The idea to write on most popular phrases used by graphic and UX designers came to my mind last week. I was teaching to my students of design courses at the training center in Delhi about creative thinking then it clicked. Undoubtedly, creative thinking is very interesting topic and very important for all types of designers. And these phrases which I am going to discuss in this blog will be very helpful for all the designers.
Knowledge of creativity is must for designers from all the design industries like graphic, UX, fashion, textile, interior, architecture, animation, product, and industrial.
Here I will be explaining all the poplar design phrases and terms. I am sure this is going to help you a lot. These common design phrases are divided in to 5 categories to make it simple for you.
They are as given below:
- Creative Thinking
- Process and Workflow
- Communication and Clients
- Aesthetic and Functions
- Inspirational
Here are some of the most popular phrases used by designers worldwide:
Popular Phrases Used in Creative Thinking
These common phrases which are given in this section are used in design phase. Design phase needs good creativity which can be improved through creative thinking. Check out the most common phrases used in communication in creative thinking.
Think outside the box
There are two main ways of thinking traditional and non-traditional. Traditional ways always will give common and familiar solutions while non-traditional encourages innovative and fresh ideas.
Thinking outside the box means looking at things in a unique and fresh light.
Design is intelligence made visible
Every design needs an intelligent approach so that it can offer great user experience. Intelligent design must reflect the combination of creativity and functionality to its users.
Brain is parachute
Brain is like parachute because it doesn’t work if it isn’t open. Opening brain means thinking beyond the limit to get non-traditional ideas. So, keep your parachute open while working on a design.
Less is more
It means keep your designs simple always. Simple designs give you a feel of minimalism in them. They are easy to access and keep its users away from confusion.
Check out the full case study of new ADMEC Logo.
Form follows function (FFF or 3F)
It is very important and one of the most discussed principles of design. It says that the shape or form of a design should be based on its intended purpose of functions. It means FFF emphasizes functionality driving the design.
This term was coined first by Louis Sullivan, a renowned American architect in 1896.
Good design is invisible
Once Albert Einstein said:
The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources
All the designs are inspired by something so no design is made with empty mind. Good designs are simple and very comfortable because their creators know how to hide the sources or references. In result, these designs suggest seamless user experience which is the key.
Kill your darlings
First third ideas which come to your mind are common and traditional. We all have some favorite ideas and attached to them. I guide my students to note down all the ideas to know how many ideas they have thought about. This approach helps them to letting go of ideas they’re attached to and not good for the design.
Common Phrases in Process and Workflow
It is the longest process of design making after user research. All team members need to be equally motivated for the best outcome at the end of the campaign, of course there is a deadline.
Empathy drives design
Empathizing means, connecting to your users you are working on. Empathy drives design means understanding user needs as the core of design always. In other words, always think about your users while designing anything. Empathy in designing boosts your designs to be more user centric.
Fail fast, learn faster
No one can create a delight experience of the users in the first attempt. Creating good designs is a long process. Fail fast, learn faster encourages quick iteration and learning from your mistakes.
Design is never finished
Designing is an iterable process which we have discussed in above topic already. We make designs, test it, and improve it and it goes and goes for an uncertain time. Design is never finished points to the iterative nature of the design process.
Check the below given infographic once, it shows how a design reaches to significant UX level.
Design is never finished and to achieve the delight level of user experience there are multiple steps. No designer can reach directly to the top experience.
Collaboration is key
People with poor team skills are neither good for design industry nor for any other industry. Soft skills, good communication, and powerful listening skills are a few requirements to be good player. Without good teamwork one cannot achieve a great design.
Communication and Clients
It starts from the beginning of the project. Communication plays a vital role and being valued member not possible without being good in it. Explore these important phrases to create better designs without any problem.
The client is not always right
You are a design expert not your client, so balance creative integrity with client demands. Sometimes because you are not confident enough about the design you created, your client drives you.
Feedback is a gift
Everyone likes a gift but considering criticism as a gift is difficult. It surely encourages embracing constructive criticism from your users. Make sure you test your design and ready to accept all the responses whether good or bad.
Aesthetic and Function Phrases
It is the most valued thing which is expected from every design. Aesthetically beautiful designs with great functionality are most wanted as they deliver good experiences to users.
Explore these unmatched phrases used in conversation with team members on aesthetic and function.
Beauty meets purpose
People need functional designs with high usability. So, designers need to be expert in combining aesthetics with usability.
Design solves problems
I always tell my students that designers’ job is not to decorate something instead they are the problem solvers. So, they need to master positioning a design as a practical tool for solutions.
I want to suggest you to read “The Design of Everyday Things” book by Sir Don Norman. He is know as the father of UX design.
Content is king
Design without the quality content always lacks in information. Users look at your design not only it is good but they want information also.
To get the high-quality content, conduct a broad research and meet your users to know them properly. It will emphasize the importance of strong messaging.
Details make the design
It is a very popular phrase used by designers. It means that they should focus on the significance of finishing touches. Look at these two designs.
Inspirational phrases for designers
Designing is very interesting profession but it needs too much hard work and patience. It makes us feel boring and demotivated. I am sure these phrases will surely inspire you to work better.
Design is a journey, not a destination
This phrase will remind of continuous growth and learning in the design journey. Every day you will learn new things and it will never end. So, if you get in to a creative rut then don’t worry it happens with everyone.
Creativity takes courage
For innovative ideas one need to think out of the box. Going out of the box to get new ideas makes u feel less safe. Therefore, you need to learn to give credit to risk-taking in design decisions.
Design adds value faster than it adds costs
Better designs make businesses better. Role of a designer is very important, he can break the brand or make the brand. I am putting stresses on design’s role in enhancing outcomes here because it is very important.
Good designs are not expensive if you look at the cost of bad designs.
Final words on popular phrases used by designers
Every profession has a set up terms and phrases to use for communication so design profession too. I hope this collection of most popular phrases used by graphic and UX designers will help you to be a great designer. All of the above given phrases will help you to fit yourself with the team.
Please know more about our classes in graphic designing and UX design training. ADMEC multimedia has been a pioneer institute in Delhi providing training since 2006.
Happy Designing and Enjoy Creativity.
