Harnessing Written Communication for Introverted Designers
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Chapter 1: The Design Job Market and Introversion
As a designer, my perspective on the job market changed significantly upon hiring new talent. It was not the sheer volume of applications that astonished me, but the boldness exhibited by many candidates. From unsolicited direct messages to constant comments on job postings and persistent requests for referrals, the aggressiveness was palpable.
If I were to begin my design career today as an introvert, I might worry about my chances of being hired. It took me considerable time to learn how to effectively manage challenging stakeholders while advocating for user needs. I can only imagine how daunting the job search must be for introverts at present.
For those in this situation, my key advice is to focus on mastering written communication, which is arguably the most practical avenue for introverts.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Mastering Communication
According to the Designer’s Guide to Product Vision, designers must excel in three forms of communication for their roles:
- Written Communication: Clearly articulates tasks, roles, and rationale.
- Visual Communication: Effectively presents ideas or designs to others.
- Verbal Communication: Facilitates team progress and negotiations.
For those who may struggle with verbal skills, honing written communication should be the priority. The primary reason for this focus is that people often hesitate to formalize decisions in writing. Documenting discussions creates an accountability trail that can influence future choices.
For instance, a product manager may express enthusiasm for a flawed design verbally, but once that decision is documented, they may reconsider. Written communication also mitigates ambiguity in project requirements, a common challenge for new designers.
Recording specifications and decisions can guide your team toward user-centered solutions, even if you are not verbally assertive. While this task was once labor-intensive, modern AI tools like Microsoft Co-pilot have simplified the process. However, maintaining your own notes remains crucial.
Section 1.2: Practicing Public Writing
How can you begin to enhance your written communication skills? The answer is straightforward: practice publicly.
Austin Kleon, the author of Steal Like an Artist, emphasizes that if you don't showcase your work publicly, it might as well not exist. This is particularly true in design, where formal certifications are scarce. Many designers struggle to display their expertise due to limited "official" work.
Creating and sharing new content regularly (such as on LinkedIn) is one effective method. A former colleague of mine, who faced unemployment, did this by posting daily updates labeled "Open to Work." This approach allowed him to demonstrate his graphic design abilities instead of merely listing them on a resume.
The beauty of writing is that it requires less time than crafting new design projects each day. Composing a short post can usually be accomplished in just a few hundred words, allowing you to showcase your thought process swiftly.
This practice benefits you in multiple ways. First, it enables you to refine your Design Thinking in a low-pressure setting. I have encountered designers with exceptional visual skills who struggled to articulate their case studies and design processes effectively.
Regardless of your design experience, writing will likely be part of your job interviews, whether in explaining project goals or outlining your methods. Sharing your thoughts publicly is an excellent way to start this practice.
More importantly, it demonstrates how you think about design—a crucial skill in today’s AI-driven landscape. Even if your portfolio includes only one design project, you can write about various topics to highlight your expertise, such as:
- Analyzing a poor UX decision made by a company.
- Discussing relevant UX news and its significance.
- Exploring in-depth research on specific subjects.
- Evaluating the pros and cons of a particular technology.
The key is to avoid treating these posts like personal blogs filled with opinions. Instead, consider how a prospective employer might utilize your insights on their company blog.
To assist with structuring your thoughts, try using a template like:
"Recently, [X event occurred]. Here’s a brief summary of the facts [A, B, C], and here’s why it matters [from a Design/UX perspective]."
By demonstrating professionalism and articulating your thoughts on design trends or industry missteps, you can showcase your expertise beyond mere visuals.
Additionally, writing can help clarify your thoughts around design challenges and alternative solutions, reinforcing your understanding of the issues at hand.
Chapter 2: Balancing Written and Verbal Communication
Even as you enhance your written skills, don't overlook the importance of verbal communication. Writing can help organize your ideas, thereby improving your spoken interactions.
When engaging in conversations, particularly as an introverted designer, it’s essential to focus on problem framing rather than persuasion. Begin by approaching discussions with a sense of curiosity about the problem at hand. Acknowledging the issue is the first step in addressing it.
For example, if your Product Manager insists on implementing a poorly conceived design decision, such as adding unnecessary confirmation steps, rather than outright disagreeing, you might reframe the discussion:
PM: "I believe we should add double-confirmations for every action to prevent accidental deletions."
You: "I understand that accidental deletions can be problematic. Let’s explore some alternative solutions."
This approach demonstrates that you’ve listened to the Product Manager’s concerns while keeping the conversation productive. By discussing the problem verbally, you can work collaboratively toward a resolution.
Ultimately, remember that as a UX professional, your primary role is to advocate for users. You are tasked with considering their needs and experiences.
Many individuals may care about UX, but your job is to represent the user perspective. If you voice your concerns, you aren’t simply sharing your opinion; you’re echoing the needs of your users who cannot be present to advocate for themselves.
Consequently, learning to express user needs effectively within your team is vital to combating poor design choices. You don’t have to adopt an extroverted persona; instead, use your writing skills to convey your insights.
So, if you are an introverted designer feeling pressured to adopt extroverted traits to secure a job, consider writing about design. This strategy could provide you with a competitive advantage.
My Maven course on Data-Informed Design is now open for enrollment! Join the waitlist for free access to an upcoming workshop.
Kai Wong, a Senior Product Designer, and creator of the Data and Design newsletter, authored Data-Informed UX Design, which outlines 21 actionable changes to enhance your design process.
This video discusses how an introverted graphic designer confronted the challenge of public speaking, sharing personal experiences and insights.
In this TED talk, Susan Cain explores the unique strengths of introverts and the power they bring to various fields, including design.