Think Like a Designer
Design Your Work Life
This framework is based on the idea that people can design their own work life and find happiness and fulfillment in their careers. It involves adopting a designer's mindset and using design thinking principles to approach problems and challenges. The framework includes six mindsets: curiosity, bias to action, reframing, awareness, radical collaboration, and storytelling.
- Be curious and open to new experiences and ideas
- Take action and try new things, rather than just thinking about them
- Reframe problems and challenges as opportunities for growth and learning
- Be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, and be willing to ask for help
- Collaborate with others and seek out diverse perspectives and ideas
- Cultivate CuriosityStart by being curious and open to new experiences and ideas. Ask questions, seek out new information, and be willing to try new things.Pro tipSchedule time each week to explore new topics and ideasWarningDon't be afraid to ask 'dumb' questions - it's all part of the learning process
- Take ActionTake action and try new things, rather than just thinking about them. This will help you build momentum and make progress towards your goals.Pro tipStart small and take incremental steps towards your goalsWarningDon't be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes - they are an opportunity for growth and learning
- Reframe ProblemsReframe problems and challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. This will help you approach challenges with a positive and proactive mindset.Pro tipPractice reframing problems by asking yourself 'what can I learn from this experience?'WarningDon't get stuck in a negative mindset - focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems
- Practice AwarenessBe aware of your own strengths and weaknesses, and be willing to ask for help. This will help you build a support network and make progress towards your goals.Pro tipSchedule regular check-ins with friends, family, or a mentor to discuss your progress and challengesWarningDon't be afraid to ask for help - it's a sign of strength, not weakness
- Collaborate with OthersCollaborate with others and seek out diverse perspectives and ideas. This will help you build a support network and make progress towards your goals.Pro tipJoin a community or group of people who share your interests and goalsWarningDon't be afraid to disagree with others - it's an opportunity for growth and learning
- Tell Your StoryTell your story and share your experiences with others. This will help you build connections and make progress towards your goals.Pro tipPractice telling your story by writing it down or sharing it with a friend or family memberWarningDon't be afraid to be vulnerable - it's an opportunity for growth and connection
A person who is unhappy in their current career can use the Think Like a Designer framework to redesign their career and find a new path that is more fulfilling.
A person who is unhappy in their current work environment can use the Think Like a Designer framework to identify areas for improvement and make changes to create a more positive and productive work environment.
The framework was developed by Bill Burnett, a professor at Stanford University, and is based on his experience teaching design thinking to students and working with people to redesign their work lives.