Tina Musich gets to the heart of the matter, highlighting three crucial questions every designer should answer before starting a new project.

The first question, “What problem are we trying to solve?” is critical. Too often, designers are tasked with executing a preconceived solution without fully understanding the underlying issue.

The second question, “How will we know we’ve solved this problem?” is equally important. Defining clear success metrics upfront is essential for measuring the impact of your design work.

Finally, the third question, “What is the timeline for this project?” may seem straightforward, but Musich emphasizes the importance of aligning everyone involved on the project timeline. Documenting the agreed-upon milestones and deadlines can help protect the designer from shifting expectations and ensure the project stays on track.

Musich doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges designers face but instead offers practical, actionable advice to help them navigate the complexities of modern product design. By answering these three critical questions, designers can set themselves up for success and deliver meaningful solutions that genuinely address the needs of their users.