As designers, we like quick tips and tricks to instantly apply to our daily work and make the design 1% better.

These quick tips and tricks provide us with an instant sense of fulfillment. That’s why most information we get from social media like LinkedIn and Youtube is focused on tips and tricks. Readers love it, so why not?

Tips and tricks also have value, but allow me to be honest. They can only get you so far. Tips and tricks from another successful company might not apply to the product you are designing now.

That’s why in our newsletter, aside from tips, we strive to provide more value by pointing you to some good books/articles/case studies that will help cultivate your thinking and unique problem-solving method. This is where real growth lies.

Some of our readers asked, “How to bring business value as a designer?” “How to improve professionally?” The answer is…not quick tips and tricks but a simple yet most challenging part many designers want to avoid —— diving deeper into the problem.

Now, reframe “problem” into “context.” What is the context of the project? Think wide and deep. You might ask yourself questions like:

• Why does the company want to create this product?
• How will the product generate income for the company?
• How can I help generate this income through UX & UI as a designer?
• How can I utilize design methodologies to bring clarity?

Regarding all your stakeholder meetings as another form of ”user interviews,” gather as much context as possible. Sharing your design process and learning, brainstorming with them. The answer to the problem will naturally surface along the way.

As you can see, diving deeper into the problem is not another quick tip or trick but a way of thinking, working, and collaborating.

Real thinking is the difficult part, but it is the part that can truly help you shine as a product designer.

Thank you for embracing the tough love.