What user experience designers can borrow from stand-up comedy
I’m a huge fan of stand-up comedians! It’s a tough, competitive gig, especially now with so many talented artists connecting with audiences on new platforms. Funny enough, I see a lot of similarities in skill sets between them and user experience designers!
Stand-up comedians don’t take themselves too seriously
Having a deep passion for your work is an admirable quality, and there is immense fulfillment in being truly dedicated to the design process. However, I believe that becoming too personally attached to your work can sometimes hinder growth. It’s important for designers to be flexible and willing to let go of their own creations when necessary. The ability to discard a design and start anew, without being overly self-critical or judgmental, is essential for fostering creativity and continuous improvement.
Stand-up comedians improvise if no one laughs at their jokes
During a design presentation, there will be times when you can just feel that no one in the room is sold on your idea. In those moments, take a deep breath, read the room, and channel a little on-the-spot creativity. Your spontaneity can spark some fresh thinking, getting your team involved in problem-solving while showing you’re all about team spirit. Plus, you’ll come off as more genuine, and who knows — maybe even break the tension in the room before it gets too awkward!
Stand-up comedians nail their act because they know their material inside out
Great design isn’t just a gut feeling — it’s backed by solid research and data. Sure, intuition has its place, but facts don’t lie. Keep the numbers front and center so you don’t get lost in the pixels and stay laser-focused on solving real problems. When you have data on your side, not only are you more confident with your ideas, but it’s a whole lot easier to get your team on board too.
Stand-up comedians know how to connect with their audience
Designers need to put on their empathy glasses to see the shifting priorities of their team’s stakeholders. By tuning into their vibes, you won’t just find the best idea — you’ll discover what’s best for the team! Before you know it, you’ll be the star of the show, basking in the spotlight on that podium!
Stand-up comedians fumble too, but that’s just part of the charm — not failure!
Truly confident designers know how to chuckle at their own creations. It’s not just about being serious; laughing at your designs shows you’re comfortable with your process. Embracing your mistakes reflects maturity and growth, turning every misstep into a stepping stone for better ideas!
Stand-up comedians do not shy to test their content on open mics
Instead of waiting to unveil a masterpiece, don’t hesitate to share those rough, work-in-progress gems. Invite fresh eyes to glimpse your unfinished ideas and soak up all the feedback you can get. This collaborative approach will not only validate your vision but also refine each iteration into something extraordinary.
Stand-up comedians don’t exit the stage without having a blast
Staying playful and positive is essential when articulating your design. If you’re not having a good time, neither will your team. The most successful design managers infuse the atmosphere with fresh energy, effortlessly inspiring their teams to create amazing work every day!
