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The Power of Encouragement in Human-Centered Design
No one builds a career in human-centered design alone. While the field is often framed around skills, frameworks, and methodologies, there’s an underappreciated force that sustains many of us: encouragement.
Looking back on my journey, I can trace moments where someone’s belief in me gave me the confidence to move forward. These weren’t just passing compliments or empty affirmations—they were pivotal moments where another person’s faith in my abilities pushed me to take risks, step into leadership, and ultimately shape my own path.
Early Days: Encouragement as Permission to Pursue
In 2003, I found myself drawn to what was then known as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). It was an emerging space, and I wasn’t entirely sure how to navigate it, let alone whether it could be a career. Anthony Quinn was one of the first people who really listened, took my interest seriously, and encouraged me to go for it. When someone you respect validates your instincts, it transforms uncertainty into momentum. That encouragement gave me permission to commit—to lean into something that fascinated me rather than second-guess whether it was the right move.
Taking a Chance: When Someone Sees Potential Before You Do
Fast forward a few years, and I found myself working at Myspace. It was here that Rebekah Horne, my boss at the time, made a decision that changed everything for me: she gave me my first leadership role. I hadn’t asked for it. I wasn’t even sure I was ready for it. But she saw something in me and was willing to take a chance.
That’s the thing about encouragement at the right moment—it’s not just about words. It’s about trust. Someone placing responsibility in your hands before you feel fully prepared forces you to rise to the occasion. Rebekah’s belief in me didn’t just change my role at Myspace—it shifted my own belief in what I was capable of.
A Community of Encouragers: The Birth of This is HCD
Years later, when I was considering launching This is HCD, I found myself in that familiar space of uncertainty. Was it the right time? Would it work? Was I the right person to do it? This is where Adrienne Tan comes in. In those early days of Humana Design, Adrienne wasn’t just a brilliant listener—she was an active encourager. She helped me see the value in what I was trying to build and pushed me to take action.
Encouragement, when it comes from the right people, isn’t about flattery. It’s about clarity. It’s about someone holding up a mirror and helping you see what’s already there—your skills, your potential, your ideas—so you can trust yourself to take the next step.
Why Encouragement Matters in HCD
In human-centered design, we often talk about empathy for users, stakeholders, and communities. But how often do we talk about it in relation to our peers? Our industry thrives on people who are willing to see potential in others, to listen deeply, and to nudge each other forward.
Encouragement isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It’s an essential skill—one that shapes careers, builds confidence, and ultimately strengthens the field as a whole. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who saw something in me and told me to go for it.
So here’s my challenge: Who can you encourage today?
Who do you see standing at the edge of something new, unsure whether to take the leap?
Because sometimes, all it takes is a few words from the right person to change everything.
