The Merlin Complex: Unmasking the Misconceptions of Product Design

We have a special treat for you as we dive into a topic that has been brewing like a cauldron of misconceptions

Welcome back to another exciting edition of Gates, your gateway into the enchanting world of design at Multigate. 

Last week, Tosin and I almost simultaneously hit a wall. We were both feeling burnt out, and in a moment of exhaustion, we jokingly declared, "We're Merlin!" You know, as in the legendary wizard who can solve all problems with a flick of his wand. It was a humorous way to acknowledge the weight of responsibility on our shoulders as product designers. 

But, in all seriousness, that's exactly what many people think we do - wave a magic wand and make things look pretty. Unfortunately, that's a gross misconception. As product designers, our job is not just about making screens look aesthetically pleasing. It's about understanding the problem, searching for inspiration, sketching, and iterating until we get it right. It's about aligning with stakeholders, and managing expectations. 

The Unseen Effort

Developers and product managers, I'm looking at you! Do you know how many sleepless nights we spend trying to understand the problem we're designing for? How many hours we spend scrolling through other platforms, researching, and sketching to get to that one design? It's not just about making things look nice; it's about creating a seamless user experience that meets the needs of our users. And yet, our designs are often downplayed as just "aesthetics." It's frustrating, to say the least. 

We're not just decorators; we're problem-solvers, thinkers, and communicators. We need time to iterate, to think, and to refine our designs, just like developers need time to code. 

The Building Analogy

Imagine a building without an architect to draw out the plan, an interior designer to work on the beauty, and a team to ensure it meets the needs of its inhabitants. It would be a mess, right? The architect ensures the building is functional and safe, the interior designer makes it look beautiful and inviting, and the team ensures it meets the needs of its users. That's what we do as product designers. 

We're not just concerned with the aesthetics; we're concerned with the functionality, usability, and overall user experience. We're the architects, interior designers, and builders of the digital world. 

PS: If you’ve come this far reading this, then this link is for you

The Ask

So, the next time you see a design, remember that it's not just about making things look pretty. It's about the blood, sweat, and tears that went into creating a seamless user experience. Give us the time we deserve to do our job well. 

And to my fellow designer, developers, QA, let's keep doing what we do best - creating amazing experiences that delight our users. We may not be Merlin, but we're pretty close! Thanks for reading, and I'll catch you in the next edition of Gates!