In my journey as a designer and marketer, there's always been one constant - change. The tools of the trade have evolved, the platforms have multiplied, but what remains at the core of successful branding and marketing is the ability to connect, to communicate, and to tell a compelling story. As I delve into the process of rebranding, I find myself drawn once again to the concepts of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI), integral components of the web design process that have redefined my approach to marketing.
The Power of Story: My Journey with the StoryBrand Framework
When my ex-business partner and I embarked on our entrepreneurial journey with 'We Grow the Co' in 2019, we found a trusted companion in Donald Miller's StoryBrand framework. We adopted this approach religiously, applying it to every client project, regardless of size or sector. From mom-and-pop stores to budding enterprises, the StoryBrand framework proved its effectiveness time and time again.
Our trust in the StoryBrand framework was not misplaced. With each new client, we witnessed the transformative power of a well-crafted story. The framework allowed us to clarify our messaging, align our goals, and deeply connect with the values of our clients. The process was not just about business; it was a cathartic journey that allowed us to speak on our clients' behalf and understand their vision on a profound level. The impact was such that even clients with minimal exposure to the framework were moved. One client, so touched by our efforts, was moved to tears.
The underpinning of this success lay in the power of the story, a concept I would later tie to this idea of 'the power of presence' when I worked at 360 Solutions (but that's a tale for another blog). The StoryBrand framework worked because it was human-centric; it recognized that people are innately connected through stories. It was an approach that placed the user, or the 'Hero' in StoryBrand terms, at the center of the narrative.
A Human-Centric Approach to Design
This 'hero-centric' philosophy resonated with me as I delved deeper into design. The entire field of UX/UI design is built around the user's journey, mirroring the narrative arc of the StoryBrand 'Hero.' It's about ensuring users find success while navigating a web app or website. The concepts of the field, like the StoryBrand framework, are steeped in empathy and understanding of the end user's needs.
My design background has always leaned towards functionality and the utility of design in boosting business growth. As I immerse myself in UX/UI, I find a sweet spot where my passion for functional design intersects with the human-centric philosophies of the StoryBrand framework. It's is not just about how things look; it's about how they work and how they make users feel.
Conclusion
In closing, my journey from a staunch proponent of the StoryBrand framework to an enthusiastic practitioner of UX/UI design has been transformative. I look forward to continuing to explore this new field, confident in the knowledge that this is a path that perfectly aligns with my interests, skill set, and professional goals. The fire is lit, and I am eager to see where this journey takes me.