
Y Combinator Startup Podcast
What Founders Can Do To Improve Their Design Game
Mar 28, 2025
Raphael Schaad, Head of Calendar at Notion and founder of the innovative calendar app Kron, shares his unique perspective on design and entrepreneurship. He discusses the shift from design as mere art to a vital problem-solving tool. Raphael emphasizes why founders should integrate design early in product development and how coding skills enhance creativity. He also highlights the value of sketching as a fundamental practice for all designers and the delicate balance between innovation and user expectations in craft.
20:43
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Quick takeaways
- Design is essential for founders to create products that resonate with users by integrating desirability, viability, and feasibility effectively.
- A strong technical background in designers enhances their ability to prototype and develop user-friendly products that align with their vision.
Deep dives
Design as a Foundational Skill for Founders
Design is a crucial element in creating successful products that effectively meet user needs. Founders often overlook the integration of desirability, viability, and feasibility, which are essential for developing a product that resonates with consumers. Designers possess unique insights that can enhance this process, bridging the gap between aesthetic appeal and functionality. By valuing design from the inception of a startup, founders can create offerings that not only attract users but also foster sustainable growth.
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