In the world of design, we often hear about the challenges of aligning with business goals, advocating for user needs, and staying updated with ever-evolving design trends. But there’s a deeper, often overlooked challenge that designers face daily—people.

The Unseen Struggles of Designers

A recent LinkedIn post by Dani Crosby shared a powerful insight from a UX designer who attended a team meeting with their new VP of Design. When asked about challenges they faced, most designers in the room pointed to business-related struggles. But the real challenge? Navigating people.

As designers, we don’t work in isolation. We work in cross-functional teams, collaborating with stakeholders, developers, marketers, and leadership. Each of these individuals comes with their own perspectives, pressures, and personal struggles that inevitably shape how they work and interact. Understanding and managing these human elements is just as critical as advocating for the user.

Empathy Beyond Users: Understanding Colleagues

We often emphasize user empathy, but what about empathy for our colleagues? The LinkedIn post highlighted personal struggles many professionals face—illness, financial stress, personal loss, and systemic biases. These aren’t just abstract issues; they directly impact the way people work, make decisions, and communicate.

A developer struggling with burnout might dismiss design feedback not because they disagree, but because they’re overwhelmed. A stakeholder rejecting your proposal might not be against the idea but might be preoccupied with a major budget cut affecting their department. A fellow designer not pulling their weight could be battling personal issues you don’t see.

The Power of Building Trust

Trust is the foundation of effective collaboration. When designers take the time to connect with their teammates on a personal level, it fosters a healthier work environment. Instead of seeing pushback as resistance, we can reframe it as an opportunity for conversation and alignment.

Here’s how designers can navigate these human challenges:

• Ask, don’t assume. If someone disagrees with your design decisions, dig deeper. What’s their concern? What constraints are they dealing with?

• Create safe spaces for dialogue. Open, honest discussions build stronger teams. Whether it’s casual coffee chats or structured team retrospectives, foster environments where people feel heard.

• Recognize the human behind the role. Just as users aren’t just data points, colleagues aren’t just job titles. Showing genuine care and understanding goes a long way.

Let Us Embrace Designing With (and For) Humans

Design isn’t just about pixels and user flows; it’s about people—users, stakeholders, and teammates alike. The ability to navigate workplace relationships, understand the human side of collaboration, and build trust is what truly sets great designers apart.

At Kampala Design Podcast, we explore the realities of working in design beyond just the craft. Stay tuned for more conversations on the challenges and triumphs of being a designer in today’s world. And remember, behind every stakeholder, developer, or manager is a human being just trying to do their best—just like you.