Sometimes learning starts from when we make room for new information
Challenging old habits and beliefs, letting them go, and adopting new knowledge.
đ°ď¸ Est. reading time: 2 minutes
I was wrongâlearning isn't just about piling up knowledge and skills. Sometimes, it starts with letting go of what we knew before to make room for new knowledge.
So, as designers, what do we unlearn?
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Unlearning in my design journey
I let go of not using shortcuts in Figma. I used to click every tool manually. Learning shortcuts was slow at first, but now they save me loads of time.
I stopped making 10 color ranges for every color in a design system. Now, I start with a minimal set of colors that could be useful for reusable styles.
Another thing I unlearned was the belief that every design needs usability testing. I had started to treat it as the final verdict rather than a learning tool, and without it, I felt uncertain about my designs. But I learned that this isnât always trueâyou often donât have the time or resources to test. Sometimes, you need to be bold and make choices without testing, which forces you to be more deliberate and consider why a design does or doesnât need testing. This helps me think more critically about my decisions.
We often cling to old habits or past successes that no longer serve us. We might believe that what worked before will work again, but thatâs not always the case. We're only experts of the past.
The challenge of letting go
Letting go isn't just forgetting.
It's more than that. We need to retrain our brains to accept and use new, more relevant information or ways of doing things.
When we learn something new, our brain makes new paths. Unlearning means weakening old paths and making new ones. This is hard because our brain likes to stick to what it knows - or what we call 'status quo bias.' Change feels risky. We prefer to keep things the same to avoid the discomfort of change, even if change could be good.
Unlearning opens new doors
âEmpty your cup. Unlearn what you think you know to relearn what you need to know.â
â Gustavo Razzetti
Unlearning shows us a new way to learn. Many of us are always thinking about what to learn next, but sometimes moving forward could be a chance to question our beliefs, let them go, and accept new knowledge.
When we unlearn, we rethink what we know, so we can learn what we really need to know.
How to put this advice into action
Identify old habits: Start by reflecting on your current design practices. What habits, methods, or mindsets are you holding onto that might not serve you anymore? Make a list of these.
Challenge your assumptions: For each habit, ask yourself why youâre still using it. Is it because itâs genuinely effective, or just because itâs familiar? Be honest with yourself.
Experiment with new approaches: Pick one habit or belief to challenge this week or month. Try out a new tool, method, or mindset. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but that's a sign you're growing.
Reflect on the outcome: After trying something new, take a moment to reflect. Did it help you achieve better results? If so, consider adopting it into your regular practice.
Repeat the process: Unlearning is a continuous journey. Regularly revisit your habits and beliefs to ensure they still align with your goals. As you grow, so should your approach.
đ¤ Take a moment to reflect:
What is one design habit or belief youâve been holding onto that might be getting in the way of your growth?
How can you start unlearning it this week?
I hope this message helps you see the value in unlearning.
Take the time to reflect, challenge your current practices, and open yourself to new growth opportunities. Keep evolving and designing with purpose.
Your Design Buddy,
Thomas
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This piece is taken from my book, "The Practice of Design Practice," which explores mindsets and practical tips for designers to engage as lifelong learners.
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References:
Brown, P. C., Roediger III, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning. Harvard University Press.
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