Maria Matloub – Navigating uncertainty in design
What does the role of designers consist of? In the recent years this job required more and more interdisciplinarity and uncertainty embracement. Read below to discover more about this topic with the designer Maria Matloub.
Maria Matloub is designer, trainer, facilitator, lecturer, startup mentor, Founder and podcaster at ggutt. In this talk for the Design Probes format, Maria Matloub explored the evolution of a designer’s role, through the embracing of uncertainty, and the fostering of collaboration across disciplines.
Matloub started with reflecting on her journey from interior design to becoming a strategist and facilitator. She shared how her innate curiosity drove her to explore disciplines beyond her initial focus, attending various lectures and presentations during her master’s studies. This openness led her to transition from interior design to the digital space, eventually challenging herself to break away from traditional design roles. She emphasized how her career has evolved by embracing diverse experiences and refusing to be constrained by labels. Maria’s journey highlights the importance of curiosity and adaptability in navigating a dynamic career path.
Maria stressed that a crucial part of being a designer is learning to deal with uncertainty. In her view, uncertainty is not something to fear but rather a natural part of the creative and strategic process. She pointed out that while many young designers may have an idealized vision of the perfect project, reality often presents complex challenges that require flexibility. Maria encouraged students and designers to embrace this uncertainty and use it as an opportunity to innovate. She also emphasized that collaboration is key, as working with others—often outside one’s immediate field—can lead to more meaningful solutions that transcend mere aesthetics.
A recurring theme in Maria’s talk was the need to bridge creativity and strategy, particularly in business contexts. She highlighted how designers must think beyond their craft, acknowledging the realities of business and the importance of working with diverse stakeholders, including those who may not fully understand design. Maria advocates for an interdisciplinary approach, urging designers to continuously learn from other industries and apply that knowledge to their own practice. For her, the ultimate goal is to create value that goes beyond the surface, impacting how users engage with products and services, and fostering innovation through collaborative and adaptive thinking.