Chris Butler's post argues that design excellence doesn't necessitate fame or widespread recognition. Many highly skilled designers prioritize the intrinsic rewards of problem-solving and crafting effective solutions over self-promotion and building a public persona. They find fulfillment in the work itself, contributing meaningfully to their team and clients, rather than chasing accolades or social media influence. This quiet competence shouldn't be mistaken for lack of ambition; these designers may have different priorities, focusing on deep expertise, work-life balance, or simply a preference for staying out of the spotlight. Ultimately, the post celebrates the value of these unsung design heroes and challenges the notion that visibility is the sole measure of success.
Christian Butler's blog post, "You Can Be a Great Designer and Be Completely Unknown," eloquently expounds upon the concept that achieving widespread recognition is not a prerequisite for possessing exceptional design skills. Butler meticulously dismantles the prevalent notion that external validation, in the form of awards, accolades, or extensive social media followings, is the ultimate measure of a designer's aptitude. He argues that true design prowess resides in the effective resolution of design problems, the creation of functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for clients, and the demonstrable impact of one's work on the intended audience.
Butler further elaborates on this idea by distinguishing between two primary types of designers: the "Portfolio Designer" and the "Working Designer." The Portfolio Designer, he explains, prioritizes the curation of a visually stunning portfolio, often focusing on self-initiated projects and speculative work that caters to current design trends and award juries. Their primary objective is to garner recognition and build a personal brand, often at the expense of practical application and client-focused solutions. Conversely, the Working Designer dedicates their efforts to addressing real-world design challenges for clients, prioritizing functionality and effectiveness over aesthetic showmanship. Their focus lies in understanding client needs, conducting thorough research, and delivering impactful design solutions that fulfill specific objectives. While their work may not grace the pages of prestigious design publications or amass thousands of likes on social media, their contribution to the field of design can be equally, if not more, substantial.
The author emphasizes that this distinction is not a value judgment; both types of designers have their place in the industry. He underscores that seeking recognition is not inherently negative, and many talented designers successfully balance both approaches. However, Butler's central argument asserts that the pursuit of fame should not overshadow the fundamental purpose of design: to solve problems and improve experiences. He encourages designers to focus on honing their craft, developing a deep understanding of design principles, and prioritizing the needs of their clients and users. Ultimately, he posits that genuine design excellence lies in the positive impact one's work has on the world, regardless of whether that impact is accompanied by widespread acclaim. He concludes by reassuring aspiring designers that they need not chase fame to be considered great; true greatness, he suggests, lies in the quiet competence and unwavering dedication to crafting meaningful and effective design solutions.
Summary of Comments ( 85 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43787676
HN commenters largely agreed with the premise of the article, emphasizing that great design is often invisible and serves the purpose of the product rather than seeking acclaim. Several pointed out that many excellent designers work in-house or on B2B products, areas with less public visibility. Some discussed the difference between design as a craft focused on problem-solving versus design as an artistic pursuit, with the former often prioritizing functionality over recognition. A few comments highlighted the importance of marketing and self-promotion for designers who do want to become known, acknowledging that talent alone isn't always enough. Others mentioned that being "unknown" can be a positive, allowing for more creative freedom and less pressure.
The Hacker News post "You Can Be a Great Designer and Be Completely Unknown" generated a moderate discussion with several insightful comments. Many commenters agreed with the core premise of the article, acknowledging that exceptional design skill doesn't automatically translate to fame or recognition.
Several compelling comments expanded on this idea. One commenter pointed out that the best designers often work on internal tools or highly specialized projects that never see the light of day publicly, thus preventing widespread recognition. These "invisible" designers prioritize solving specific problems effectively, rather than seeking personal acclaim. This sentiment was echoed by others who noted that much of impactful design work happens "behind the scenes" in enterprise settings, away from the public eye.
Another commenter highlighted the distinction between being a great designer and being a great design influencer. They argued that these are distinct skillsets, and that many talented designers prefer to focus on the craft itself, rather than building a personal brand or engaging in self-promotion. This resonated with other commenters who suggested that pursuing fame often requires a different set of priorities and activities than honing design skills.
Some comments explored the idea of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. One commenter argued that the most effective designers are driven by internal satisfaction derived from solving challenging design problems, rather than the external validation of awards or public recognition. This internal drive allows them to remain focused on the work itself, even without the promise of fame.
The discussion also touched upon the role of luck and circumstance in achieving recognition. Some commenters acknowledged that even with exceptional talent, external factors like being in the right place at the right time or having connections to influential people can play a significant role in achieving widespread visibility.
Finally, a few comments offered practical advice for designers seeking more recognition, such as actively sharing their work online, contributing to open-source projects, and building a strong portfolio. However, the overall consensus seemed to be that while pursuing recognition is a valid choice, true design excellence lies in the dedication to the craft itself, regardless of fame or public acclaim.