process work

As I gain more experience in design–both in education and hands-on work– I've realized the importance of designers to have hobbies and interests that expand beyond design. Dancing, cooking, gardening, gaming… there are countless ways to diversify your design thinking, and it starts with diversifying your free-time. For the same reason, I think it's important that designers think beyond 'making something pretty' when given any task (be it in school or at a job). Force yourself to think beyond what you know, bringing to the table your individualized skill set; eventually (if they don't already), colleagues will recognize your importance in the grand scheme of any problem, and your assistance will expand beyond the surface.