Dive Club 🤿

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.

Jason Yuan, a talented design thinker with a notable history at Apple, now brings us his innovative personal AI, Dot. He dives into the concept of designing with soul, revealing the essence of his creative process and the transition from MercuryOS to Dot. Jason discusses the necessity for designers to embrace AI, critiques over-hyped dynamic interfaces, and shares the magical interaction concept central to his design philosophy. Plus, he highlights the importance of storytelling from his theater background in creating emotionally resonant user experiences.

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 talented designer known for his work on the Netflix iOS app and the Arc browser animation, dives into what makes software truly enjoyable. He discusses the three levels of animation and shares insights from revamping the Netflix interface. Trivedi reveals the significance of shaders and his custom animation engine, Wave. He emphasizes the blend of design and engineering, bringing a fluid experience to users while illustrating how meticulous choices enhance user engagement and retention.

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.

Henry Modisett is the Founding Designer and Head of Design at Perplexity, an AI startup valued at over a billion dollars within two years. He discusses the importance of establishing a strong design system from the get-go and why he values designers who can code. Henry reflects on the challenges of creating intuitive interfaces for AI products while avoiding anthropomorphism. He shares insights on developing consumer-friendly AI and the balance between systematic and experimental design practices, emphasizing simplicity and user engagement.

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!

Oliur, a social media-savvy designer with a massive following, shares his insights on building a personal brand. He reveals key strategies for growing your online presence and the importance of consistency in content creation. Oliur delves into overcoming the cringe factor in self-promotion and how authenticity boosts audience engagement. He discusses monetizing design skills beyond traditional client work and the exciting journey of app development. With tales of accidental successes, he inspires designers to confidently share their work and forge meaningful connections.