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Sketch of Thomas W Carroll wearing a backpack

Pixels, Pathways, and Everything

Mostly Harmless Musing is my personal corner of the web where I collect my thoughts, reflections, and explorations that dance around the edges of conventional design wisdom.

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Pinned Musings

Designing Your Career PathCoachingFeaturedDesigning Your Career Path
February 9, 2024

Designing Your Career Path

Explore the Designer Growth Framework, which details four developmental phases—Developing, Proficient, Accomplished, Mastered—each designed to enhance skills, impact, and alignment with organizational goals. Perfect your journey from personal growth to…
Charting Your CourseCoachingFeaturedCharting Your Course
February 12, 2023

Charting Your Course

Know your personal growth roadmap within your organization. Though your manager guides and your peers support you, it's ultimately your path to shape and control.
Beyond ReadinessLeadershipCoachingFeaturedBeyond Readiness: The Factors Behind Promotions
December 14, 2022

Beyond Readiness: The Factors Behind Promotions

Navigating the promotion landscape requires more than readiness; it's a complex interplay of business needs, role expansion, budget considerations, and strategic positioning. This guide offers actionable insights to align your…

Mostly Harmless Musings

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Thomas PresentingEditorialFrom farm to future
October 19, 2024

From farm to future

Raised on an Indiana pig farm, I learned early on that the right mix of creativity and pragmatism can solve just about any problem.
Designing Your Career PathCoachingFeaturedDesigning Your Career Path
February 9, 2024

Designing Your Career Path

Explore the Designer Growth Framework, which details four developmental phases—Developing, Proficient, Accomplished, Mastered—each designed to enhance skills, impact, and alignment with organizational goals. Perfect your journey from personal growth to…
Charting Your CourseCoachingFeaturedCharting Your Course
February 12, 2023

Charting Your Course

Know your personal growth roadmap within your organization. Though your manager guides and your peers support you, it's ultimately your path to shape and control.
Beyond ReadinessLeadershipCoachingFeaturedBeyond Readiness: The Factors Behind Promotions
December 14, 2022

Beyond Readiness: The Factors Behind Promotions

Navigating the promotion landscape requires more than readiness; it's a complex interplay of business needs, role expansion, budget considerations, and strategic positioning. This guide offers actionable insights to align your…
Navigating the LadderLeadershipFeaturedNavigating the Ladder: Empowering Designers with the Career Advancement Framework
April 12, 2022

Navigating the Ladder: Empowering Designers with the Career Advancement Framework

Master the art of mentorship with the Career Advancement Framework, designed to foster growth, elevate craft, and emphasize a customer-first approach in your design team. Transform the way you support…
Evolution in Design: From Competence to MasteryLeadershipCoachingEvolution in Design: From Competence to Mastery
April 12, 2021

Evolution in Design: From Competence to Mastery

Explore the nuances of the Career Advancement Framework, designed to guide designers and managers alike through a continuum of growth stages. This tool emphasizes personal effort, organizational support, and a…

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Is there a topic you feel I should cover? Awesome. Let me know and I’d be happy to consider it.

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