What does it actually take to be the first, or only, designer or researcher on a team? Spoiler: it's not just about doing great work. This week, we get into the unglamorous, under-discussed side of the solo role: building systems, managing up, and earning trust before you've even shipped anything. |
What happens when you're really good at your craft, but nobody around you understands what you do, why it matters, or how to support you?
Most people think being the first designer or researcher on a team means you finally get to do it your way...
But then the reality hits fast!
But first, check out this week's sponsor:
SPONSOR
Build & Launch Your Portfolio Page in Framer in 60 min! In this workshop, you'll go from blank canvas to a live portfolio page, in real time. Use code OPENDOORS26 for 25% off the regular price at checkout!
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You're not just doing the work. You're:
➡️ Building the systems nobody set up before you got there
➡️ Selling the value of your work to people who don't fully understand it
➡️ Managing up to a boss who probably came from a completely different background
➡️ Keeping everyone aligned while trying not to become the bottleneck
The craft is actually the easy part.
​This week, Julian Della Mattia joins me to talk about what it really takes to survive and thrive as the only designer or researcher in the room.
Julian has built research practices from scratch more times than most people would sign up for.
Here's what he wants you to know:
- Being first means being a builder, not just a finder
- Your research skills work on stakeholders, too. Most people just never try
- Frameworks won't save you, but the right relationships will
- The signals that your work is gaining traction are more subtle than you think
- You can't do everything forever, and you shouldn't try
If you're currently in a solo role, thinking about taking one, or just trying to figure out why the work isn't landing the way it should, this one's for you.
SPONSOR
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You iterated, pivoted, circle-backed, and made it out of Q4 (barely).
You’ve earned a Merit-ish Badge!
Choose from four sets:
​• Soft Skills, Sharp Tongue
• Cult of Figma Initiation
• Pixel Pusher Survivor Kit
• Field Notes & Frayed Nerves
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They don't teach this stuff in school
Learn the things they left off the syllabus.
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Also available at these fine retailers
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