Urgent Notice

The D.P.D.Z. is issuing this public notice to all designers in regards to a recent outbreak of designer zombieism. While exact causes have yet to be determined, all are advised to exercise caution when spending extensive amounts of time in front of the computer. Contributing factors may include, but are not limited to a rushed work schedule, extensive work hours, and a lack of (or too much) inspiration. The official departmental guidelines delineated below will help you protect yourself and spot the warning signs early if you are at risk. Be aware that no one is immune and outbreaks can strike at any time.

Warning Signs

  1. Incoherent moaning about bevels, gradients and drop shadows
  2. Unresponsiveness to concepts like project planning or wire framing
  3. Insatiable appetite for design tutorials, round-up posts, and brains
  4. Threatening to eat coworkers who provide opinions or feedback
  5. Insomniatic tendencies toward 100+ hour work weeks
  6. Inability to focus on one task at a time due to declining brain function
  7. Self-loathing and feelings of inadequacy brought on by extensive design gallery browsing
dpdz

Preventative Measures

  1. Seek inspiration everywhere, especially away from the computer.
  2. Prevent roadblocks by planning, sketching, and brainstorming.
  3. Focus. Shut down twitter, email, RSS feeds, and your cellphone.
  4. Ask for help and feedback if you’re on a deadline or stuck.
  5. Change your environment by tidying up or making a design playlist.
  6. Take a break. Dig in the garden, go out to lunch or walk the dog.
  7. Encourage others – Paying respect and offering kind words to other designers can change your mood and (re)humanize the design process.