“‘Because it sucks’ is not a reason to redesign. ‘It sucks’ leaves the scope wide open with no measure of success. It’s a sure way to scrap the good decisions you made along with the mistakes. Instead, start the redesign with a question: ‘What is right about this design?’ Use that perspective to identify specific problems and then target those exact problems.” – Ryan Singer

Ryan’s quote is from the 37signals blog “Signal vs. Noise.”

1. Understanding the specific activity we’re supporting is critical to good design
2. Designers are gifted with a certain perspective of the world that can cause much frustration and wonderment
3. Designers don’t actually “solve” problems. They “work through” them.
4. Make sure that whatever you design is fitting a need in the world and has a purpose
5. Designers understand the interrelationships that factor into success or failure