I’ve been asked by some of you, by my kids, and by my students: What skills or talents does a good designer possess.  I wish I had all the answers- but I have amassed a few findings over the years.  I call these observations the four I’s- inquire, involve, interconnect, and intrust.

One of the best things good designers do is look at things very differently than most of us.  They try to discern what it is we don’t know.  They don’t strive to make things bigger, better, cheaper, smaller, faster.  They look to accomplish what it is we want to do- without any preconceived notions about existing solutions.  The great designers know most of us don’t say what we mean or mean what we say when asked about product/process needs.  So, they ask lots of questions (inquire)– some of which may sound stupid, but are aimed to discern what we don’t know.  When discerning how to make enemas easier, the question became how to evacuate the bowels effectively?  (And, a colon electrolyte lavage was developed instead.)

The great designers are like little kids.  They want to see everything themselves- and see it as if it’s the first time they do.  Since they don’t have pre-conceived notions, they end up seeing more of what people do- or don’t do-  as they examine behaviors.  Marrying a turbine device to an incentive spirometer afforded the ability to let a child play a game as they exercised their lungs.  Or, having the casing around a jet engine made out of materials that change their shape with temperature, so that the engine noise can be muffled, rendering the plane quieter.

The great designers know there is no consumer of products or services- it’s the people who may or may not buy, use, or employ the products or services.  It’s not only the dehumanization, but it’s the fact that many folks may never even have considered the product or service which may be designed- so would not be considered in the universe of customers or clients, in the first place (involve).  Focus groups are almost ok- but they are an artificial environment.  You have to go out and watch them in real life.  People don’t tell you in focus groups that toilet bowl must be silent and appear clean – after ONE flush- but it’s a critical need.

The great designers know that one does not have to reinvent the wheel- if something works in a similar fashion for a different industry or use- well, then, bring it to bear to the current design (interconnect).  And, they try to discern trends in all these industries to determine under what short, medium, and long term environments the new design will need to flourish.    Developing a new technique to treat kidney failure that drew upon technology almost ready for use in water treatment was one such breakthrough.

Another attribute all great designers must have is the ability to make things happen (the first part of intrust).  Being able to discern trends, conceive concepts is wonderful.  But, if it can’t be made or assembled now- what good is it really?  Which brings up a corollary- many great designers work in the future- sometimes, too far in the future.  Designing the best packet that could dry clean people’s clothes in their dryers in 1980 was a beautiful product- that did not really reach commercial success until the last five years or so.  And, even so, it’s not taking the world by storm.

The final attribute good designers must have is the ability to work  (the second part of intrust) with all the stakeholders- the people who may use the product/service, the marketers who will sell the device, the manufacturing staff who will make it, and the product champions/funders who will insure the funds are available to complete the development and market introduction.

It’s the whole package.  Talent and skills.  Creativity.  Reduction to Practice…

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