To become a senior designer, growth requires intention and proactivity, not just quality work. Yutong Xue emphasizes the need to set specific goals and engage with stakeholders across the business. Being proactive means identifying obstacles to success and exploring opportunities that others may overlook. It’s about understanding the inner workings of the company and pinpointing areas for improvement. Common blind spots in organizations include poor search functionality, messy data categorization, and ineffective documentation practices. These issues, while less glamorous than cutting-edge technology, significantly impact user experience. Addressing them can lead to bigger projects and greater responsibility. Xue’s insights serve as a reminder that focusing on these foundational elements can be a more effective strategy than chasing trendy projects. The article also recommends several books for further reading on design and management.