Luke Johnson
designer and design educator
Luke Johnson
As an Internal Communications and Employee Engagement strategist, Luke’s work is best judged by the products he delivers to an organization—not what he says he will do. He mentions this upfront because being action-oriented makes him a strong partner for your organization.
He has had over 10 year’s experience working at organizations such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Nokia, and Riot Games as well as startups and small companies. At every place he has worked at, he developed an original product to solve a unique, internal problem. He did this through creative approaches to design, strategy and research.
Illustrations by Brent Lawson
A Child’s Curiosity
I have two children—Liam, 5 and Nellie, 4—and, my lord, children are curious! They’re seemingly always going through short and prolonged phases of curiosity. In the last few weeks, we’ve done deep dives on everything from unicorns to the theory of gravity. And they get excited about everything! When I tell them we’re going to take out the trash I’m greeted with cheers. Even the mere act of taking off my coat becomes a game!
This enthusiasm (unbridled) is in stark contrast to my own curiosity. Sure, I’ll go down the occasional rabbit hole, hooked by a small barb I can’t seem to shake. Recent adventures include a history into the song A Fairytale in New York and what’s the best Waterpik to help floss my teeth. But it would be a crime to try and equate my fleeting flash of inspiration to their constant wilderment. Ha!
But I fear the borders of my own curiosity are coming into view like the rain clouds before an evening fish. Gone are the days when my favorite color changed, everyday. When I, too, thought I was part-boy, part-fox. Instead, my favorite color, orange, and animal, orca*, hasn’t changed in many, many years. I like what I like.
And yet, I am still a pretty good fort builder.
Constraints = Curiosity
What is your advice to designers?
I teach design—so revealing to my students that I’ve lost my curiosity mojo would be a true act of vulnerability. And it also wouldn’t be completely true. I am curious. It’s just different. It’s more of a skill. What once came naturally needs to be practiced. So here is what I do:
Read
I read. And for me, reading is a habit. I’m not talking about surfing the net. That doesn’t count. Read a book. And if you need to get your reading up to speed, pick a mindless book (see Dan Brown). And designers should read fiction.
Visit Museums
I visit museums—at least I used to before this hot mess of a pandemic. For me, it’s like going to church, as I’ve often had some of my most moving spiritual experiences in both. My favorites include The Centre Pompidou, Museum of Jurassic of Technology, and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium**.
Network, Differently (i.e. Be A Good Friend)
When people say they network, there’s a perception of attending weekly entrepreneurial happy hours. Yuck. Instead, consider being a good friend to those who you admire (and admire their curiosity). This means checking in every few months to see how they are doing AND what they are learning. Designers should network. It just doesn’t always have to be an extroverted exercise***.
Authors notes:
* It turns out orcas are pretty curious.
** The museums I listed are a legit museum, a meta museum, and a soccer stadium (and I have a borderline hate for the team that plays inside of it). And yet, all three facilitate divine, inspirational experiences.
*** Upwards to 80% of jobs come from networking. My last three design jobs have come from a friend, a former teacher, a friend of a friend at a Fourth of July BBQ.