Books and I don’t get along. Never have.
My brain is wired differently, and it’s actually pretty awesome. While I struggle with reading, I’ve got some serious superpowers when it comes to design and creative thinking.
Think of it like having a different operating system. Mine’s optimized for visual processing and problem-solving instead of text processing. And in the design world? That’s gold.
When I design interfaces, I can instantly see how elements should flow together. While others are stuck in documentation, I’m already visualizing user interactions and spotting potential issues. This isn’t just faster - it’s a completely different way of solving problems.
When I need to learn something, I skip the reading part entirely. Give me videos. Give me audio. My brain just gets it better that way. I’ll absorb more from a 20-minute video than from hours of reading documentation.
Want to know what’s cool about dyslexic thinking? These aren’t skills I had to learn - they’re just how my brain naturally works:
- I see patterns others miss. In one project, I noticed that users were struggling with a navigation flow that looked perfect on paper. I could visualize their journey and spot the disconnect that others couldn’t see.
- Complex problems? Bring them on. When clients come with tangled requirements and conflicting needs, my brain lights up. I can hold multiple scenarios in my head and see how they intersect.
- Spatial reasoning is my jam. I understand how elements relate to each other in space without having to sketch it out. This makes responsive design feel natural - I can instantly visualize how layouts will adapt across different screen sizes.
- I can visualize solutions before they exist. In client meetings, while others are still processing requirements, I’m already seeing potential solutions. This isn’t just about being fast - it’s about seeing possibilities others might miss.
The Bible is basically a wall of text. Not my favorite. So I found better ways - The Bible Project videos, sermons, and The Action Bible (it’s like a comic book version of scripture. Pretty cool, right?).
But I still needed a better way to remember what I learn. That’s why I’m building Harvous - it’s a notes app specifically for Bible study. I’m designing it for visual thinkers like me who:
- Process information differently
- Need better ways to organize spiritual insights
- Want to remember what they learn without fighting their natural thinking style
- Connect better with visual and interactive elements
My dyslexic thinking actually makes me better at collaboration. I can:
- Quickly grasp complex project requirements
- Translate client needs into visual solutions
- See potential roadblocks before they become issues
- Bridge the gap between different team perspectives
When team members get stuck in details, I help them step back and see the bigger picture. My different way of processing information often leads to breakthrough moments in stuck projects.
My dyslexic brain isn’t broken - it’s just different. And different can be really good. In design? It’s my secret weapon. I don’t just understand design - I think in design. That’s pretty powerful and this has been something I recently learned.