INDUSTRIAL DESIGNERS: collaboration without vision is just design by committee

Cross-functional input is essential. Cross-functional decision-making kills products. The skill is knowing which feedback reveals a flaw versus which is just preference.

Junior designers accommodate everyone. Senior designers know when to defend the vision and when to adapt it.

Strong products need someone who can say "this concern is valid" and also "this request dilutes the concept." That judgment is the job.

I've watched concepts get watered down until nobody got a product worth talking about. The competition shipped a clear point of view and dominated.

Your job isn't making everyone comfortable. It's knowing which calls are the right ones to make.

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