Dive Club 🤿

Escha Vera, a talented product designer who previously worked at Descript, dives into her creative journey at Perplexity, where she designed the innovative Comet browser. She reveals her process of creating a Figma-based design system from scratch after discovering the original lived in code. Escha discusses using AI tools to enhance her workflows, generating unique invite cards, and integrating music into the experience. She emphasizes approaching AI as an artistic medium, urging designers to remix outputs to elevate their work creatively.

Carl Rivera, Chief Design Officer at Shopify, leads the charge in redefining e-commerce design for the AI era. He discusses the implications of AI enabling more designers, how to create authentic AI experiences, and the importance of every designer being production-ready. Rivera also shares insights on why design teams often miss the mark and discusses Shopify's acquisition of Molly Studio to enhance talent density. With a focus on craft and strategic curiosity, he showcases a vision that places design at the heart of innovation.

Catt Small, a staff designer with a rich background at Asana, Etsy, and SoundCloud, shares her insights on building influence as an individual contributor. She discusses the importance of storytelling and communication in conveying ideas effectively. Listeners will discover strategies to foster strong relationships and engage stakeholders early in the design process. Catt highlights how to create impactful product visions and navigate the complexities of design momentum, making her insights invaluable for aspiring designers.

Sara Vienna, Chief Design Officer at Metalab, dives into the responsibilities of designers in an AI-driven world. She discusses the importance of creating meaningful brand experiences while avoiding fleeting design trends. Sara highlights how Metalab integrates AI to enhance workflows and gather research insights. She emphasizes the need for emotional connections in design and maintaining brand integrity amidst the noise of trends. The conversation also touches on the role of community and curiosity in fostering innovation and user trust.

Gabe Valdivia, an independent designer renowned for his work with early-stage startups, shares insights about his transition from corporate life to freelancing. He discusses the booming market for fractional design and his innovative three-phase client model. Gabe reveals how he’s redefined success, balancing financial metrics with personal fulfillment, and the importance of mentorship in nurturing new talent. Additionally, he explores the evolving perceptions of fractional work and the role of emerging technologies like VR and AI in shaping design's future.

Explore the nitty-gritty of startup design and the importance of transparent storytelling in product development. Discover how AI innovations are streamlining feedback processes and enhancing collaboration on creative projects. Learn about the iterative journey of refining ideas and achieving product-market fit, where quick decision-making and user-friendly interfaces play crucial roles. This behind-the-scenes look offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by startups like Inflight.

Dan Winer, Director of Product Design at KIT and Maven instructor, empowers designers to elevate their careers. He shares strategies for effective storytelling and aligning design with business goals. Dan discusses eight key skills he evaluates when hiring, the growing importance of design systems, and harsh truths about portfolios. He also offers insights on using data to showcase the impact of design work and emphasizes the value of collaboration with stakeholders. This is a must-listen for designers aiming to transition from pixel pushers to strategic thinkers!

In this insightful conversation, Andy Zhang shares his journey as the Design Engineering Lead at Windsurf, previously a founding design engineer at a startup and a product manager at Uber. He discusses the importance of bridging technical features with intuitive user experiences and emphasizes the value of saying 'no' to maintain design simplicity. Andy also reflects on his transformative internship at Figma, where he learned vital skills and received mentorship that shaped his career. Tune in for tales of innovation, collaboration, and practical advice for aspiring designers and engineers!

Vitaly Friedman, Founder of Smashing Magazine and UX expert, dives into the transformative impact of AI on digital design. He explores dynamic interfaces with AI and the best design patterns for inspiration. The conversation covers when to implement visible vs. quiet AI, advocating for 'AI-second' rather than 'AI-first' designs. Vitaly emphasizes the importance of slowing users down in AI interactions and how designers can foster trust between users and AI. It's a deep dive into evolving user experiences with technology!

Adam Noffsinger, a design founder of Alma and former senior designer at Uber, Apple, and more, discusses his journey from corporate life to building a startup. He shares valuable insights on the challenges of starting from scratch and the creative freedom it brings. The conversation dives into the iterative process of crafting a visual identity for Alma and enhancing user engagement through thoughtful design. Noffsinger also highlights the evolving role of collaboration tools in modern design, making it easier to navigate the fast-paced tech landscape.