Design patterns are reusable solutions to common problems that greatly speed up the design process. However, designers may default to using popular patterns without understanding if they're the right fit for their product. The article discusses how Intercom, a company that sends messages to users at key points during their lifetime with your product, had to choose between two commonly used patterns - folders and tags. By assessing the dominant patterns, understanding the design goal and constraint, and future-proofing their designs, Intercom was able to design a solution that best solved the customer's problem, fit the product goals and constraints, and set them up for the future product roadmap. The article emphasizes the importance of designers starting with first principles and carrying them through their work, rather than mindlessly deferring to popular patterns or trends.