DESIGN MANIFESTO
I believe who you work with is important for what you're working on, which is why I’m always looking for interesting people to work with. Design is a journey and is always better together. This document showcases my values as a designer & builder, along with what I look for in people that I work with and what you can look up to in me.
First Principles
I work best with people who are driven and always looking to grow, both personally and professionally.
Welcome to direct and honest feedback and improve over time.
Consistency - Showing up and putting in the effort every single day counts.
Resourceful - I appreciate those who do big, even with limited resources.
Communication - Clarity and confidence is important
High agency is key - you take initiative, act with urgency, and bring optimism to the table.
You value honest, direct feedback and see it as a way to get better, we’ll get along well.
I admire those who can tackle unfamiliarity with a 'figure it out' mindset even if you have no idea how to reach completion. But the mindset really matters.
How I operate
I set a high bar for quality, both in thought and execution. Multiple iterations are the norm, not the exception.
I’m hands-on and collaborative. Expect me to be deeply involved in design files, feedback, and discussing ideas down to the smallest detail.
Communication is quick and to the point - I aim to prevent confusion and keep things moving.
If we are meeting on a specific agenda - I prefer both of us to be prepared as much
Writing: I value clear, concise writing, whether it’s notes, product documentations, messages, or updates. Attention to detail in writing reflects attention to detail in work.
Timely asynchronous updates are preferred to know the status or any blockers
I won't give much attention to the process, if there is good progress
If we are stuck, I would want everyone of us to take action, look for other options and not wait around
Taking breaks when necessary is appreciated.
I would always love to know more about the people I am working with, their hobbies and interest to even find some common ground and engage beyond work.
Setting deadlines : Be realistic
Communication, Updates, and Sync
I would always directly address or call out if something isn't working out or even if its me facing some blockers.
Preparation is key for every meetings. Meetings only happen if both of us are ready, otherwise we reschedule.
If you want to set up a meeting, schedule one on my calendar, preferably with a clear agenda or a short description of what you look forward to talk about. This way I can also come prepared.
When sharing progress or updates, I prefer being specific and a bit detailed about what’s done, what’s next, and any blockers.
When discussing fresh ideas or just casual conversations, I prefer to do it outdoors on a walk (with a coffee, maybe). Sydney has great outdoor spaces, let's utilise it.
If we are based in different timezones async updates is the lifeline. I prefer a clear and concise system, preferably using tools like loom.
Design
I do not believe in breaking stuff just so you want to stand out from the crowd or for the sake of it. I'm interested if things get broken as a consequence of actually creating something better.
My design process will always have a scope beyond design. I would always want to work towards an end-to-end experience of a product. This would involve me actively involving with different teams from legal to sales and even the customers and any potential users
10000+ iterations >> 100+ hours
Balance
Personal boundaries matter. I’ll respect yours and expect the same in return.
I make it a point to take weekends off for downtime, but if something’s urgent, feel free to leave a message
Take a break when you need it.
Management
I haven't worked in a position of managing people or teams yet formally at an organisation, however I've had prior experience managing communities and other aspects. I've mostly spent my time as an IC and have depended on my managers to lay out a path to follow.
I would look up to my managers for continuous (honest) feedback and help me out to engage with other functions and team within the organisation
Feedback and criticism
I will provide you direct and detailed feedback whether it is good or bad.
If something doesn't come up right in the output, I will provide you with a detailed explanation on why it isn't working and will try and direct you to a better output
Shout out great work publicly, recognition should be shared.
Share your work
Your feedback to me
I expect you to be direct with your feedback for me, constructive criticism with transparency helps us grow together.
I take feedback seriously, and will do my best to improve
I know I'm not perfect, but will always keep working on being better. Call it out, if you don't see any progress
Collaboration
I'm always open to new ideas and explorations provided we do not drift away from the scope we are working on
I like working through problems together, but do your homework first.
One last thing
I'm a polymath and mostly excited about a lot of topics, projects at work - always. If it gets overwhelming or if you don’t follow, call it out, I’m working on it.