Just do what you’re told…

A bunch of years ago, I had a free weekend so I called up my Grandfather. He was in his late 80’s at the time. I told him I would come over for the day on a Saturday, help him with some yard work. 

When I got there He had white, plastic patio chair positioned in front of one of his many work sheds scattered across his property.

“Hey Grandpa, what’s up? What are we doing today.”

Smiling “WE aren’t doing anything. You are. Go into the shed.”

“Sure thing. You’re the boss.” I go into the shed.

“Look up in the rafters.” I look up into the rafters.

“The are some boards up there.” There were boards up there.

“Grab three of them.” I grab three of them.

“Bring them out here.” I bring them out there.

“Put them on the saw.” I put them on the saw.

“Now, measure about….”

“Hey Grandpa? If you would tell me what we are doing I could maybe contribute my ideas on how we could do this, maybe a bit faster at least?”

Smiling, “I don’t care about your ideas, I just want you to do what you’re told. Now take that board and…”

I love this story because my Grandpa’s real agenda for the day was to be with me. More specifically, boss me around. And I had no problem with that. He served in WW2, worked his entire career at a paper mill and suffered from emphysema. He’d earned it. But it’s an interesting parable I’ve seen played out in various corporate environments.

It’s a terrible use of a designer (anyone really) to do what they are told (and yes I know, there’s a place for clear direction, but that’s not what we are talking about here). 

Designers are best utilized as expert interpreters. 

Understanding the task is only the beginning. Figuring out what isn’t being said and utilizing experience, cultural knowledge, genre, and technique to solve the problem in new, unexpected and meaningful ways is the real “service” here.  And it’s what makes design so dynamic and interesting, surprising, and beautiful. 

Interpretation is not regurgitation. It’s understanding. 

Expecting and demanding someone to do what they are told comes with one huge caveat. That’s exactly what you’ll get. Nothing less, but sadly, nothing more.