Vicki Tan

Show notes: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/spotifys-vicki-tan-learning-fromVicki Tan has worked at companies that change the way we travel, think about our mental health, and access music from around the globe. To each of these roles she has brought her background in psychology, to better understand the needs of the people using these products.We chat with Vicki about some of the things she has learned over the course of her career, from Lyft to Headspace to Spotify, the ways that the pandemic has changed her work and her creative process, and how her team does research. Vicki also talks about why she regularly takes a sabbatical from her work, and why “finding umami” is important to figuring out the core mission of a company. BioVicki Tan is an Associate Principal Product Designer at Spotify Earlier in her career, she was a senior product designer at Headspace, worked on communication and UX design at Google, and product design at Lyft. According to Frank Yoo, design director at Lyft, Vicki “is positive and thoughtful and puts as much care into people and teams as she does creating the artifacts themselves.” 

In this conversation, Vicki Tan, a digital product designer and author of 'Ask This Book a Question,' shares her innovative approach to decision-making through engaging questions. She discusses how the right inquiries can unveil personal insights and facilitate growth. Vicki explains the interactive elements of her book, designed to foster self-discovery in a playful manner. The dialogue also highlights the importance of understanding cognitive biases and offers tools for framing questions that lead to clarity and creativity in everyday decisions.

Vicki Tan, a digital product designer and author of 'Ask This Book A Question', joins the conversation about the struggles of decision-making. They explore how cognitive biases and personal experiences feed into indecision and anxiety. The duo discusses reframing questions to navigate uncertainties and the emotional weight of choices. They also touch on gender dynamics in decision-making, emphasizing the need for support and understanding. Ultimately, they advocate for embracing the messiness of not knowing while learning to trust one's instincts.

Vicki Tan, author of Ask This Book A Question and product designer for giants like Google and Spotify, dives into the intricacies of decision-making. She discusses how cognitive biases shape our choices and the importance of storytelling in helping us navigate life's complexity. Vicki emphasizes that reframing questions can unlock clarity over simply seeking answers. The conversation also touches on cultural attitudes towards risk and the intersection of design with personal growth, providing a refreshing perspective on the art of decision-making.

Vicki Tan, a talented designer and author currently at Pinterest, shares her fascinating journey through major companies like Lyft, Headspace, and Spotify. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on her work and the importance of taking sabbaticals for personal growth. Vicki emphasizes 'finding umami' to clarify a company's mission and reflects on the evolving dynamics of remote work and creativity. Additionally, she dives into the differences between management and individual design roles, advocating for a mission-oriented approach to success.