Designers just get each other

As designers, we’ve all been there—receiving vague feedback like “looks weird” from someone who isn’t a designer. Our immediate reaction is to ask, “Can you be more specific?” We need the details, the reasoning, and the ‘why” to make meaningful changes. But when talking to another designer, we somehow get it. A simple “looks weird” carries a context that doesn’t need unpacking.

I understand why this tweet went viral; it perfectly captures that contrast, highlighting the unspoken language we share with our peers. This understanding is built on a foundation of shared knowledge and experience, a sense of knowingness. You can skip the explanation with another designer because they already know what you mean. However, when we talk to non-designers, we often have to explain things in more detail to make the feedback useful.

These little moments remind us how our experience shapes how we see, interpret, and discuss our work. This tweet is so relatable because it speaks to the heart of our daily interactions and the unique communication styles with our peers and in our creative field.