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The Competence of a Successful Designer

Author

Listed:
  • Niina Turtola

    (Edinburgh Napier University, The School of Arts & Creative Industries)

  • Prof Emerita Kaarina Määttä

    (University of Lapland)

Abstract

The designer?s practice is subject to ever-increasing demands in the accelerating transformations and complexities of our time. A designer's competence requires continuous renewal and realignment, yet it contains several permanent qualities. The purpose of this article is to create a holistic picture of the competence of a successful designer. This article shows how a designer's competence is constructed of four factors: cognitive, social, emotional, and functional. Cognitive factors include several characteristics required for design thinking, especially creativity, and the ability to produce new insights and the ability to cope with uncertainty. Design is a social process, where interaction skills and the ability to collaborate are crucial in a co-design approach to collective creativity. The designer's positive feelings, attitudes and enthusiasm promote design thinking, problem-solving and innovation. Functional factors, such as good knowledge and skills, are essential tools for the development of the design. These promote the designer's work satisfaction and well-being. The success of a designer requires multi-faceted competence, and success does not only depend on personal characteristics. Success is influenced by the environment in which the designer works. A good atmosphere of the work community, support and encouragement promotes success for all parties involved in the design process.

Suggested Citation

  • Niina Turtola & Prof Emerita Kaarina Määttä, 2023. "The Competence of a Successful Designer," International Journal of Business and Management, International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences, vol. 11(1), pages 32-49, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sek:jijobm:v:11:y:2023:i:1:p:32-49
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John Thackara, 2006. "In the Bubble: Designing in a Complex World," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262701154, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    designer; competence; success; skills;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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