Contrary to the common portrayal of designers, designers do more than make things pretty.

If we had more experienced designers in the world, life would be better for everyone. Here’s why:

1. Experienced designers understand the path of least resistance

The path of least resistance is the easiest way to get anything done.

Ever meet someone that you and everyone else considered to be a slacker? Yet every time something was due they’d have it done and, more often than not, done better than most? If they’re not already, this person is probably meant to be a designer.

As designers, we create experiences that are incredibly easy to grasp because our lives are based around making things easy for ourselves. The best designers are typically those slacker kids you grew up with who figured out life’s algorithm at an early age.

2. Designers see the big picture

When it comes to just about anything in life, it’s important to have the big picture in mind—but it’s easy to get lost in the details. Designers aim to understand opportunity costs, and because of this we’re perpetually running cost/benefit analyses.

This analytical understanding of life leads to better budgeting of our time, better prioritising of tasks, and generally better life experiences. In a world of instant gratification, it’s great to be surrounded by people who make decisions after thinking them through.

3. Designers put people first

The best designers have a strong grasp of human behaviour. But they also know that they’re not always right. And when a good designer gets stumped, they ask questions.

Instead of assuming they know the answer, a great designer will ask people what they think of the idea and what could make it better.