On Beyond T
Much has been written about the T-shaped designer (http://is.gd/hMfZA, http://is.gd/hMg3F). I believe the T-shape is representative of a designer that has recently graduated with a Masters degree—deep in one specialization, such as Interaction Design, with a broader appreciation of the landscape in which the specialization fits. As a designer works in the field, he will naturally continue to deepen the vertical stroke, and will likely extend the breadth of the horizontal stroke as he gains more experience with adjacent specializations. I believe, however, that a mature designer should begin branching additional verticals, moving from a T to shapes more resembling the letter m. The design industry is not a static one, and for a designer to remain relevant in the industry, he should continually seek new areas in which to add value. I foresee the design industry continuing to develop more specialties, and while one person shouldn’t be expected to do everything, it is in a designer’s best interest to not pigeonhole himself. Of course, a multidisciplinary team will almost always be more successful than a lone designer. Getting the right team combination is easier when you have several m-shaped people to pull from.
