Every project presents new challenges, and over the years, I have learned valuable lessons that have shaped my design process. I have had the privilege of working with globally recognized and award-winning designers. Their insights have influenced my approach to design, and I want to share five key lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Start with the Right Questions

A strong design begins with understanding the core problem. Before jumping into solutions, take the time to ask the right questions: Who are you designing for? What challenges do they face? How will your design improve their experience?

In one project, I observed a team designing an app without conducting clear user research. Their assumptions led to unnecessary features and a cluttered interface. By stepping back, gathering user insights, and redefining the problem, we streamlined the design and improved usability. Every great solution starts with a well-defined problem, so never skip this step.

2. Simplicity Creates Stronger Impact

Users don’t appreciate complexity; they value clarity. A well-structured, easy-to-navigate design always outperforms one that is overloaded with options and visuals.

I once worked on a platform where too many features were crammed into the homepage. By restructuring and prioritizing the most essential elements, user engagement increased, and the platform became easier to use. The lesson? Less is more. Aim for simplicity, ensuring every element in your design serves a clear purpose. If it doesn’t, remove it.

3. Feedback is Your Best Asset

One of the biggest challenges for designers is detaching personal pride from their work. It’s easy to become attached to an idea, but true growth comes from listening to feedback and refining your design.

I once hesitated to implement a suggestion from a colleague, convinced that my version was better. However, after testing both designs, the revised one performed significantly better. That experience was a turning point; I realized that good design is a collaborative process, not a solo effort. Encourage feedback, test different approaches, and let data and user experiences shape your decisions.

4. Design with Purpose, Not Just Style

While trendy designs may look visually appealing, functionality should always take precedence. A beautifully designed product is meaningless if it does not effectively serve the user’s needs.

In a recent project, a well-designed app struggled with usability. Users loved its appearance but found it difficult to navigate. By reworking the structure and prioritizing user flow over aesthetics, we transformed it into something both functional and visually appealing. Good design balances form and function; never sacrifice usability for the sake of aesthetics.

5. Keep Learning and Adapting

Design is an evolving field. The best designers do not merely master a skill and stop; they continuously learn, adapt, and refine their work.

I have worked on products that went through multiple iterations before reaching their best versions. Each phase involved user testing, feedback, and small yet impactful improvements. This reinforced the idea that design is never truly “finished” — there is always room to evolve. Stay curious, experiment with new ideas, and embrace change as part of the process.

Final Thoughts

Working with top designers has taught me that success in design comes from a mix of strategy, simplicity, collaboration, and adaptability. Every project is an opportunity to learn and refine your skills.

Which of these lessons do you relate to most? Let’s discuss it! If you found these insights useful, feel free to share them with your fellow designers — we all grow better together.

Aram Andreasyan,

Industry Leader, Design Expert

‍