Design Quality: the tension of design should be both a serious and a joyful pursuit.

Design is a funny thing. On the one hand, it's an art form that requires a certain level of creativity and imagination. On the other hand, it's a science that relies on research, data, and user testing. And then there's the technology aspect, with all of the tools and software available to help us bring our designs to life. When it all works together, it's a beautiful thing. But when things go wrong, well, that's another story.

As a Chief Design Officer, I've seen my fair share of design disasters. I'm not immune to making mistakes myself. I've launched designs with typos and broken links, and I've missed the mark when it comes to meeting the needs of my users. But these experiences have taught me some valuable lessons, and I'm still learning every day.

One of the most important lessons I've learned is that design is not just about making things pretty. Sure, aesthetics are important, but design is also about solving problems. We're here to create solutions that meet the needs of our users. So, before you start designing, make sure you understand your audience and their needs. Do your research and gather data. Talk to your users and find out what they want and need from your design. By doing this, you can avoid creating a design that looks great but doesn't meet the needs of your users.

Another thing to keep in mind is that good design is all about attention to detail. There's nothing worse than a design that looks great, but has a typo or a broken link. So, make sure you proofread your work and test it thoroughly before launching it. You know what though, sometimes customers will catch a typo (this is when you inevitably die a little inside) but I will say, I have started some of the most enduring customer relationships with the type of people who love you enough to share this sort of feedback.

Consistency is also key in design. Make sure you adhere to brand guidelines and use consistent typography, color, and imagery throughout your design. This creates a cohesive and professional look that resonates with your audience. Remember, a confused user is an unhappy user.

But design is not just about following the rules. We also need to innovate and push boundaries. Don't be afraid to explore new design trends and technologies to create something fresh and exciting. It's this innovation that keeps design moving forward.

Finally, keep accessibility in mind. We want our designs to be accessible to all users, regardless of ability. This means designing with accessibility in mind, such as using appropriate contrast ratios, providing alternative text for images (I am still learning to do this!!) my friends with accessibility requirements are my greatest teachers, and ensuring the design is compatible with assistive technologies.

In the end, good design is all about finding the balance between art, science, and technology. It's about understanding your audience, paying attention to detail, being consistent, innovating, and designing for accessibility. And when it all comes together, it's a thing of beauty.

So, go forth and design with humility and vulnerability, my fellow designers. Remember that we're all human and we all make mistakes. The key is to learn from those mistakes and keep pushing forward, always striving to create exceptional designs that make the world a better place. And don't forget to have fun along the way!

After all, design should be both a serious and a joyful pursuit.