Keith Rich discusses the evolution of design and bridging the gap between design and development.
You can listen to this episode on the Technically Speaking website or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Keith Rich, Principal Designer at Think Company, to discuss his career journey, his passion for soccer, and his insights into the evolution of design. Keith shares his experiences and perspectives on design systems, object-oriented design, and the collaboration between designers and developers.
The Intersection of Soccer and Design
Keith’s love for soccer has been a significant influence in his life and career. From playing the sport at a young age to being a fan and supporter, soccer has shaped his creative mindset. He explains, “Soccer is universal. Wherever you go, someone has played soccer or knows what soccer is, and there’s different ways to explain it. But when that merges with design and my creativity, that’s where those two worlds collide.”
From Art to Design
Keith’s journey into design began with his early experiences in creating soccer-related artwork. He recalls, “There was an old-school forum called Soccer Art, and I would spend all day using Photoshop Express to create wallpapers and do video editing. That’s where I got started in connecting soccer to art.” This early exploration of design led him to discover the potential of design in creating solutions for people to enjoy in their daily lives.
The Curiosity for the Evolution of Design
Keith’s curiosity about the evolution of design has been a driving force in his career. He explains, “I’m always looking at what the next thing is and ways to build efficiencies or get to work that is usually hard to think about.” This curiosity has led him to explore design systems and object-oriented design as ways to streamline the design process and create more effective and user-friendly experiences.
Object-Oriented Design and Design Systems
Object-oriented design has played a significant role in Keith’s approach to design. He describes it as a way to break down the different pieces and parts of an experience and visualize the UI before putting it into practice. Keith emphasizes the importance of collaboration and early sharing of work, stating, “The earlier, the better, for everyone to see what each other is doing.”
The Collaboration Between Designers and Developers
Keith’s role as a principal designer involves working closely with developers to bridge the gap between design and development. He highlights the importance of understanding each other’s disciplines and finding common ground. Keith believes that showing work early and often is key to successful collaboration, stating, “The earlier, the better, for everyone to see what each other is doing.”
The Role of a Principal Designer
As a principal designer, Keith’s role is focused on the craft of design and leading projects. He explains, “It’s about being closer to the work and finding your niche, whether it’s design systems, language, or bridging the gap between design and development.” Keith finds joy in prototyping and being hands-on with the design process, and he aspires to continue growing in this direction.
The Implications and Future Outlook
The evolution of design, driven by curiosity and collaboration, has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach design and create user experiences. By embracing object-oriented design and design systems, designers can streamline their processes and create more efficient and user-friendly solutions. The collaboration between designers and developers is crucial in bridging the gap and ensuring that design and development work seamlessly together.
Looking ahead, Keith believes that designers should continue to expand their perspectives and challenge the status quo. He advises, “Detaching yourself from the work and realizing that you’re creating something that is not just about you is essential.” By embracing a mindset of continuous learning and exploration, designers can stay at the forefront of the evolving design landscape.
In conclusion, Keith Rich’s journey in design, fueled by his passion for soccer and curiosity about the evolution of design, offers valuable insights into the intersection of creativity and problem-solving. Through object-oriented design, design systems, and collaboration with developers, designers can create more efficient and user-friendly experiences. As the design landscape continues to evolve, embracing new perspectives and challenging the status quo will be key to staying ahead in the field of design.
You can listen to this episode on the Technically Speaking website or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
