Perception vs reality of what designers do
Ernest Hemingway coined the phrase “iceberg theory” as a writing technique where the writer only shares superficial details, allowing the reader to work out implicit detail and the deeper story for themselves. As a creative technique, it offers freedom for our imagination.
However, when it comes to solving business problems, the “Iceberg Principle” has serious implications. It suggests that we cannot see or detect most of a situation’s data. We have to dig deeper to understand root cause. The iceberg is a useful visualisation in business to remind us that what we are aware of and what causes problems are two completely different things.
Iceberg Principle
a theory that suggests that aggregated data can hide information that is important for the proper evaluation of a situation.
Monash University, Marketing Dictionary
https://www.monash.edu/business/marketing/marketing-dictionary/i/iceberg-principle
Adam StJohn Lawrence uses the iceberg to reflect on how service design/design thinking is perceived (workshops and sticky notes) and what it really does (e.g. research and implementing change). Adam asking the question, “why it’s hard for service design to get attention” suggests that the value of design is not being given the appreciation or prominence it deserves. What designers do, and the impact they make is not always properly understood.
Graphic by Adam St John Lawrence
The Service Design Academy team wanted to explore the perception gap by bringing the iceberg exercise to life at UX Scotland. This 3-day conference gathered over 300 designers, researchers and other user-centred professionals Edinburgh over 3 days in May 2024 to learn, share and connect with their community
At the conference, we introduced our “perception vs. reality” iceberg to uncover the hidden depths of delegate’s roles. Participants were asked two simple questions:
What do people think you do?
What do you actually do?
The first question was all about perception—subjective and varied. The second focused on reality—grounded and tangible. To respect anonymity, and keep the exercise suitably fun for people to take part in conference breaks, we didn’t track individual responses for comparison. Rather, we themed answers above and below the line. We also had to recognise the safe environment where the questions were asked, so it did lead to some people “venting”, sharing that adding their thoughts felt like therapy!
Service Design Academy UX Scotland 2024
Above and below the line
What people think designers do
Responses were categorised into four main themes:
Creating Things
Many people believe (UX) designers primarily create things like websites or apps. This perception is based on the visible outputs of their work.
Superficial
There were amusing yet telling responses like “I talk all day” or “spends time on social media,” highlighting a surface-level understanding of their roles.
Creating Barriers
Some see them as the “GDPR police” or the ones who “say no to great ideas,”; that they often hinder more than help.
Helpers and Facilitators
Interestingly, some think of designers as “firefighters” or “therapists,” reflecting a belief that their primary function is to help others to achieve their goals.
The Reality of Design
When it came to what designers really do, the themes were notably different:
Creating Value
Their true role is to help emotionally and functionally connect with people. Designers reported that they create meaningful experiences that resonate with users.
Versatile Roles
UX and service designers wear many hats. Strategists, researchers, and problem-solvers, adapting to various challenges and responsibilities.
Challenging and Disrupting
constantly asking, “Why are we doing this?” UX roles involve questioning assumptions and pushing boundaries to improve user experiences.
Contributing to Organisational Success:
Beyond individual projects, designers play a critical role in creating an inclusive culture and driving the overall success of the organisations they work for.
Challenging Perceptions
The exercise at UX Scotland highlighted a significant gap between perception and reality in design. When designers communicate the value of their work, it’s crucial to share not just what is created (the “things”) but the thought processes, research, and decisions (the “outcomes”) that underpin design.
How can we bridge this gap?
Educate colleagues to explain the breadth and depth of your role to team members and stakeholders
Showcase impact by highlighting the positive outcomes of projects and work, from good user experience to business success.
Continuous learning by staying curious – keep asking critical questions of each other and colleagues.
Understanding and addressing the perception vs. reality gap can lead to a more accurate appreciation of the amazing work designers do every day.
UX Scotland Service Design Academy zone
Thank you
A big thank you to all the delegates and volunteers at UX Scotland who participated in the exercise, Connor Finlayson Kim Anderson and the Service Design Academy team for designing the iceberg activity and to Niloofar Kumblafor analysing the data.
A small step towards shaping how design is communicated in our organisations.
We’d love to hear what you think
For more insights and learning opportunities, visit sda.ac.uk or drop us a line at info@sda.ac.uk
