Being HIPPO is ruining your design decisions

No, I didn’t mean it as the thick-skinned-muddy-brown animal HIPPO.

I meant a metaphorical HIPPO. It describes a person!

Heh! You mean like a derogatory cuss word?

Nope. Not that.

HIPPO means the Highest (income) Paid Person’s Opinion.

Let me tell you a story. A small group of seemingly intelligent people have gathered in a conference room. They have to make a decision collaboratively but most of them always look at one person while sharing their ideas.

And, other people in the room also look at the facial expressions of that person, voluntarily ignoring to listen to what’s being said.

As if magically this person is going to recognize the brilliance of your ideas, sprinkle some fairy dust on you and recognize you as their own Sir Jony Ive.

Well, the person being observed and spoken to is the HIPPO.

And, no,no,no, HIPPO isn’t trying to recognize the brilliance of what you are saying. This person is just engrossed in their thoughts, itching to get their turn to say what’s on his mind.

If you don’t know whether you are a HIPPO then just observe the gaze of everyone in a meeting or a group the next time.

No, damn it, not in that kind of creepy way.

But, what the hell does it have to do with design related decisions?

Actually, a lot.

You see when you are perceived as HIPPO then most of what you say is taken as the Pope’s proclamation. The other interesting ideas don’t brim to the surface. They don’t see the light of the day. Because, the angelical truth has been let out in the open. And, it must be accepted.

Even if you didn’t mean it to be the gospel truth, it is taken like that. Seriously. People think you might know your shit otherwise you wouldn’t have gotten to this position or they think that ultimately it’s your crummy ass on the line. So, we will just roll with your decision.

Sucks, right? I know! But, it happens. A lot. In the words of legendary rock band of all the time, Metallica — “Sad But True”.