This post is a replay from issue #12 of The Playbook that I never sent to your inbox. I'm on a break from writing new posts, but I'm excited and looking forward to sharing further insights soon. Additionally, I'm making progress with my upcoming handbook about deliberate practice for designers. Some free slots are still available if you're interested, as I plan to charge for them once it's published.
"What-if" is a simple phrase, yet it has the power to influence how you design.
It encourages you to be optimistic, think creatively, and believe in the potential for improvement in new and unique ways.
It makes you curious.
It pushes you to see beyond the commonness, propels you far ahead, and provides different perspectives and scenarios.
“What if we offer a more exciting onboarding process, considering that similar products tend to be boring?”
“What if users don't have to repeat this process?”
More often, insights arrive as What if moments—bright possibilities that are untested and open to question.
Warren Berger
However, be cautious of what-ifs.
They can be too extravagant.
Find balance by embracing the two sides of what-if, where you swing between optimism and skepticism.
While your inner dreamer gets excited, let your practical side take charge and carefully consider the circumstances. Take on the role of a skeptic, questioning whether the grand idea is truly feasible.
Be practical and assess the situation thoroughly. Allow yourself to doubt the big idea and develop plans to reduce risks. Don't let doubt stop you. Instead, let it motivate you to act. Utilize your ability to think critically to develop plans that tackle the risks.
What if we fail?
What if users don’t understand how to interact with our product?
What-if thinking allows you to act strategically and preemptively.
Jon Kolko
What-if is like two sides of a coin, interconnected but different.
When starting a design exploration, use what-ifs to move forward, take risks, and go far. Then consider the other side of what-if to slow down, be mindful of your steps, and minimize potential risks.
I'm writing two handbooks to guide designers with valuable insights, helping them thrive in their craft.
Frameworks for Thinking offers various frameworks and tools to help designers and creatives think critically, generate new ideas, and solve complex problems.
Deliberate Practice for Designers provides guides and insights to help you master your craft and become a lifelong learner through deliberate practice.