Innies and outies have a lot in common. They share the need to distinguish whether a project is a handwork or brainwork.
Handwork occurs when the hiring team knows what they want but lacks the correct number of hands to complete it. Let’s say the team needs new screens designed. They know what the screens are and how they should work. They’ve built many screens successfully before, so knowing what to do is not a problem.
The problem is that they don’t have enough hands to do the job. All of their internal resources are otherwise occupied, thereby stalling the screen-production piece of the project. In this case, they hire a contractor who will come in and help them crank out more screens. This is handwork.
But there’s another way the project could go wrong. What if our hypothetical team doesn’t know what the screens are or how they should work? What if they lack experience building screens and lack the confidence and skills to get started efficiently?
In this case, they need someone to help them devise a strategy for identifying which screens need work and how to tackle them. Once that strategy is set and they understand what the project needs to be finished, they may have all the necessary resources internal to the team.
This is when they hire an outside consultant who will bring in expertise and skills the team doesn’t otherwise have. This we call brainwork.
Via The Hands vs. the Brains » UIE Brain Sparks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “The Hands vs. The Brains” mean in the context of web design?
It refers to the contrast between execution (the hands designers/developers who build) and strategy (the brains those who define the purpose, goals, and user experience).
Why is strategy important before starting a design or development project?
Who are the “brains” in a web project team?
Can designers and developers also be strategic thinkers?
What is UIE Brain Sparks?
UIE Brain Sparks is a thought leadership series or concept focused on igniting deeper thinking about usability, user experience, and strategic design decisions.
How can web teams ensure a balance between strategy and execution?
What happens when teams focus only on execution?
Is strategic planning only necessary for large web projects?
No. Even small websites benefit from clear goals and user centered thinking. Strategic planning helps ensure every project is purposeful and efficient.
How can agencies foster better collaboration between “hands” and “brains”?
Encourage cross functional meetings, align KPIs, invite feedback early, and create workflows where strategic and creative insights are shared continuously.