Should Product Designers Read Unreasonable Hospitality?
5 quotes from Will Guidara's "Unreasonable Hospitality" that will reshape your approach to creating thoughtful, user-centered designs.
Hi Friends,
Today, I’d like to share five valuable insights I gained from reading "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara. A friend recommended this book while we were chatting about our backgrounds in the hospitality industry, and yes if your wondering many years ago I had the opportunity to work at various restaurants and cafe’s, where surprisingly enough I learned a-lot about what it takes to deliver a pleasant and even memorable experience.
It's funny because this 'fun fact' about me often surprises those I meet, though I'm not really sure why. After all, there are many similarities between the general objectives of these industries. With this in mind I decided give Unreasonable hospitality a try to see if there were any bits of gold that incorporate into my professional growth.
Now if your still wondering whether you should read the book, the answer is yes, although "Unreasonable Hospitality" may not be explicitly aimed at product designers, its principles deeply resonate and offer valuable guidance for those of us creating digital experiences. Much of Guidara’s insight apply not only to the design process but also to team collaboration and leadership skills that I think are valuable. With that in mind, here are some carefully curated takeaways from the book that I think will add value to product designers tool set of skills.
Being Intentional
Being intentional in design is all about embedding thoughtfulness and clarity into every aspect of your work. As Will Guidara puts it, "To do something with intentionality means to do it thoughtfully with a clear purpose in mind."
As designers, it’s crucial that we avoid superficial decisions, like relying solely on spontaneous inspiration. While these moments have their place, true intention must underpin every design choice, no matter its size. The sum of these intentional micro-interactions ultimately sculpts the entire user experience, going beyond the core product itself. By being deliberate in every choice, you contribute to crafting more meaningful and impactful experiences.
Fostering Collaboration
Designing collaboratively means cultivating an environment where open communication and mutual respect thrive. Will Guidara highlights the importance of acknowledging and appreciating each team member’s unique talents. Collaboration goes beyond merely working in proximity; it involves integrating diverse viewpoints to fuel innovation.
The way you respond to new ideas can set the tone for future contributions, as Guidara notes, "The first time someone comes to you with an idea, listen closely, because how you handle it will dictate how they choose to contribute in the future." Every interaction sets the stage for future collaborations, emphasizing the need for thoughtfulness and openness. By listening actively and providing a supportive atmosphere, you empower your team and unlock their potential, which leads to more innovative and successful outcomes.
Striving for Excellence
Amid today's competitive landscape, it's tempting to rush to launch and promise enhancements later—we've all been there. However, while iterative improvements are important, designers should advocate for creating exceptional experiences right from the beginning. Guidara wisely says, "It may not be possible to do everything perfectly, but it is possible to do many things perfectly."
I appreciated this because it points to the idea that there needs to be a middle ground rather than chasing perfectionism endlessly, focus on deliberate actions to guarantee high-quality outcomes. In other words delivering excellence doesn't equate to flawlessness in every detail; it's about intentionally honing in on core user interactions that define the product's value. By maintaining high standards and striving for excellence, you craft memorable and impactful user experiences.
Embracing a Creative Process
The creative process might seem like an unrestricted flow where ideas come and go, and to some extent, it is. However, Guidara's perspective adds depth: creativity demands initiative and active engagement. This struck a chord with me, affirming that, as designers, we mustn't wait for inspiration but should actively chase new ideas and perspectives. "Creativity is an active process, not a passive one," says Guidara, underscoring the need for action and continuous discipline. By creating safe environments that foster creativity through structured meetings, teamwork, and intentional open thinking, we nurture a curious mindset that propels innovative solutions. Viewing creativity as an ongoing journey equips us to deliver fresh, dynamic experiences.
Don't Ruin a Story with Facts
While crafting feasible designs that engineers can build is essential, over-focusing on technical constraints early on can stifle creativity. I've been in that situation, yet Guidara's advice is enlightening: "Start with what you want to achieve, instead of limiting yourself to what's realistic or sustainable." Allowing creativity to lead the process from the outset can unveil innovative opportunities and redefine perceived boundaries. By prioritizing exploration of what's possible, designers can transcend limitations and create groundbreaking designs. Embracing this approach fosters creativity and lets us craft meaningful experiences that inspire and elevate our work.
The Power of Hospitality Principles in Product Design
At its core, designing exceptional user experiences requires more than just technical expertise—it demands empathy, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Just as hospitality revolves around making people feel valued and understood, these same principles can guide us in creating thoughtful, user-centered digital experiences. By being intentional, fostering collaboration, and embracing creativity, we can craft products that not only solve problems but resonate deeply with the people who use them.
What do you think about applying hospitality principles to design? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any experiences you've had—feel free to share in the comments!
Thank you for reading today’s post!
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Love the thoughts around "creativity is fostered through action". It's about actively following our own curiosity, seeking new perspectives, and putting into the reps (similar with writing too).