7 things designers can learn from F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Just a few weeks ago, we were all glued to our TVs to catch up on F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and watch the long-awaited Reunion. While watching the reruns of the episodes, a realisation came to me about how influential the show has come to be.

The show is a perfect example of how you can build great relationships with people and how you can learn from them.

There is a lot that designers can learn from this show about lives, maybe that could also mean there’s a thing or two to pick about for our working life.

So, let’s have a look at how these characters can inspire and motivate us.

1. Having the passion for the field, not just the work:

All of the show’s characters inspired many people to pursue their passion in one way or another. Everyone’s passion led them to become the best version of themselves and get their dream jobs.

Ross’s passion for dinosaurs was unmatched. He was extremely passionate about his work that it inspired him to create a tiny dinosaur museum in his house.

Ross loves his work, loves attending seminars about everything under the umbrella of palaeontology, even if it were discussing a recently discovered tiny dinosaur bone that proved that dinosaurs had wings but couldn’t fly. He is always up for a debate on anything related to science, evolution or palaeontology, regardless of what others thought. (Let’s not forget the time he sported a dinosaur tie)

We can draw inspiration from this and let it drive our motivation. It’s always fruitful to be passionate about your work which, in turn, brings rewards to all your hard work. Be like Ross.

2. Inviting a multidisciplinary mindset:

Phoebe’s various skills of playing the guitar, singing, giving a massage, haircut and even make her own shoes always came in handy.

It’s essential to acquire multiple skills, and expand your horizon, be it any profession. When it comes to design, it encompasses a myriad of elements and not just focuses on any one specific form.

Having a multidisciplinary attitude as a designer makes you versatile, makes you look at the bigger picture and helps you fit better in a team setting.

3. Being organized and well-documented:

The first name that comes to mind when we read “organized” is Monica. Remember when she made a huge binder, organized alphabetically, with proper name tabs on each, to help Chandler find a new job?

As a designer, one of the most crucial tasks is to be well organized and have formal documentation in place.

Documentation helps everyone be aligned on the decisions, leads to a well-informed team, and keep track of the progress made.

4. Paying attention to detail:

Design is all about its intricate details and the effort required to create those extra minute details.

As a designer, attention to detail is a must.

Because if not, it would end up like poor Rachel’s misprinted resume, which wasn’t proofread to correct her “compuper skills”, or her mix of English Trifle and Shepherd’s pie, which tasted like feet.

5. Identifying your weaknesses and filling in the gaps:

It’s never too late to learn anything.

But what matters is that it’s always important to identify one’s weaknesses and fill in the gaps.

Phoebe acknowledges that she never learned to ride a bicycle and puts effort into learning it without being hesitant that others learnt it long before her.

6. Knowing your strengths:

Monica knows she’s great at being a host and being organized. Rachel may not be the best at being a waitress but sure knows her way in fashion. Joey may not be the intellectual of the group but definitely knows he can finish an entire turkey and drink a gallon of milk at once. Finally, Chandler is not great at giving advice but can give a humorous, sarcastic comment.

Everyone has their own strengths and skills set they excel at.

It’s important to identify what you’re good at, accept it, and build on it.

7. Knowing when (and how) to unwind:

When Rachel and Monica ask each other what their future plans are, Phoebe replies, “I don’t even have a pla,” Phoebe loves what she does for a living, but at the same time, she knows when to relax and sing “Smelly Cat” to herself. She accepts life as it comes.

Being passionate and hardworking at your job is important, but what’s equally important is to know when to unwind.

It’s essential to make time for yourself, for the things and people that you love, and sometimes to just unwind. Well-rested people have not only better personal lives but also better work lives.

Additionally, although it’s crucial to plan for your future goals, it’s sometimes acceptable to let things take their own path.

Thoughts to leave you with

There’s a lot more to draw inspiration from the show in various aspects, but these were a few of the many thoughts that you could keep in mind to be a better designer and coworker.

One might think that the Friends character’s lifestyles are a long way from their own. But looking at their personalities and how they handled their careers, one can help pick up a thing or two to take into their professional worlds.

Could we BE any more inspired?

The Canvs Editorial team comprises of: Editorial Writer and Researcher- Paridhi Agrawal, the Editor’s Desk- Aalhad Joshi and Debprotim Roy, and Content Operations- Abin Rajan

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