Principles for Life & Work

Dear Self,

When the work gets challenging and the path unclear, remember what matters. These aren't just principles for design—they're principles for living: Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Honest.

Kind → Recognising Our Shared Humanity

Kind recognises we are all kin. We are connected. Our actions ripple outward. No one moves through life alone.

Kind acts with ease, like nature. A tree offers shade without effort. Kindness gives freely. It creates loops that sustain relationships.

Kind meets people where they are. Life is busy. People use many tools, not just yours. The best experiences fit into their lives without friction.

Kind brings calm. The world is noisy. Kindness offers clarity and space to breathe. It says: You are not alone.

Kind leaves others better than you found them. A warm smile. A moment of peace. An interaction that helps, not just happens.

Kind in Design:

• Demands only what's necessary

• Reduces cognitive load

• Respects the ecosystem

• Provides ease, not friction

Brave → Stepping Into the Unknown

Brave steps into the unknown. It is not fearless—it acts despite fear. It trusts when the path isn't clear.

Brave seeks truth. It sees reality as it is, not as we wish. It is honest with ourselves and others.

Brave stands for something. It is conviction, not recklessness. It defends what matters, even when difficult.

Brave embraces discomfort. Growth happens at the edges. Brave teams don't just accept change—they start it.

Brave takes action. Fear asks, What if it goes wrong? Bravery asks, What if it's worth it? Brave makes. Ships. Pushes forward.

Brave in Design:

• Leads instead of follows

• Designs with conviction

• Chooses clarity over politeness

• Ships before perfect

Honest → Living With Clarity and Integrity

Honest lives with clarity and integrity. It commits to truth. No pretence. No hidden motives. No manipulation.

Honest is real. It says what it means, not what is easiest. It lets work reflect what you stand for.

Honest respects others. It gives people the full picture and real choices. It treats people as intelligent, not just users.

Honest builds trust. Once lost, trust is hard to rebuild. People return to honest products because they know they won't be deceived.

Honest in Design:

• Uses no manipulation or dark patterns

• Avoids unnecessary complexity

• Makes no false promises

• Doesn't fear truth

Final note

I'll return to these principles when things grow foggy. They remind me that how and why I create matters as much as what I create.

They're not rules to follow perfectly. They're a compass. When in doubt, be kind, be brave, be honest. The rest will follow.