UX Design
Let’s talk about the T-shaped designer
Being a generalist is great, but have you considered becoming a T-shaped designer?
As the design industry evolves and becomes more interdisciplinary, the demand for designers with a broad range of skills is increasing. Design these days is not just about running workshop sessions, solving problems or sitting endlessly on Figma, making screens and flows. Designers these days need to be versatile, ready to work with cross-functional teams and tackle all sorts of challenges that come their way in their careers. The days of “I don’t know” and “I can’t do this” are gone (well, almost). With the advent of so many AI tools (Hello, Chat GPT, 🥹), the need of the hour is to learn and pick up as many skills as possible — while still maintaining your core strengths.
Here enters the T-shaped designer.
Who are they?
A T-shaped designer has a deep understanding of one area of design (the vertical stroke of the T) and a broad knowledge of other design-related disciplines (the horizontal stroke of the T).
The concept of the T-shaped designer was first introduced by Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO, a global design firm known for its innovative approach to design thinking. Brown observed that traditional designers tended to have a narrow focus, with deep expertise in one area of design. However, he believed that the changing nature of design required a different approach.
Today, designers are expected to work collaboratively with other professionals, such as engineers, marketers, and product managers, to create solutions that meet various needs. In this context, the T-shaped designer has emerged as a valuable asset, bridging the gap between different disciplines and bringing a holistic perspective to the design process.
Why are they beneficial to any organization?
T-shaped designers will bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the table. Apart from being pros at what they do, they come equipped with information which can sometimes be the light bulb moment the team is looking for. They will be those hyper-enthusiastic folks who can bounce around the workplace, tackle challenges, participate in brainstorming sessions, collaborate with multiple teams, mentor newbies, and deal with clients and stakeholders. And they will love every moment of it.
Speaking of the pros of having them on your team, here we go:
- They’re versatile and adaptable folks — Versatility is one of the primary benefits of being a T-shaped designer. A T-shaped designer has diverse skills which allow them to work on various projects. This adaptability is invaluable in a world where design constantly evolves, and new technologies and techniques emerge daily (there is a new AI tool every day!). Being able to switch between different design disciplines also means that T-shaped designers are more likely to find work in a variety of industries, making them highly sought after.
- Collaboration is their jam — T-shaped designers are great collaborators. Their broad knowledge of design (and other)-related disciplines means they can easily communicate and work with professionals in different fields. T-shaped designers can bridge the gap between design and other departments in a company, such as marketing, engineering, and product development.
- They come with oodles of creative and innovative ideas — Being a T-shaped designer can lead to more innovation and creativity. A broad range of skills means that T-shaped designers can approach problems from different angles, leading to more innovative and out-of-the-box ideas and solutions.
- Their career growth trajectory is insane — A T-shaped designer’s diverse skill set means they can take on various roles and responsibilities, which can lead to career advancement. T-shaped designers may be more likely to be promoted to leadership positions as they comprehensively understand the design process and communicate effectively with other team members. Additionally, T-shaped designers may be able to command higher salaries, as they are in demand and can bring up their unique perspectives to projects.
- They are lifelong learners — Being a T-shaped designer requires a commitment to lifelong learning. To maintain their versatility and adaptability, T-shaped designers must stay up to date on the latest design-related technologies and techniques. This commitment to continuous learning can be personally fulfilling and lead to professional growth.
To conclude…
The benefits of being a T-shaped designer are numerous and valuable. This approach to design fosters adaptability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, all of which are essential skills in today’s rapidly changing design industry.
- T-shaped designers can work across multiple projects and disciplines, making them invaluable to any team. This quality of theirs allows designers to tackle new challenges with confidence and contribute to various projects across domains.
- By developing a broad range of skills, T-shaped designers are better equipped to anticipate and respond to changing industry trends. This adaptability enables them to stay ahead of the curve and provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of clients and users.
- By exploring new areas of design and collaborating with professionals from other disciplines, T-shaped designers can expand their knowledge and expertise and build valuable connections and relationships.
Overall, becoming a T-shaped designer is a smart choice for anyone looking to build a successful and rewarding career in design. By developing an expansive range of skills, embracing teamwork and innovation, and committing to continuous learning, designers can position themselves as leaders in the design industry and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.
