset and experience of a product designer? Even designers can't agree with each other.

I decided to put all the noise aside and come back to myself. Why did I become a designer? Why? When all the initial excitement fades away and all the fantasies are replaced by reality, what's left? Do I still want to be a designer?

I asked myself and was patient while waiting for the answer from within.

I clearly remember what sparked my interest in learning design.

I worked as a classical music journalist then and lived on the Upper West Side of New York. There was a performing arts center called Symphony Space in the neighborhood, which I passed by frequently. Somehow, the signage for the logo intrigued me. The rounded shape of each letter just made me feel happy. It resonated with the music notes.

Later on, I went to a Jazz at Lincoln Center concert, and the whole branding was so well-designed that it resembled the music genre. It was loud enough to make me realize the communication power of visual design. Who designed these? How were these created? It turned out to be the same designer, Paula Scher.

I started to pay more attention to her design. One good thing about living in New York is that her designs are everywhere, from the Public Theater, High Line, and Bloomberg to Parsons, Citibank, and Shakeshack. They are all different but share the same voice: "I am what I am." No second-guessing is needed.

That was the initial spark. It was a joy when I first encountered Paula Scher's design. It was the kind of joy that only clarity can bring. And later on, the process of creating that clarity.

In a complex and confusing world, clarity brings people joy. And that’s why I became a designer, writer, and creator —to bring clarity to life and solve problems through my creation.

As anyone striving for simplicity knows, it takes work to achieve clarity.

In the product design process, it comes from being honest with the problem at hand. All the design methods and skills are used to support this clear seeing, doing, and communication process.

While navigating a design career, clarity comes from being honest with yourself. When you are confused about what steps to take next, instead of turning to other people to give you the answer, turn inward and ask yourself, "Why did you become a designer in the first place?"

Try to find the initial spark within you and be honest with it.

It takes courage to shut down all the outside noises and be honest with oneself, but that may be the first and last step you need to take.

Published in Medium Bootcamp.