The Muppet Theory That Explains Your Design Org
Whenever I can combine two of my great passions I’m a happy lady. So today I humbly present Muppets and Personality Theory all rolled up into one in order to illustrate how a little understanding of the members of your design team are inherantly wired can help you optimize and synergize (Yes I made that word up) your teams. The Muppet Theory that Explains Humanity (and it’s spicy follow up The Grand Unified Muppet Theory) is a spot-on take off human personalities. It breaks people into two categories: Order Muppets and Chaos Muppets. While this might sound whimsical, it reveals much about how we interact, collaborate, and thrive in creative spaces—especially in design organizations.
What’s the Muppet Theory?
In a nutshell, the Muppet Theory divides people into two camps:
Order Muppets like Kermit the Frog or Bert—calm, logical, and structured.
Chaos Muppets like Animal or Cookie Monster—energetic, unpredictable, and, well, chaotic.
This theory, while funny, captures the essence of how different personalities work together. Spoiler alert: every great design team needs both!
Real Personality Theory: Order & Chaos in Design
If you dig deeper into personality theories, you’ll find parallels with concepts like internal vs. external processing or structured vs. unstructured thinking. Some people need time to reflect before speaking (internal processors), while others brainstorm out loud (external processors). Similarly, some designers thrive in organized environments, while others flourish amid chaos.
In your design organization, this means recognizing and balancing these traits, which can lead to more productive and harmonious teams. Let’s break it down:
Leave Space for the Quiet Muppets
In a room full of loud, enthusiastic Chaos Muppets, it’s easy for the Order Muppets to get drowned out. Internal processors—those who need a moment to think before speaking—are like the quieter Muppets, and if you don’t give them space, their thoughtful insights might never surface. Encourage pauses in meetings or follow up with quieter team members after a discussion to ensure everyone’s ideas are heard.
Pair Opposite Muppets for Positive Change
Just like Kermit keeps Fozzie on track, pairing a meticulous Order Muppet with a big-idea Chaos Muppet can lead to magic. By balancing structure with spontaneity, these seemingly conflicting personalities can bring fresh perspectives and push each other to new creative heights.
However, it’s essential to manage these pairings with care. Too much structure can stifle creativity, and chaos can derail projects. A well-balanced team with complementary styles can lead to innovation while clashing Muppets who aren’t aligned can create unnecessary tension.
Famous Order & Chaos Muppets in Design Orgs
Think about the famous Muppets. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew? Pure Order Muppet. He’s focused, logical, and science-driven—much like a UX designer or a product manager obsessed with the details. Meanwhile, Animal is a total Chaos Muppet—wild, uninhibited, and creative, like a designer who thrives in brainstorming sessions but maybe struggles with deadlines.
In your design organization, people always push for order and keep things on track, while others live for the creative chaos that leads to breakthrough ideas. Recognizing who plays which role on your team can be a game-changer.
Chaos and Order: Welcome to the Mix!
As funny as the Muppet Theory is, there’s a profound truth behind it. Your design org thrives on both chaos and order. That mix of structured problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking leads to the best results. The next time you’re in a meeting that feels like a Muppet Show sketch, remember—it’s probably a sign your team is operating precisely as it should.
Curious Where You Fall? Take the Quiz!
Want to find out if you’re an Order Muppet or a Chaos Muppet? Take this fun quiz and see where you stand: Chaos Muppet or Order Muppet Quiz.
This lighthearted theory might seem quirky, but it holds up when you start thinking about personality differences in the workplace. Embrace the chaos and the order because together, they’ll take your design org to new heights.