Why a Multi-Skill (Multidisciplinary) Approach Will Help You as a Designer in Tech
As a designer in tech, I’ve found that a multi-skill approach is a powerful tool for growth. It isn’t only for startups. It helps designers stay ahead of the competition, too.
Why more than one hat
I would argue that the ability to wear multiple hats and bring a diverse set of skills to the table is one of the most valuable assets a designer can have in today’s tech landscape. I agree with the popular view that “God is a designer”, so it follows that a creator who can wear multiple hats can innovate in a different way.
The ability to wear multiple hats is one of the most valuable assets a designer can have.
In Nigeria and beyond
There are countless examples of successful designers who have used a multi-skill approach to drive innovation and growth, in startups and in established organisations. Their titles vary, from generalist to full-stack or multidisciplinary designer, but the goal is the same: the best experience for every user.
Take Jumia, one of Nigeria’s leading e-commerce companies. Its success can be attributed in part to a user-centric approach to design led by Haruna Godwin, Head of Design at Jumia, who brings together skills from user experience to product and brand strategy. That lets the team iterate quickly and improve the experience in connection to the Jumia brand, which drives customer loyalty and growth.
It isn’t only a startup thing
Established companies in Nigeria and around the world are recognising the value of designers with a diverse skill set. A study by the Design Management Institute, the Design Value Index, backs this up.
What you gain
- A holistic view. You can look beyond how a product or brand looks to its functionality, usability and overall experience. That helps companies build products that are visually appealing, effective and easy to use.
- Closer collaboration. Understanding the functions and goals of developers, marketers and business leaders helps you create products that align with the overall business strategy.
Pair your tools
Learning multiple tools and pairing them can help you work faster, better and smarter.
Generalists and specialists
Being a generalist doesn’t negate the value of specialists. It is often the combination of generalists and specialists that makes the most successful teams. But a broad skill set makes a designer versatile and adaptable, which is a real advantage in an industry that keeps evolving.
My own experience
For me, a multi-skill approach has been a key factor in my success.
From research and copywriting to animation and front-end development, I’m able to solve for products, brands and people in a more holistic and effective way.
As the tech industry continues to move at lightning speed, I’m confident this approach will only become more important. You can see what it looks like in practice in my case studies.
Where to start
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, embrace a multi-skill approach. Whether you work for a startup, an established company or yourself, a diverse set of skills is a powerful tool for growth, for you and for the companies and customers you serve.
