Designers Aren't Unicorns, They're Versatile Wizards

This is going to sound like an extravagant exaggeration, but I’ve seen it happen too many times: landing the right talent can make or break your brilliant idea. And when it comes to design, many founders are on a mythical quest for the "perfect fit" designer - one who's already built an identical product or battled the exact same complexities. But hear me out, this line of thinking could be sabotaging your startup's success.

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The "Been There, Done That" Trap 🪤

Far too many startups fall into the trap of hunting for a designer whose portfolio is a mirror image of their specific needs. While it's tempting to seek someone who's already conquered similar challenges, this narrow-minded approach is seriously limiting. A designer's superpowers lie not in their past product replicas, but in their deep understanding of the design process. They should have the ability to wield it like a wand against any complex problem or data beast.

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Design Thinking: The Ultimate Spell ✨

Design thinking isn't some rigid process confined to a particular realm. It's versatile and ever-evolving and allows creative designers to apply their expertise across a wide range of industries  and contexts. A truly skilled designer can take the core principles of user research, information architecture, visual design, and usability testing, and conjure up solutions for any product or service, regardless of the industry, product or medium.

Designers who have worked across various industries can bring innovative ideas to the table, challenging stale assumptions and inspiring new enchantments. A team of designers with varying backgrounds fosters a more well-rounded, inclusive design process. Different perspectives can uncover blindspots, identify edge cases, and ensure the final product casts an alluring spell on a wider range of users.

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Seeking Unicorns? You're on a Fruitless Quest 🦄

In a saturated design talent market, the search for a "unicorn" designer - one who's seemingly done it all and perfectly fits your precise needs - is a wild goose chase doomed to fail. The truth? Many designers have the potential to excel in your startup  if given the chance. By obsessing over finding this mythical perfect match, you’re not only wasting a ton of internal resources and time, but you’re also overlooking talented designers  who could bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to your startup.

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Don't Underestimate the Power of Design 📉

Another rookie mistake? Undervaluing design's might. Some startups, in a misguided attempt to cut costs, opt to hire a junior designer – one who can execute on clearly defined deliverables but lacks the experience to contribute to higher-level strategic thinking. While this approach may save a few money in the short run, it can lead to long-term setbacks that could've been avoided by a more seasoned design leader.

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The Value of a Fractional Design Guru ☝️

This is where fractional design leadership with senior individual contributor (IC) capabilities becomes your secret weapon. Here's why engaging a fractional design guru like myself can be a game-changing move for your startup:

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1. Cost Savings: By enlisting me on a fractional basis, you get access to top-tier design leadership prowess without the full-time drain. Substantial savings ahoy!

2. Startup Streetsmarts: I've been in the trenches - working side-by-side with founders, navigating ambiguity like a champ, and rapidly iterating product concepts to pass the validation trials. I know the startup struggle is real, and I’ll be showing up with my trusty toolbox to mitigate unnecessary risk and cut right to the chase.

3. User-Centric Wizardry: With a deep grasp of user research, journey mapping, prototyping, and testing, I'll make sure your product is user-friendly and  boosts adoption chances. 

4. Tech & Data Mastery: Forged from over 20 years of experience, my skills are more than prepared to take on your technical complexities.

5. SmoothTalker: As a seasoned design leader, I can eloquently communicate even the most convoluted design concepts, influence key decision-making, and harmoniously align cross-functional teams.

6. Flexibility: By offering my services on a fractional basis, I provide the flexibility to scale my involvement up or down as needed to ensure the perfect amount of design leadership at each stage.

7. Team Building:  I can also lend my expertise in assembling the right design team for your unique needs, leveraging years of experience in hiring and managing talented design folk.

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So, let's ditch the quest for unicorns and rethink how we approach design hiring. Instead of fixating on replicas of past experiences, seek out those who demonstrate a robust, adaptable design process and stellar problem-solving skills. Invest in seasoned designers who can strategically shape your vision and catalyze product growth. 

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Consider fractional design leadership to tap into top-tier expertise and flexibility. This mindset shift could unlock your startup's full magical potential and pave the way for success in the ever-competitive tech sector.

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What are you waiting for? Reach out now and let's make some magic happen! 🪄🎩