Ego and Design: It’s Not Always a Bad Thing

Defining Ego

In psychological terms, ego is a component of the human psyche, which was defined by Sigmund Freud in his psychoanalytic theory. In this context we’ll be looking at the more colloquial usage of the word. In everyday conversations, when we talk about someone having a “large ego,” we’re referring to their self-perception, confidence, and sometimes, an overestimation of their own abilities. It’s crucial to recognize that having a healthy amount of ego is not inherently negative; it can fuel motivation, innovation, and a strong sense of individual identity. However, it’s when ego becomes excessive or unchecked that it can lead to challenges, especially in collaborative and creative environments. In the realm of design and creativity, we’re often deeply invested in our work, forming a personal attachment to our projects. This emotional investment can sometimes be misconstrued as ego, highlighting the nuanced relationship between personal passion and a healthy sense of self. Throughout this article, we’ll delve into the various facets of ego, exploring its manifestations, how it impacts the creative process, and ways to strike a balance that fosters collaboration and innovation in the design field.

In Defense of the Designers Ego

Promoting Oneself

The stereotype of designers having big egos has been around for a while. Why does this stereotype seem more prevalent in creative fields? Unlike more traditional roles like engineering or rocket science, where qualifications are often straightforwardly measured by degrees and years of experience, design is a little different.

As designers, we have to market ourselves. The success of a designer is very rarely measured by the evidence of a degree. Instead, the portfolio becomes proof of one’s skills, ideas, and unique perspective. We have to showcase our work, which is often very personal and subjective, inviting judgment not only on our technical skills but also on our creative vision. To secure opportunities, designers not only need to demonstrate their competence and experience but also need to market themselves effectively.

Self-promotion requires us to have a balance of confidence and humility. In this competitive landscape, a certain level of self-confidence and touch of ego, are sort of a necessity. It’s a fine line that designers walk—needing enough confidence to say, “Look at what I can create,” while also maintaining the openness to critique and collaboration.

Personal Attachment

We’ve probably all experienced that deep emotional attachment that develops throughout a project. For some of you, that attachment develops through countless nights in the studio or shop. For others it might develop by thinking about our projects in the shower or before bed, or maybe that’s just me. As designers, we commit a huge amount of time and energy, sometimes spanning weeks, months, or even years, in the relentless pursuit of the best solution to a problem.

The challenge arises when this emotional attachment transforms into an unhealthy ego. Negative feedback, especially after investing significant time and effort, can trigger a defensive response. This defensiveness, which could very easily be mistaken as ego, stems from the vulnerability of putting our creative work out into the world.

The Manifestation of the Unhealthy Ego

It’s not that hard to tell when someone has a big ego. Here are some pretty common red flags…

• Ignoring User Feedback
  • There might be moments when the results of user testing disagree with what the designer thinks is best. Design is meant to be tailored to the needs of the user. There’s no place for big egos in the design field. If you want to make something that YOU like and ignore the user, then you’re an artist, not a designer.
• Refusing to Collaborate
  • A designers resistant to collaboration, is likely driven by ego. Collaborative efforts bring richness to ideas, challenge assumptions, and enhance the overall quality of the final product.
• Resistance to Client Input
  • It’s possible that a designers avoidance of client input operates under the assumption that their ideas and creative vision are more important than the clients needs. Satisfying both parties is, in most cases, possible.
• Overlooking Accessibility
  • This is one part of design that I feel is most easily overlooked when inflated egos cause tunnel vision.
• Refusing to Iterate or Not Being Open to Feedback
  • Refusal to iterate on designs, especially in response to constructive feedback, might be a sign that the designer is trying to protect their ego. Iteration is a fundamental part of the design process. You have to be able to handle being critiqued if you care about creating impactful designs.

A Healthy Ego

As designers, we walk a thin line, balancing healthy attachment to our work and the pitfalls of overconfidence. Becoming too attached can cause us to have tunnel vision, making it more difficult for us to consider alternative perspectives or iterate on our designs.

A healthy ego has the confidence to defend and sell their designs and the humility to receive negative feedback. It empowers designers to take risks and produce work reflective of their perspective. Without any ego, it would be impossible to create. You must have some level of self-confidence to produce just about anything.

Older, Wiser, Better?

As I’m transitioning from student life to the professional scene, one thing stands out: the connection between a designer’s experience and the size of their egos. Some people, especially those with a long and successful career, tend to carry big egos – and hey, maybe they’ve earned the right. But not all seasoned designers go that route. I’ve met some older pros who could easily brag but choose to stay humble, open to feedback, and excited to keep learning. It’s a nice reminder that no matter how far you’ve come, there is always room to grow.

A healthy ego can act as a catalyst for innovation and, at other times when it’s unhealthy, pose challenges to collaboration and growth. The delicate equilibrium between confidence and humility is so important, with a healthy ego serving as a means to empower designers in their creative pursuits while maintaining openness to constructive feedback.