Design Better The Brief: Microscopes and telescopes
Jul 30, 2025
The podcast explores the vital relationship between design and engineering, highlighting how their unique perspectives can enhance product development. There's a focus on cross-functional collaboration, featuring an astrophysicist's journey to break down barriers and promote effective communication. Additionally, it addresses neurodiversity in the workplace, showcasing the strategies of neurodivergent individuals to improve interactions and teamwork. Embracing failure as a path to innovation is emphasized, underscoring the transformative power of diverse perspectives.
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Design's Role Question
- A product team leader asked where design should fit in the workflow after design was moved under product.
- He didn't want design to just support engineers but to help shape the product.
Microscopes vs Telescopes
- Engineers focus like microscopes on short-term, precise details like fixing bugs and optimizing.
- Designers think like telescopes, seeing the broader experience and long-term product coherence.
Balance Focus for Success
- Most companies overemphasize short-term engineering goals, missing the bigger product story.
- Balancing microscopes (engineering) and telescopes (design) is essential for future-oriented products.
