As an architect and product designer, I find the five design mindsets particularly relevant to our field. Let me share my perspective on how these mindsets apply to architecture and product design:

Experience Mindset:

In architecture and product design, we must prioritize the user's experience above all else. Just as a login experience goes beyond a simple screen, our designs should consider every touchpoint of interaction. For instance, when designing a building or a product, we need to consider how users will navigate, interact, and feel within the space or while using the product.

Design Mindset:

This mindset encourages us to empathize with users and experiment before settling on a solution. In architecture and product design, this translates to extensive user research, prototyping, and iterative design processes. We should resist the urge to jump straight to final designs and instead focus on understanding the core problems we're solving.

Outcome Mindset:

As designers, we need to focus on solving root problems rather than just creating visually appealing designs. In architecture, this might mean designing a space that truly enhances productivity or well-being, rather than just looking impressive. For product design, it's about ensuring the product effectively solves the user's problem, not just having a sleek interface.

Business Mindset:

Understanding the business aspects is crucial in both architecture and product design. We need to balance user needs with business goals, considering factors like cost-effectiveness, marketability, and long-term value. This mindset helps us create designs that are not only user-friendly but also commercially viable.

Systems Mindset:

This is particularly relevant in architecture and product design, where we often deal with complex systems. When designing a building or a product, we need to consider how all components interact, from the overall structure down to the smallest details. This holistic approach ensures our designs are cohesive, functional, and adaptable.

By integrating these mindsets into our practice, we can create architecture and products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also truly user-centred, business-aligned, and systemically sound. This approach leads to designs that solve real problems and create meaningful value for both users and businesses.