Design leadership — Beyond aesthetics to impactful design strategy
Richard Simms, a UK-born designer who has been crafting digital products and experiences since 2005, is now an Australian citizen based in Melbourne and serves as a principal product designer at SEEK.
Hi–I’m Richard Simms. I help Product Designers create impactful work.
[ An open letter to Product Designers ]
We approach our work in a way that prioritises lasting impact over temporary solutions. In our field, it's not just about crafting something visually appealing; it's about creating designs that resonate deeply with users, addressing their needs in a way that aligns with the core values of our products.
The Product Designer doesn't ask, "How can we make this look better?" Instead, they ask, "How can this design better serve the user and fulfill the product's purpose?" This shift in perspective is crucial. It moves us from surface-level aesthetics to a deeper understanding of user experience and functionality.
It's not about getting more features into a product; it's about refining what's necessary and meaningful. We keep our focus sharp, concentrating on the elements that truly matter to our users and to the business goals we aim to achieve.
Sometimes that means taking a step back, re-evaluating our approach, and being willing to discard ideas that don't align with our value-based objectives. It's about being bold in our decisions, even if it goes against the grain.
At the end of the day, it's the satisfaction and success of our users that measure our success as designers. It's about seeing our work contribute not just to the immediate goals of the project, but also to the broader context of the users' lives and the society we are a part of.
Achieve the harmony of form, function, and values in your designs. Strive not just for what looks good, but for what truly makes a difference. Let's create not just products, but experiences that resonate, last, and genuinely improve lives.
Three more ways I can help you.
Storyboards with AI
Creating a visual Customer Journey, with a simple step-by-step guide.
AI Heuristics
Making technology an ally rather than a challenge in our daily lives.