Do not index
Do not index
Struggling to defend your designs
That’s a pretty common challenge in our industry. You might of identified one of things you can work on: imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome as a designer
Imposter syndrome is totally normal. In fact, I see it as a healthy motivator.
Here’s a few ways to handle it:
1. Learn the facts
Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What’s the proof that you’re where you should be?
Write down your wins, skills, and progress. When self-doubt hits, remind yourself of what you’ve accomplished.
2. Talk to others
Don’t keep it to yourself. Share how you’re feeling with trusted friends or colleagues.
You’ll probably find others feel the same, and talking about it can really help. Plus, their support will remind you that you’re not alone.
3. Celebrate small wins
Focus on the little victories—no matter how small.
Recognise the effort you’re putting in. Every step forward counts.
4. Let go of perfectionism
Don’t try to be perfect. Mistakes are normal and part of the process.
Reframe failure as learning. Every misstep is just a chance to improve.
5. Be kind to yourself
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Imposter syndrome often comes from outside pressures that aren’t even in your control.
Your worth isn’t tied to your work. You’re valuable just as you are.
Common reasons you struggle to speak up
Here are a few other reasons designers sometimes have trouble speaking up:
You are not used to being vocal in meetings and expected to just execute
If you're used to just following instructions and not contributing much, it can feel awkward to speak up.
But as a designer, your input is valuable.
Start by sharing small thoughts or ideas—gradually, you'll get more comfortable and people will start to see the value you bring to the conversation.
You haven’t shown that they’re the expert yet
If you’re not vocal about your design decisions or thought process, others might not see you as the expert.
By speaking up and explaining why you made certain choices, you help others understand your approach, and you’ll gradually build your reputation as the go-to person in the room.
Your designs lack solid reasoning
If you’re not totally confident in your designs or you’re unsure of the reasoning behind your choices, it can be tough to speak up.
The key is to build a clear rationale for your decisions—why you chose certain design elements, how they meet user needs, and how they align with the overall project goals.
When you understand the "why" behind your design, defending it becomes way easier.
Ask yourself why, then we can go from there.
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