The Design Industry's Buzzword Bingo: A Designer's Guide to Navigating LinkedIn's Irritations
In the world of design, clear communication is paramount. But when it comes to LinkedIn, designers often find themselves wading through a sea of buzzwords and dramatic framing, making it harder to convey their insights effectively. It's like trying to land a message in a room filled with people shouting over each other. So, what are the phrases that are driving designers mad, and how can we avoid them?
An Entirely False Sense of Urgency
- "This changes everything."
In my opinion, this phrase is overused and often misleading. While major events like an asteroid hitting Earth or a supervolcano eruption would indeed change everything, a new Figma update or a rebrand is not a civilization-altering event. It's easy to get caught up in the hype, but designers need to remember that the industry has been adapting and evolving continuously, and these minor changes are part of the natural ebb and flow.
- "Adapt or die."
Designers already know how to adapt, and this phrase comes across as a condescending reminder. It's like saying, "You should do your job." Instead, let's focus on the continuous learning and growth that is inherent in the design process.
- "This is a wake-up call."
Who needs a wake-up call when you're already awake and aware? This phrase has become a cliche, and designers are tired of being told that they need to pay attention to something that is already obvious.
Thinking You're the First to Write About AI
- "AI is not coming. It's already here."
While it's true that AI is here, this phrase is so overused that it has lost its impact. It's like saying, "Computers are here." We get it. AI is a reality, but it's time to move beyond the obvious and explore the implications and opportunities it presents.
- "You won't be replaced by AI. You'll be replaced by someone who uses AI."
This cliche has become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead of focusing on the potential of AI to enhance our work, we should be discussing how it can be integrated into our design processes and how it can help us stay relevant.
Rhetorical Landfill
- "The real question is..."
This phrase often leads to a pivot away from the actual question, towards a more dramatic and click-bait version. It's a clever tactic, but it undermines the integrity of the discussion.
- "Let that sink in."
If the sentence makes sense without this phrase, then it's probably unnecessary. It's a sign that the post is trying too hard to grab attention.
- "The lesson?" "The takeaway?" "So what does this mean for you?"
Three of these phrases in one post is a red flag. It's a sign that the author is trying to get the reader to pay attention in multiple ways, which can be exhausting and distracting.
And More...
There are many other phrases that designers find frustrating, such as 'game-changer' (which has lost its meaning), 'quietly' (a word that has become meaningless), and 'I'm no longer gatekeeping' (a humble brag in disguise).
In conclusion, designers need to be mindful of the phrases they use on LinkedIn to ensure that their messages are clear, concise, and impactful. By avoiding these common irritations, we can create a more productive and meaningful online environment for sharing our insights and experiences.
