Head of Design at Metalab, Michael Wandelmeier, dives into storytelling tactics, opinionated design, ignoring constraints, mapping user journeys, driving alignment, and early hypotheses. They discuss the impact of software, reshaping marketplaces, driving alignment, power of storytelling, crafting engaging presentations, and embracing diverse influences in digital product design.
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Quick takeaways
Metalab focuses on opinionated design strategies for innovative solutions.
Metalab utilizes early hypothesis and user journey mapping for project success.
Storytelling is pivotal in design to convey intentions and drive successful outcomes.
Deep dives
Jitter: Revolutionizing Motion Design with Figma-like Simplicity
Jitter, a new product dubbed as 'Figma for Motion Design,' simplifies the After Effects experience by offering a 10 times simpler alternative. With a Figma plugin, out-of-the-box animations, and a user-friendly interface, Jitter is positioned to transform how designers bring their creations to life.
Metalab: Remote Culture and Client Approach
Metalab, a design agency of around 200 fully remote members, specializes in collaborating with early-stage founders and major industry clients. Their remote-first culture and small, senior project teams focus on innovative solutions. Collaborating with Metalab means tapping into specialized skills and a holistic approach to product development.
The Art of Co-Creating Solutions: Workshop Success
Metalab's approach to client workshops emphasizes co-creation and problem-solving. By using activities like assumption mapping to uncover hidden complexities and opportunities, Metalab fosters a collaborative mindset. This hands-on approach ensures that clients are actively engaged as 'co-participants' in problem-solving and ideation sessions.
Driving Alignment in Complex Projects
To prevent misalignments and ensure project success, Metalab conducts stakeholder interviews and diverse workshop activities that cover a broad range of concerns. These sessions help uncover potential challenges and align team members with varied perspectives. By fostering collaboration and understanding intrinsic motivators, Metalab ensures all stakeholders are on the same page.
Storytelling in Design: Capturing Intentions
Metalab emphasizes the importance of storytelling in design to communicate intentions and drive successful outcomes. By adopting storytelling techniques from movies and real-world examples, designers can effectively convey the 'why' behind their design choices. Crafting compelling narratives helps ensure that great work maintains its intention and impact as it transitions from concept to reality.
Since the beginning of my design career, I’ve looked up to Metalab. So this interview is a special one because we get to learn from their Head of Design, Michael Wandelmeier. We go deep into how design works at Metalab and talk about specific strategies around:
- Mike’s go-to storytelling tactics
- The importance of opinionated design
- When they ignore constraints on a project
- The unique way they map out user journeys
- Tips for driving alignment on complex projects
- How they use the “ridiculously early hypothesis”
Dive is where the best designers never stop learning 🤿