The Road to Excellence

As designers, we always set a high bar for ourselves and it can often feel like there's a gap between what we recognize as excellent and what we're able to produce in our own work. This talk will teach you three unconventional ideas that can help you close that gap and finally produce work you're happy with.

Transcript

1. HELLO HELLO UX DX
2. HELLO HELLO My name is Kevin Clark Design Lead, Shopify KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
4. KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
5. Layout— A podcast about design, technology and everything else. 4 YEARS 150 EPISODES 200+ HOURS OF AUDIO with my friend Rafael Conde KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
6. Montréal— Design Club KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
7. Montréal— Design Club KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX Montréal— Design Club
8. Montréal— Design Club KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX Montréal— Design Club
9. Montréal— Design Club KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX Montréal— Design Club
10. Montréal— Design Club KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX Montréal— Design Club
11. Montréal— Design Club KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX Montréal— Design Club
12. What are you obsessed about? ? KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
13. I’m obsessed with excellence KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
14. The Gap VIDEO BY DANIEL SAX “THE GAP” BY IRA GLASS
15. The Gap VIDEO BY DANIEL SAX “THE GAP” BY IRA GLASS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
16. The Gap VIDEO BY DANIEL SAX “THE GAP” BY IRA GLASS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
17. THREE UNCONVENTIONAL IDEAS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
18. 1 SOLVING PROBLEMS IS EASY ONE UNCONVENTIONAL IDEA
19. Problem Human Powered Airplane KREMER CHALLENGE 1959
20. For 18 years, nobody could solve it
21. Until someone solved the problem within 6 months of trying. 1976
22. KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
23. SERIOUS TROUBLE KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
24. Problem Human Powered Airplane KREMER CHALLENGE KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
25. Airplane KREMER CHALLENGE How can you build a plane that could be rebuilt in hours, not months? Problem KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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27. The problem you choose to focus on will define the solution you create KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
28. To find a better solution, ask a better question. HAL GREGERSEN AUTHOR, QUESTIONS ARE THE ANSWER “ KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
29. Problem Add Apple Pay to Checkout KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
30. Checkout KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
31. Checkout KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
32. Checkout Which payment methods will be available here? I have an old account, but I don't remember my password I use Amazon all the time, but can I make payments with my account? Did I ever sign up for this? Is Apple Pay going to work for this purchase? KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
33. Checkout KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
34. Checkout Checko KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
35. Problem Add Apple Pay to Checkout KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
36. to Checkout How might we help people choose a payment method that is right for them and will give them the smoothest experience? Problem KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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39. FALL IN LOVE WITH THE PROBLEM
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42. Problem Remove the friction of buying in high-pressure environments KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
43. Problem Give people a good experience even if they ultimately can’t buy the product environments KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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47. Dropzones KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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49. The designer’s first and most essential task is choosing the correct problem to solve. Because if you get that wrong, every choice you make after that is irrelevant. JESSE JAMES GARRETT DESIGN LEADERSHIP COACH AT CAPITAL ONE “ KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
50. 2 QUANTITY OVER QUALITY TWO UNCONVENTIONAL IDEA
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52. QUALITY QUANTITY KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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54. UNIVERSE OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS BAD EXCELLENT OKA Y KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
55. BAD EXCELLENT OKA Y TADA! UNIVERSE OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
56. BAD EXCELLENT OKA Y UNIVERSE OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
57. BAD EXCELLENT OKA Y UNIVERSE OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
58. BAD EXCELLENT OKA Y UNIVERSE OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
59. BAD EXCELLENT OKA Y UNIVERSE OF POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
60. While ideas ultimately can be so powerful, they begin as fragile, barely formed thoughts, so easily missed, so easily compromised, so easily just squished. JONY IVE APPLE “ KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
61. THE CREATOR THE CRITIC from the Separate KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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65. Estimated delivery: May 24th Status Shipped ? 2 DAYS Order #1234
66. Thank you for your order! Processing your order We’re currently processing your order. You will receive a tracking code soon. A confirmation email has been sent to kevin@kevinclark.ca Today 03/06/15 02/06/15 Your order has shipped — via Your carrier tracking number will be updated in online Order Status and the carrier’s website within 24 hours. Tracking code: 4854995742937365 Track Shipment UPS Shipping Kevin Clark Shipping Address Billing Address Kevin Clark Order #1234
67. May 2nd, 2015 Purchased May 6th, 2015 Processing Status Estimated delivery date: May 24th, 2015 Shipped Your order has shipped! Your carrier tracking number will be updated in online Order Status and the carrier’s website within 24 hours. Track Shipment UPS Shipping Order #1234
68. Visual PROS: ENGAGING CONS: IMPRECISE, MISSING INFO Timeline PROS: ALL OF THE INFO CONS: HARD TO PARSE Card PROS: CURRENT ST ATE IS MORE CLEAR CONS: HARD TO KNOW WHAT COMES NEXT Estimated delivery: May 24th Status Shipped ? 2 DAYS Order #1234 Thank you for your order! Processing your order We’re currently processing your order. You will receive a tracking code soon. A confirmation email has been sent to kevin@kevinclark.ca Today 03/06/15 02/06/15 Your order has shipped — via Your carrier tracking number will be updated in online Order Status and the carrier’s website within 24 hours. Tracking code: 4854995742937365 Track Shipment UPS Shipping Ending in 0475 — $107.91 Kevin Clark 3575 St-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec J6X 3P4 Shipping Address Shipping Method Payment Method Standard UPS Shipping Billing Address Kevin Clark 3575 St-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec J6X 3P4 Order #1234 May 2nd, 2015 Purchased May 6th, 2015 Processing Status Estimated delivery date: May 24th, 2015 Shipped Your order has shipped! Your carrier tracking number will be updated in online Order Status and the carrier’s website within 24 hours. Track Shipment UPS Shipping Order #1234 Tenesse, M Purchased Processing Shipped In Transit Delivered Your carrier tracking number will be updated in online Order Status and the carrier’s website within 24 hours. Your products have shipped Track Shipment UPS Shipping Estimated delivery date: May 24th, 2015 Add to calendar Track order Tracking code: D42154830200003020301 Nashville, Tennessee Updated 2 hours ago KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
69. Estimated delivery: May 24th Status Shipped ? 2 DAYS Order #1234 May 2nd, 2015 Purchased May 6th, 2015 Processing Status Estimated delivery date: May 24th, 2015 Shipped Your order has shipped! Your carrier tracking number will be updated in online Order Status and the carrier’s website within 24 hours. Track Shipment UPS Shipping Order #1234 Tenesse, M Purchased Processing Shipped In Transit Delivered Your carrier tracking number will be updated in online Order Status and the carrier’s website within 24 hours. Your products have shipped Track Shipment UPS Shipping Estimated delivery date: May 24th, 2015 Add to calendar Track order Tracking code: D42154830200003020301 Nashville, Tennessee Updated 2 hours ago KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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73. DON’T SPECIALIZE THREE UNCONVENTIONAL IDEA 3
74. 10,000 Hours KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
75. Focus Time Success KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
76. 40 hrs A B C A B C A B C D A KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
77. 40 hrs 10 hrs 10 hrs 10 hrs 10 hrs A B C A B C A B C D KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
78. Jack of all trades, master of none FAMOUS SA YING “ KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
79. Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one. “ FAMOUS SA YING KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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81. Kind Wicked Golf Chess Tennis Politics Technology Design KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
82. Overspecialization can lead to collective tragedy even when every individual separately takes the most reasonable course of action. DA VID EPSTEIN AUTHOR, RANGE “ KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
83. DESIGNER DEVELOPER ORGANIZER KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX A B C A B C A B C
84. A B C A B C A B C KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
85. A B C BEING A BEING A DESIGNER DEVELOPER MAKES ME A BETTER A B KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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88. A B C BEING A BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER DESIGNER MAKES ME A BETTER A B KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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90. A B C BEING A BEING A PODCASTER DESIGNER MAKES ME A BETTER A B KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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93. YOU A B
94. Problem How might we help buyers be better informed about the product dimensions before buying?
95. Vase $12.99 Showcase your sophisticated side with our vase. Available in four sizes, these pale pink milk glass bud vases are sturdy enough for fresh snips or faux stems. Use a single vase as a simple accent or mix and match several for a refined collection. Also available in mint. BUY NOW KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
96. Showcase your sophisticated side with our vase. Available in four sizes, these pale pink milk glass bud vases are sturdy enough for fresh snips or… More Dimensions 5" x 4 ½“ x 4 ½“ Vase $12.99 BUY NOW KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
97. Showcase your sophisticated side with our vase. Available in four sizes, these pale pink milk glass bud vases are sturdy enough for fresh snips or… More Dimensions 5" x 4 ½“ x 4 ½“ Vase $12.99 BUY NOW KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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100. NAME SARAH BERRY ROLE RESEARCHER COMPANY SHOPIFY Sarah Berry KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
101. NAME STEPHEN ROBUSTO ROLE CREATIVE DIRECTIOR & DJ COMPANY HOUSE OF YOUTH Stephen Robusto KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
102. NAME CYNTHIA IRANI ROLE CAKE DESIGNER INST AGRAM @CYNZCAKES Cynthia Irani KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
103. Cynthia Irani KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX NAME CYNTHIA IRANI ROLE CAKE DESIGNER INST AGRAM @CYNZCAKES
104. KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
105. 1 SOLVING PROBLEMS IS EASY ONE UNCONVENTIONAL IDEA
106. 2 QUANTITY OVER QUALITY TWO UNCONVENTIONAL IDEA
107. DON’T SPECIALIZE THREE UNCONVENTIONAL IDEA 3
108. KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX
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110. THANK KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX YOU HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF THE AMAZING PEOPLE WHO WORKED ON THE PROJECTS I TOLD YOU ABOUT TODA Y
111. KEVIN CLARK @VERNALKICK #UXDX @VERNALKICK TWITTER LA YOUT.FM PODCAST K Y HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF THE AMAZING PEOPLE WHO WORKED ON THE PROJECTS I TOLD YOU ABOUT TODA Y