Discover unique ways to stand out as a design candidate, the importance of systems thinking in web design, strategies for Figma variables, and the impact of dedicated design engineers on company culture. Dive into the world of continuous learning with top designers sharing their insights 🤿

Soleio, former design lead at Facebook and Dropbox, discusses the fascinating story behind project Motion, the importance of shipping and relevance, the strategic advantage of craft in startups, the future of software design with spatial computing, and the excitement of being part of early Facebook culture and the potential of augmented reality.

Helen Zhou, co-founder and lead designer at Galileo, shares her journey as a design founder and discusses the unique aspects of user research for AI tooling. She discusses how AI will change the day-to-day role of designers and addresses concerns about LLMs and creativity. The potential breakthrough use case for UI generation is also explored.

Head of Design at Webflow, Kevin Wong, shares insights on Webflow's design culture, including rebranding, prototypes, design systems, stakeholder disagreements, sharing work via Loom, rituals, and design vision. Topics include community-driven UI design, driving alignment, prototypes for collaboration, customer obsession, and product understanding.

In this episode, Ryo Lu, former designer at Notion, shares insights on the Notion design process, user research for AI, feedback sourcing, design system, portfolio expectations, and operating outside the traditional design role.

Molly Hellmuth, creator of UI Prep, discusses building design systems with variables in Figma. They explore when to adopt variables, avoiding regretful strategies, favorite Figma plugins, building components in V8 of UI Prep, her journey as an independent creator, and more.

Derek Briggs, leader of the design super team at Clerk, discusses assembling an A-list team, the importance of collaboration between UI engineers and designers, redesigning Clerk's product, creating a culture of craft, and investing in understanding the medium for new opportunities.

Tommy Geoco, an experienced designer and entrepreneur, shares his wild journey of selling his first company, the importance of design tools, strategies for side projects, and his mental model for learning as a self-taught designer. He also discusses ways to improve taste as a designer and his acquisition of UX Tools, along with his vision for the future.

Experienced designer Kevin Twohy shares strategies for cold outreach and pricing, getting aligned quickly with clients, and positioning himself as a studio. He also discusses the vulnerability of not having a traditional design background and the pros and cons of productized agencies in the design industry. Plus, strategies for increasing client referrals and balancing long-term projects and setting boundaries.

Design systems leader Lauren LoPrete shares insights from her experience at Dropbox and Cash App, including the importance of documentation and excitement about string variables. The podcast also discusses traits of successful DS designers and the adoption process of Figma variables beta at Dropbox.