Soleio, an early design leader at Facebook and Dropbox, now invests in design-driven startups like Figma. He discusses the essential traits of successful founders and how designers can effectively launch impactful products. The conversation delves into the evolving technology landscape, including predictions on how smartphones will change in the next five years. Soleio also emphasizes the importance of innovation tools and the potential for one designer to support multiple startups, shaping the future of design.

Joel Lewenstein, Head of Product Design at Anthropic, shares his insights on designing cutting-edge AI products like Claude. He discusses how to master the art of prompting, emphasizing creativity and collaboration. Joel highlights the evolving role of language as a key interface for AI, and explores new mental models for product design. He also delves into the importance of emotional connections in design and gives a glimpse into his innovative interview techniques that prioritize creative expression. A must-listen for aspiring designers!

Teo Connor, VP of Design at Airbnb, shares her insights into the company's innovative design processes. She discusses how Airbnb is breathing new life into its visual language and empowering designers to take charge. Key topics include the evolution of the checkout experience, the shift to a more interactive design incorporating 3D elements, and the importance of rapid prototyping. Teo also highlights the value of emotional user experiences and the collaborative spirit that drives creativity within the design team.

Dan Moreno, an engineer turned designer with over five years at Snapchat, now at Captions, shares his unique journey in product design. He reveals his formula for pitching innovative ideas and evolving visual skills while providing insights into AR design challenges. Dan discusses the exciting transition from corporate to startup cultures, the responsibilities that come with it, and how to craft user-friendly tools for non-creatives. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and feedback in shaping effective design practices.

In this engaging discussion, Janum Trivedi, a software product expert, and Jason Yuan, a former Apple AI designer, dive into the nuances of great software design. Jason shares his inspiration behind Dot, his latest AI-driven product, emphasizing storytelling's pivotal role in design. They explore the importance of creating emotional connections with users and examine the evolution of interfaces. Jason advocates for a craftsmanship approach that emphasizes human experiences, critiquing conventional methods while encouraging curiosity and playfulness in design.

Mariana Castilho, a talented designer turned builder with a dynamic background at Universe and Vercel, shares her inspiring career journey. She dives into the future of design engineering and the unique challenges of creating developer tools. Mariana discusses the importance of coding for designers and reflects on mastering these skills through persistent learning. The conversation also highlights the value of structured design systems versus flexibility and emphasizes the significance of community engagement for growth in the design field.

Janum Trivedi, a prototyping wizard known for his stunning design work, shares his insights on enhancing software feel. He delves into the nuances of creating engaging animations, including his impressive download animation for the ARC browser. Janum discusses the significant design overhaul of the Netflix iOS app, revealing how fluid interactions can dramatically elevate user experience. Plus, he highlights the importance of shaders in modern visuals and shares his journey from engineering to impactful design, bridging the gap between functionality and aesthetics.

Ben Blumenrose, a former designer at Facebook and now co-founder of Designer Fund, shares his journey from design to investment. He discusses investing in innovative tools like Framer and the unique perspectives of second-time founders. The conversation highlights the changing role of designers in startups, emphasizing the importance of understanding business components. Ben also outlines the skills designers need for success as entrepreneurs and the transformative potential of integrating design and business education.

Join Henry Modisett, the founding designer and Head of Design for Perplexity, a billion-dollar AI product, as he shares insights from his groundbreaking journey. Discover the importance of building a component system from scratch and how coding empowers designers. Henry dives into the challenges of creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces while balancing design and technology. He also discusses the role of rapid prototyping in fostering innovation and accountability within design teams, making a compelling case for the evolution of design in the age of AI.

Ryan Scott, an early designer at Doordash and former design lead at Airbnb, now helps others amplify their design impact. He shares insights on presenting designs effectively and unlocking credibility. Discover his strategies for navigating UX debt, leading large redesigns, and speaking the business lingo. Ryan emphasizes the importance of collaboration and resilience in design teams, alongside the need for designers to truly understand their organization's dynamics. A wealth of knowledge for designers aiming to elevate their influence!