*Based on X posts of [@ridd\_design](https://twitter.com/ridd_design) & [@gabrielvaldivia](https://twitter.com/gabrielvaldivia)*

## **Core Qualities**

**1. Proactive Approach:**

* Identifying critical tasks without waiting for instructions.

* Taking the initiative to create the initial version (v0) rather than waiting for a master plan.

**2. Idea Conduit:**

* Positioning oneself as the go-to person for sharing design ideas.

* Becoming a central figure in company strategy by being the hub for innovative ideas.

**3. Change Drivers:**

* Identifying key individuals responsible for driving impactful changes.

* Building connections with influential figures to understand the driving forces behind projects.

**4. Effective Idea Framing:**

* Using unconventional language to present concepts and disarm initial skepticism.

* Encouraging a focus on positive aspects by presenting ideas as imaginative possibilities.

**5. Collaborative Design:**

* Embracing pair designing for early feedback and creating allies.

* Building support for concepts by involving others in the design process.

**6. Secret Missions for Progress:**

* Planning and executing discreet initiatives to advance product development.

* Fostering camaraderie and achieving significant progress through confidential collaborations.

**7. Comfortable Uncomfortableness:**

* Encouraging the timely sharing of work, even if it feels uncomfortable.

* Promoting an open and transparent work environment.

**8. Shipping Top Design Work:**

* Demonstrating a high level of design intuition.

* Maintaining a strong and prolific portfolio that speaks to their design capabilities.

**9. Clear and Compelling Storytelling:**

* Communicating with clarity, conciseness, and impact.

* Mastering the art of storytelling to effectively convey the narrative of their design work.

**10. Inspiring Growth:**

* Investing in the growth of team members.

* Being generous and supportive, particularly to junior contributors.

**11. Interdisciplinary Thinking:**

* Recognising the interconnectedness of design with broader fields.

* Borrowing insights from outside the design bubble, incorporating ideas from different disciplines.

**12. Critical Thinking:**

* Discerning between design trends and enduring principles.

* Identifying the value of new trends and technologies while avoiding fleeting fads.

**13. Curiosity and Continuous Learning:**

* Maintaining a curious mindset.

* Embracing new technologies, tools, and methodologies.

## **Additional Traits**

**14. Adaptable Problem Solvers:**

* Approaching challenges with flexibility and considering multiple solutions.

* Pivoting and iterating as needed in dynamic work environments.

**15. Constructive Feedback Dynamics:**

* Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback.

* Fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

**16. Industry Trends Awareness:**

* Staying informed about the latest design trends, technologies, and user experience innovations.

**17. Collaborative Work Environment:**

* Cultivating a positive and inclusive team culture that encourages open communication and idea sharing.

**18. Effective Time Management:**

* Balancing multiple projects with strong organisational skills.

* Prioritising tasks and aligning work with project goals.

**19. Advocates for User-Centred Design:**

* Championing user needs and preferences in design decisions.

* Ensuring products are both visually appealing and user-friendly.

**20. Business Acumen:**

* Staying curious about the business side of products.

* Aligning design decisions with broader company objectives.

**21. Positive Team Culture Contribution:**

* Fostering camaraderie, celebrating successes, and providing support during challenges.

**22. Ethical Design Practices:**

* Considering ethical implications in design decisions, including inclusivity and accessibility.

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v1

Berlin, 22. Nov 2023

Qualities of Top ICs Product Designers

Software designer

A short interview on designers' dietary preferences

The designer's guide to eating the right food

Design trends in enterprise systems

Introduction presentation to the prototyping stage for Global Service Jam 2018 (Moscow branch)

Prototyping

— Products and services design for Institutional and Personal investors
— UX Management across multiple platforms
— User and voice of customer advocacy
— Maintaining lean UX research methodologies
— Facilitating design thinking workshops

UX Manager / Service Designer

— Online Banking products research and design
— End-users and stakeholders in-depth interviews
— Creation and maintenance of visual language, design strategy, and product vision
— Managing peers and productive collaboration with team members

Alexei Boronnikov

2023