10 Truths I’ve Learned as a Product Designer Over 8+ Years

Looking back on my journey from a junior designer to where I am today, I’ve come to realize just how much my perspective, approach, and values have evolved. What I thought design was back then is so different from how I see it now. And one of the biggest lessons? You never stop learning in this field.

The tech world moves fast, and if you don’t evolve with it, you’ll get left behind. If you're on the path to becoming a product designer or looking to grow in your career, here are some of the most important truths I’ve learned along the way.

1. Look Beyond What's Right in Front of You

The best solutions aren’t always the most obvious ones. As a designer, it’s easy to stop at the first answer that seems to fit. But real innovation happens when you push past the surface, question assumptions, and challenge your thinking. Always ask, "Is this the best way?" and explore deeper.

2. Relationships Matter

Design isn’t a solo job. It’s a collaborative process that involves clients, stakeholders, engineers, and other teams. It’s not just about hitting deadlines and handing off designs—it’s about building trust and working with people who care about the product as much as you do. Listen, communicate, and make others feel heard. This human connection can make all the difference.

3. Design is Storytelling

You can create the most beautiful interface, but if you can’t explain why it works, it won’t have the impact you want. Learning to tell the story behind your design decisions is essential. Why did you choose this approach? How does it solve the problem? Make your audience care about the "why," and your work will resonate more deeply.

4. Ask More Questions Than You Think You Need To

Especially during the discovery phase, go in assuming you know nothing. The more questions you ask, the clearer everything becomes. Don’t be afraid to dig deep, even if it feels uncomfortable. Curiosity is a designer's best tool for uncovering insights and creating better solutions.

5. You’re Not Always Right

Believing in your design is important, but it’s equally important to challenge it. Test your assumptions, validate your ideas, and be open to feedback. Being wrong isn’t failure; it's an opportunity to learn and refine. Growth happens when you let go of ego and embrace the process of iteration.

6. Work Closely with Engineers

Engineers aren’t just there to build what you design. They bring a deep understanding of constraints, possibilities, and limitations that can shape better products. Involve them early in the design process, and treat them as collaborative partners. It will save time, frustration, and lead to smarter solutions.

7. Stay Curious

The design and tech landscape is always evolving. Stay curious, keep learning, and make it a habit to explore new trends, tools, and methodologies. Your willingness to adapt will not only keep you relevant but will also help you stand out in a competitive field.

8. Soft Skills Matter More Than You Think

Being talented is great, but the ability to communicate, collaborate, and handle feedback with grace is what makes a designer truly effective. Soft skills can often be the difference between a good designer and a great one. Invest in them.

9. Your First Idea is Rarely the Best One

It’s easy to fall in love with an initial concept, but real growth happens when you let go of attachments. Explore multiple directions, iterate, and test before committing to a final solution. Sometimes the best idea is the one that comes after a few rounds of exploration.

10. Not Every Stakeholder Will Understand UX—And That’s Your Job

You’ll often work with people who don’t fully understand the value of UX. Part of your role is to bridge that gap, educate stakeholders, and show the impact that thoughtful design can have. It’s not always easy, but it’s one of the most important aspects of advocacy in design.

Final Thoughts

I’m still learning, and I always will be. That’s part of what makes this career so rewarding. These are just some of the biggest lessons that have shaped my approach to design over the years. Hopefully, they resonate with you too, whether you’re just starting or are deep into your journey.