Dive Club 🤿

Dive into the world of high-stakes design as Ryan Scott shares his experience revamping Airbnb's checkout before a billion-dollar IPO. Learn how to tackle risks by leveraging user feedback and prototypes to maintain team momentum. Discover the truth behind A-B testing, where negative results are just stepping stones to success. Finally, explore how building trust and using holistic approaches can turn ambitious ideas into reality, with insights on executive presence from seasoned designers!

Balint Orosz, co-founder of Craft Docs, shares insights from creating an award-winning Mac app renowned for its design and personalization. He discusses the importance of mobile-first design and how it spurs innovation. Balint highlights the unique balance between minimalism and emotional user engagement. The role of user feedback in product evolution and the challenges of designing for user-generated content are also key topics. Plus, he reveals how collaboration and rapid iteration are vital for achieving design excellence.

Explore how designers can elevate their influence within companies by fostering strong relationships with product managers. Discover effective strategies for early engagement and collaboration, enabling designers to co-present ideas and participate in crucial conversations. Learn the importance of building trust and supporting product requirements to become indispensable allies. Additionally, uncover useful design tools that enhance creativity and streamline workflows, paving the way for strategic partnerships and impactful design roles.

Catt Small, a seasoned designer with over 14 years at Etsy, Asana, and SoundCloud, shares invaluable insights on leadership and influence for staff designers. She discusses how to escape the execution trap and emphasizes the importance of executive presence. Catt also provides practical time management tips and encourages designers to promote broader thinking. With fascinating stories about her experiences, especially with the ‘Goals’ project at Asana, listeners gain a fresh perspective on navigating complexity in design and fostering collaboration.

Top teams are looking for adaptability in design candidates, valuing potential over existing skills. Presenting a unique design narrative that showcases genuine passion can make a significant difference in job applications. Curiosity is key—actively sharing your work plays a crucial role in attracting the right opportunities. Real-life examples illustrate how these strategies can help anyone improve their chances of landing a role with elite design teams, regardless of their experience level.

Tyler Angert, the first design hire at Replit and now founder of Patina, discusses his journey in tech and the rise of spontaneous software. He shares insights on the importance of curiosity and adaptability in design. Tyler reveals the pivotal role of the camera roll in AI and offers advice for young designers navigating startups. The conversation explores innovative uses of user data for personalized applications and the future skills needed for success in tech. Get ready for a peek into the world of dynamic software development!

Discover how AI is transforming the landscape of product design. Designers are urged to rethink their roles, embracing collaboration with AI for innovative solutions. The discussion emphasizes experimenting with cutting-edge AI tools to enhance creativity and productivity. Insights from industry experts reveal how leveraging AI can unlock new design possibilities, turning challenges into opportunities. Join in on the exploration of AI as a powerful design material and the future it promises for creators.

Mike and Chara Smith, co-founders of Smith & Diction, share their insights on innovative branding strategies. They discuss how to stand out in an AI-dominated world, emphasizing emotional connections in design. The duo offers tips on building brand loyalty through strategic positioning and the power of storytelling. Mike reveals his top advice for emerging designers, while they both reflect on the evolution of client relationships and the importance of originality in branding. Their journey showcases creativity and adaptability in today’s agency landscape.

Discover how thinking like an engineer can revolutionize design practices. Explore the transformative journey from coding to creative design, emphasizing collaboration and feedback. Learn about the challenges faced by early-career designers in navigating recruitment and the importance of passion over experience. Delve into innovative AI tools that simplify design processes, and see how integrating AI with traditional workflows opens new creative avenues. Gain insights into nurturing design intuition and balancing innovation with accessibility.

Pranathi Peri, the Lead Designer of v0 at Vercel, shares her journey from tech engineer to design expert. She emphasizes the importance of taste and intuition in AI product design. Pranathi discusses innovative concepts like 'onboarding roulette' and her personal 3D experiments. She highlights collaboration with engineers and the dynamic evolution of AI-driven products at V0. The conversation reveals the transformative role of AI in enhancing traditional design processes, advocating for a balance between creativity and technology.