The Secret to Being a Great Designer Is Documentation

If there’s one thing we all know as designers, it’s that our job is never just about making things pretty. It’s about solving problems, creating experiences, and making an impact.

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But what if I told you there’s another secret ingredient to design success that often gets overlooked? It’s the art of documenting your projects.

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Taking the time to tell the story of your work is not just for your portfolio; it’s a game-changer for how your design decisions are understood, valued, and appreciated.

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Let’s Talk Documentation

Documentation might sound like the unglamorous side of design, but it’s actually your best friend.

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It's a time capsule that captures the “why” behind your design decisions.

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It's a tale as old as time. You design something that your clients and stakeholders love. Then 6 months later your development team comes back to you and asks, “Why did we choose this layout again?” If you’ve documented your work, you don’t have to bullshit an answer.

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And it’s not just for others—documenting your process also helps you refine your own thinking. It forces you to answer the questions that your clients and stakeholders are likely to ask like, “Why did you choose these colors?” or “Did you try laying out information like this?”

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You’re  showing the evolution of your ideas, and most importantly, articulating the value of your decisions.

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And no one says it better than Tom Greever:

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“Designers who can articulate their decisions are better designers. By explaining what we do, we can help others see the value of our work.”

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When you can clearly explain why you made a design decision, it gives stakeholders confidence in your expertise and helps them understand the strategic thinking behind the visuals.

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Remember, not everyone sees the world the way you do.  Telling the story of your project helps your team connect the dots.

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How to Tell Your Design Story

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Start with the Problem

‍Every good story has a conflict. What problem were you solving? Whether it was a poor user experience, outdated visuals, or a confusing interface, set the stage by explaining the challenge.

 
Share the Process

Walk your audience through how you explored different solutions. Did you do user research? Test prototypes? Run workshops? Share the methods you used and why they were important.

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Show the Evolution

Designs don’t usually pop out perfect on the first try. Share early iterations, what you learned from them, and how the feedback shaped the final outcome.

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Highlight Key Decisions

This is where Greever’s advice comes into play. Point out specific design decisions and explain why they were made. Whether it was a color change for accessibility or a new layout for improved navigation, showing your thought process gives your audience insight into your design expertise.

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Wrap Up with Impact

How did your design solve the problem? Share the results. That’s your *happy ending*.

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The best part? It helps you grow as a designer.

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When you get better at articulating your decisions, you refine your process, and you build a stronger connection with your work.

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So next time you wrap up a project, take some time to document it and tell its story. You never know when that story will inspire someone else—or remind you of just how awesome your work is.

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