Embracing My Voice: A Journey Through Design Psychology Without Being an Expert

In the vast ocean of knowledge that encompasses design psychology, I find myself a humble voyager, not an expert. Today, I want to share my journey into the intriguing world of design psychology, not from the standpoint of a scholar, but as a passionate learner, eager to explore the depths of this fascinating subject.

Like many of you, I've often felt the pressure to sound like an expert when speaking about topics I'm passionate about, especially on professional platforms like LinkedIn. There's an unspoken rule that seems to dictate that unless you're an authority on a subject, your insights might not be as valuable. But here's the thing – I believe this notion couldn't be further from the truth.

My foray into design psychology began not out of academic obligation, but from a genuine curiosity about how design influences our behavior, emotions, and overall mental well-being. It's a field that sits at the crossroads of psychology and design, exploring how our psychological responses are shaped by the environments we inhabit and the objects we interact with. And while I'm far from being an expert, I've come to realize that my perspective, grounded in personal experience with design and my clinical doctoral degree I might have a thing or two to say.

Sharing my journey and the nuggets of wisdom I gather along the way is, for me, an exercise in authenticity. It's about peeling back the layers of pretense that often come with professional discourse and engaging in a real, human conversation about our interests and learnings. It's about saying, "Here's what I've discovered, what do you think?" without the fear of not knowing enough or not being "expert" enough.

The beauty of sharing our personal journeys, especially in fields as rich and multifaceted as design psychology, is that it opens up a space for collective learning and growth. It invites others to contribute their insights, experiences, and questions, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas that enriches us all. And isn't that the true essence of learning?

So, here I am, stepping into the arena, not as an expert, but as a fellow traveler, eager to share and learn. My goal is not to lecture, but to invite conversation; not to dictate, but to discover together. And in this process, I hope to demystify the idea that only experts have the right to speak on matters they're passionate about.

At the end of the day, authenticity is the north star that guides my journey. It's about embracing the vulnerability of not knowing everything and the courage to share what I do know. It's about being real, both in my successes and my stumbles, as I navigate the intriguing waters of design psychology.

To those of you who feel you're not "expert" enough to share your insights on your passions, I urge you to cast aside those doubts. Your journey, your perspective, and your voice are uniquely yours, and they hold immense value. Let's foster a culture of sharing and learning, where authenticity is celebrated, and every voice, expert or not, is heard.

So, here's to our journeys, to the insights we'll share, and to the vibrant tapestry of learning we'll weave together. May we all be brave enough to speak our truths, share our passions, and learn from each other, every step of the way.

Special thanks to Gary Vaynerchuk who was an inspiration for this post :)