The abilities a designer should have to make good design

I have background in architecture and my collage training is the best in Taiwan design education. I nearly never change the way I do design. When I did interaction design in Taiwan, it is more like design with new technology and advanced concept. After CIID, I totally change the process I do design. In the thesis phase, I can feel more and more about the power of design thinking.

Here are thoughts of abilities which a designer should have to make a good design. It is a reflection not a serious report.

ASK GOOD QUESTION / DEFINE A GOOD DESIGN CHALLENGE
Especially for thesis, it is very important to ask good question. This defines how high and how good a design could be. This represents designer's vision and personality. It is hardest design skill to teach.

CREATE GOOD ENVIRONMENT THAT INSPIRING AND SECURING CONCEPT
For my personal experience, every design decision is based on the resources now, so it is important to have rich resources to lead to a good decision. User research, brainstorming and prototype are great skill to create good environment to make good design decision. These skills are also great to failure earlier and proof of feasibility as earlier as possible.

PROTOTYPING
Prototyping is an ability to realize and evaluate the concept. It is similar to architect makes the model to visualize what is in their mind. Only through prototyping, we can failure earlier and evolve the design with evidence.

ABILITY TO CREATE INSIGHT
It is not only about creating insights from user research but also the insights of every phase of design such as brainstorming, prototyping. It is about seeing through the true values behind it or making a great philosophy to explain it.

ABILITY TO MAKE TOOLS
Design is about bridging expectation and resources with good strategy. Ability to make tools means that designer should have ability to design a design process according to the project.