Kai Wong offers practical, reflective advice for designers struggling to balance day-to-day tasks with long-term growth. The article acknowledges a common tension: while professional development requires time and experimentation, many designers are already stretched thin with deadlines and routine demands. Wong suggests that growth doesn’t have to come from large, disruptive changes — instead, it can be woven into your existing work by deliberately choosing to experiment with small, unfamiliar tools, ideas, or workflows.
He emphasizes the importance of curiosity over comfort, advocating for a mindset shift from simply executing known patterns to intentionally trying new approaches. Rather than passively waiting for time to learn, designers can embed micro-experiments into their projects. This not only builds resilience and confidence but also encourages adaptability — a critical trait in a fast-evolving industry. Wong’s advice is particularly relevant for mid-level and senior designers who risk plateauing without continued experimentation.
