Week 10 Reading Response
“How To Work with Engineers” by Julie Zhuo.
This article is about how we, designers, should work with engineers and release the final product as intended.
Get Joy Juyeon Kim’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
I learned a lot from this article and agree with Zhuo’s ideas for the most part. What I found most impressive in this article is that the designers have to explain their values to the engineers. More specifically, I have to explain why I am working on this, why it is worth creating this, and how this will change the world and people. It is so true we can get the best result when the engineers appreciate and empathize with our design. I think this is basically a matter of good communication and good relationship. We have thousands of reasons to keep a close relationship with engineers.
While working as an upcycled fashion artist, I once was collaborating with some sewing technicians. I had a hard time explaining and convincing the design concept, values, and all creative garment constructions. I realized how hard and important it is to communicate with technicians and how much impact good communication/relationships can have on the result. The better they understood my design, the better the quality of the garments was.
Another thing that resonates with me is ‘to be complete with your design’. While working as a 3D artist, sometimes my role is closer to a technician. If my client does not suggest a clear, finalized design and cannot envision her final product, then the worst thing happens — I sat up all night to finish the 3d work, but the next day the design details changed.
In conclusion, since designers cannot work alone, we need to build close relationships with engineers/technicians for the best result. And on our end, we have to be ready for the complete design to avoid the last-minute scramble.
