DSGN Unfiltered: An Engaging Conversation about Work Ethic in Design

On November 7th, SO Dsgn hosted our first DSGN Unfiltered event, bringing together a diverse group of designers for an open, interactive conversation about work ethic in the design industry. With 45 creatives in attendance, including seasoned professionals, students, and everything in between, the event was a huge success. We had five amazing panelists who generously shared their insights and experiences.

Meet our Panelists

• Dan Walter – Owner & Designer of Dan Walter Design Co

• José Padilla – Industrial Design Director at Marks

• Mallory Evans – Interaction Designer at Weber

• Matteo Iavicoli – Lead Designer at MNML

• Maggie O'Brien – Sr. Designer at Landor

The event was structured around seven key topics related to work ethic, and we invited the audience to engage in the conversation right alongside the panelists. Each panelist and guest received a paddle with “A” on one side and “B” on the other, and throughout the night, we presented them with opposing statements on each topic. It was up to everyone to hold up the paddle that resonated most with them, sparking lively debates, thought-provoking moments, and plenty of fun.

Hot Takes on Work Ethic

1. Design as a Job vs. Passion
   A) Design is just a career path among many others vs. B) Design is a passion that transcends mere employment
   The conversation here was rich, with panelists and the audience sharing their personal experiences about the relationship between design and passion. Some spoke about finding joy in the craft, while others discussed the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the need for design to be a career with boundaries.

2. Completion vs. Perfection
   A) Completion matters more than perfecting every detail vs. B) Quality and perfection should always take priority
   Perfectionism can be both a gift and a curse, and the discussion revealed a wide range of perspectives on when to call a project finished versus when it’s worth pushing through for that extra level of polish.

3. Career Growth
   A) Fast-paced environments drive the most growth for designers vs. B) Growth happens best in environments that allow time to learn deeply
   Panelists shared their different paths to success, from thriving in fast-paced environments to finding value in spaces that allow for deep learning and exploration, emphasizing the need for both personal and professional growth to move forward in the industry.

4. Quiet Quitting
   A) Doing only what’s required of me preserves work-life balance vs. B) Going above and beyond is key to career growth
   With the rise of quiet quitting in many industries, the panel had an open conversation about how it impacts design professionals and whether it’s a signal for a systemic change or just a healthy way of setting personal limits.

5. Pain vs. Gain
   A) Hard work and sacrifice are necessary for success vs. B) Success shouldn't require enduring hardship
   From all-nighters to intense project deadlines, some designers expressed the value of hard work and hustle, while others argued that success should not come at the cost of mental or physical health. This topic sparked a particularly passionate debate.

6. Flexibility
   A) Creativity thrives when we allow flexibility in our work hours vs. B) Deadlines and structure can actually boost creative output
   As the industry evolves, flexibility in work hours and environments is becoming more common. The discussion highlighted how flexibility can foster creativity, but also the importance of discipline to get the work done.

7. Cutting Corners
   A) Cutting corners leads to mediocre design vs. B) Efficiency sometimes means knowing where to cut corners
   As designers, we’ve all had to make tough decisions about time management and resource allocation. This conversation explored the balance between quality and efficiency, with panelists reflecting on times they’ve had to cut corners to meet deadlines or budget constraints.

Paddles Up! Real Talk & Valuable Insights

The format of the event kept everyone on their toes, and the back-and-forth between the panelists and the audience was both informative and fun. The "A" vs. "B" paddle game allowed for quick, decisive answers and gave the audience a chance to voice their thoughts on each topic, making for an interactive and dynamic conversation. We saw people nodding in agreement, disagreeing respectfully, and most importantly, engaging with each other in an open and candid way.

The feedback we received after the event was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees loved the format, especially the chance to actively participate and hear a wide range of opinions. It was clear that the event sparked new ideas and conversations about work ethic in design, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

The Results

What’s Next? Continuing the Conversation…

DSGN Unfiltered was all about bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront and creating a space where voices from all corners of the design world could be heard. From the panelists to the attendees, everyone contributed to the success of the event. We’re already looking forward to what’s next!

Thank you to everyone who attended, and a special thanks to our incredible panelists for sharing their time, wisdom, and passion. DSGN Unfiltered: The Work Ethic Discussion was just the first of many events to come and we can’t wait for the next one. Stay tuned!

If you weren’t able to join us, don’t worry—we’ll be continuing the conversation online. Let us know your thoughts on the topics we covered by following us on LinkedIn & Instagram.