In high school everyone wanted to be different. Most HAD to be different. It was a time of self discovery- finding a place in the world. I find myself reflecting on why it is important to be different.

As User Experience Design becomes more of a staple in the diet of designers and consumers alike it is ever more apparent to be different. You’ve got to be ready to answer questions like, “How are you any different than X company,” or “Why should I hire you over person X”? These can be tough questions if you haven’t thought about the answers.

I follow a lot of Designers, Information Architects, and Copywriters on Twitter. Some are hilarious. Some are crass. Some are all scientific and fancy-talkin’ others are quite normal. I know the crass ones start a lot of trouble and hence get a lot of RTs, comments, and followers. They even threaten to become even more controversial. But it makes them different and more importantly memorable.

During our brand redesign I we asked our clients what they thought of us. Overwhelmingly they said we were knowledgeable and nice. We delivered on time and brought insight into their projects. And that was really nice.

So what makes us different? I suppose you could say we have a good bedside manner. Although it does seem like we won’t be entering into Ultimate Fighting Championships; that I guess I can live with.

Take some time before 2010 rolls around and consider what makes you different. Why should someone hire you over the next person? Are you hilarious? Are you a fancy talker? Best bet, ask someone who has worked with you. Hopefully it will be positive. If not, make a resolution to remedy it. Being different in 2010 will help you figure out what value you bring to the table and help you find the right project and client for your brand.

Enjoy discovering your differences in 2010!

Editor’s Note: Our weekly UXmonday post will take a brief hiatus and return to a regular schedule beginning Monday, January 4, 2010. Happy Holidays!

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