Summary

In this conversation, Dylan and Rowdy discuss their current projects and backgrounds. They explore the topics of imposter syndrome and perfectionism, particularly in the context of design work. They discuss how to manage perfectionism in both agency and product environments, including the importance of defining quality and measuring success. They also touch on the challenges of recognizing user standards versus designer standards and integrating business goals into design work. In this conversation, Rowdy and Dylan discuss various topics related to design, including gaining experience, shifting focus, setting priorities, and saying no. They also explore the importance of defining a design vision, surrounding yourself with the right people, and embracing fear and vulnerability. Dylan shares insights on training your visual eye and idea generation skills, breaking patterns, and getting out of your design bubble. They conclude by discussing the role of designers as facilitators and craftsmen and the importance of being comfortable with the unknown.

Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome and perfectionism are common challenges for designers.
• In a product environment, it is easier to measure the quality of design work and iterate based on user feedback.
• Defining quality and setting a bar for design can help combat imposter syndrome.
• In an agency, it can be more challenging to innovate due to time constraints and client expectations. To gain experience as a designer, it's important to seek opportunities outside of traditional agency work, such as working for an IT consultancy or integrating with clients' businesses.
• Designers should shift their focus to consider the impact of their work on clients' businesses and develop a broader understanding of design, technology, and business.
• Setting priorities and saying no to tasks that don't align with your vision as a designer is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Designers can train their visual eye and idea generation skills by studying and analyzing the work of other designers, experimenting with different styles, and seeking inspiration from diverse sources.
• Breaking patterns and trying new things is essential for innovation and growth as a designer. Designers should challenge conventions and explore unique solutions.
• Designers should actively seek inspiration from sources outside of the design industry, such as art, photography, music, and film, to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to their work.
• Designers are both facilitators and craftsmen, responsible for delivering value and solving problems while also pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.
• Being comfortable with the unknown is a valuable skill for designers. Embracing vulnerability and taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Having a clear vision of the kind of designer you want to be and actively working towards that vision can help guide your career and decision-making as a designer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Current Projects

01:10 Background and Study

08:15 Dealing with Perfectionism in a Product Environment

12:12 Quality Definition and Measuring Success

21:42 Recognizing User Standards vs. Designer Standards

25:49 Differentiating Between Agency and Product Environments

29:09 Transitioning from Agency to Product Work

30:35 Integrating Business Goals into Design

30:53 Gaining Experience and Shifting Focus

32:10 Becoming a Good Product Designer

34:23 Setting Priorities and Saying No

36:31 Defining Your Design Vision

38:40 Surrounding Yourself with the Right People

39:10 Embracing Fear and Vulnerability

42:40 Training Your Visual Eye and Idea Generation Skills

46:26 Breaking Patterns and Trying Something New

50:53 Getting Out of Your Design Bubble

55:00 Designers as Facilitators and Craftsmen

01:00:23 Being Comfortable with the Unknown

Summary

In this conversation, Eleonora, a freelance designer, discusses her background and work in the Netherlands. She shares her involvement in the food industry through her partner's fermentation food business and her collaboration with a startup building a robotic kitchen. Eleonora expresses her interest in networking and events in the startup field and her desire for more in-person interactions. The conversation also explores the importance of positioning and communicating oneself effectively, particularly in the music industry. The chapter concludes with a discussion on focusing on passionate assignments and the possibility of meeting in Amsterdam.

Takeaways

1. Freelance designers can benefit from networking and attending events in the startup field to expand their connections and find new opportunities.
2. Positioning and communicating oneself effectively is crucial for attracting the right clients and projects.
3. In-person interactions and physical events can provide a more meaningful and effective networking experience compared to online interactions.
4. Focusing on passionate assignments and targeting specific industries or niches can lead to more fulfilling and successful work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:18 Freelance Design Work

01:05 Involvement in the Food Industry

03:20 Networking and Events in the Startup Field

06:00 Approach to Networking and Finding Clients

08:52 Creating a Target Audience

12:18 Challenges of Online Networking

13:12 Importance of Physical Events

14:37 Positioning and Communicating About Yourself

16:26 Being a Multidisciplinary Designer

20:19 Updating Portfolio and Targeting Specific Projects

22:18 Dream Client and Industry Interest

24:06 Positioning in the Music Industry

26:17 Startup Scene in the Music Industry

28:07 Licensing and Distribution in the Music Industry

29:02 Focusing on Passionate Assignments

32:41 Meeting in Amsterdam and Final Thoughts

In this conversation, Dylan and Cristiano discuss strategies for finding job opportunities in the design field. They explore the hiring funnel and the importance of networking. Cristiano shares his target companies, and Dylan provides insights on approaching them. They also discuss the importance of online presence and messaging to attract the attention of potential employers.

In this conversation, Dylan de Heer provides Cristiano Dalbem guidance on optimizing his LinkedIn profile and portfolio to appeal to his target audience. They discuss the importance of prioritization and communication skills for product designers.

Dylan emphasizes the need for a visually appealing portfolio and the significance of making a strong first impression. They also explore the power of networking and expanding one's bubble to find the right fit. The conversation concludes with key takeaways, including the importance of networking and optimizing for the target audience.

Takeaways

• Networking is crucial in the design field, as designers often hire other designers.
• Targeting specific companies and connecting with the right people within those companies can increase job opportunities.
• Building an online presence that appeals to the target audience is essential.
• Taking a proactive approach, such as reaching out to designers at desired companies, can lead to valuable connections. Optimize your LinkedIn profile and portfolio to appeal to your target audience.
• Prioritize and communicate effectively as a product designer.
• Create a visually appealing portfolio that makes a strong first impression.
• Expand your network and connect with designers who share your worldview.

Welcome to this episode of Into Doubt, where Dylan de Heer engages in a profound discussion with Shubham Panda, a seasoned designer with seven years of experience, now embarking on a new journey at JP Morgan.

This episode delves into the transformative UI/UX design world, addressing the nuanced challenges and opportunities designers face in today’s digital landscape.

Shubham shares his journey from starting as a bachelor in design to becoming a designer at an academy and his experiences with UX certification.

His story is a testament to the evolving nature of design and the critical role of continued learning and adaptability in a designer's career.

Dylan and Shubham explore the essence of design beyond the tools, emphasizing design as a process and a medium of communication that extends beyond mere aesthetics to solve real-world problems.

The conversation shifts to the intriguing challenge of non-designers creating visually appealing portfolios and the democratization of design through accessible resources and tools.

Dylan provides insights into the fundamental principles of design, highlighting the importance of understanding business, research, and user experience as integral components of impactful design.

Shubham's recent transition to JP Morgan as a production designer opens discussions about the intersection of design, marketing, and branding.

Dylan offers strategic advice on navigating career growth, emphasizing the importance of communication skills, networking within new environments, and pursuing specialized knowledge in areas like research methodology and business understanding.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their design journeys, considering how they can leverage their unique skills and interests to significantly impact the design world.

This episode is a narrative of individual growth and a call to action for designers to continually challenge themselves, embrace interdisciplinary approaches, and contribute to meaningful design solutions.

Join Dylan and Shubham in this insightful episode as they unravel design complexities, offering both inspiration and practical advice for designers at any stage of their careers.

Welcome to this empowering episode of Into Doubt, where our host, Dylan de Heer, engages in a deep dive with Elena Gonci, a burgeoning talent in the world of product design. Originally from Spain and on the verge of relocating to Miami, Elena shares her dynamic journey from freelancing in graphic design and social media management to discovering her passion for product design. Currently juggling two master's degrees in media communication and interaction design, she brings a fresh perspective to the digital product design field.

In this session, Dylan and Elena unravel the complexities of starting anew in the fast-paced design industry, discussing key challenges such as overcoming imposter syndrome, mastering stakeholder management, and the importance of networking for career advancement. Elena's story is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning, highlighting her transition from graphic to product design amidst her globe-trotting lifestyle.

Key insights from this episode include:

• Embracing Square One: Dylan and Elena discuss the exhilarating yet daunting experience of starting from scratch in a new domain and how this "Square One" feeling is not just a challenge but an opportunity for growth and creativity.
• The Art of Networking: Delving into strategies for expanding professional networks, Dylan emphasizes the pivotal role of LinkedIn and personal branding in securing opportunities before they're even listed, underscoring the importance of connecting with industry influencers and peers.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Both share their experiences with imposter syndrome and the realization that success in design is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, where feedback and self-reflection play crucial roles.
• Crafting a Career in Product Design: Elena's transition from graphic design to product design exemplifies the importance of following one's passions and the value of diverse skill sets in navigating the digital product landscape.

Join us as we explore these themes, offering mentorship, insights, and inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in digital product design or to navigate their own professional labyrinth. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a student, or somewhere in between, this episode promises valuable lessons on the importance of adaptability, networking, and embracing the journey with curiosity and confidence.

Welcome to this enlightening episode of Into Doubt, where host Dylan de Heer engages in a deep dive with Leon Driese, a former product manager at Hello Fresh and a current student at the Technical University of Munich. Leon is on a journey to pivot his career towards design, leveraging his business acumen and growing technical expertise to explore new horizons in digital product design.

In this session, Dylan and Leon explore the intersection of design, technology, and entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning careers and the importance of continuous learning and curiosity. They tackle key questions about navigating the complexities of design life, the role of technology in enhancing creativity, and how to identify and pursue meaningful problems worth solving.

Key insights from the episode include:

• The Journey of Self-Discovery: Leon shares his path from working as a product manager to pursuing further education with an aim to delve deeper into design. His story highlights the value of exploring diverse disciplines to find one’s niche in the vast landscape of digital product design.
• The Intersection of Product Management and Design: The discussion reveals how product management and design are intrinsically linked, emphasizing the importance of understanding both to create impactful digital products.
• Exploring New Ventures: Dylan discusses his own entrepreneurial journey, shedding light on the thought process behind identifying problem spaces, the significance of technology in driving innovation, and the challenges of balancing passion projects with professional commitments.
• The Essence of Learning and Adaptation: Both Dylan and Leon emphasize the importance of self-directed learning, prioritization, and the ability to adapt and pivot as key skills in the ever-evolving field of digital product design.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the confluence of design, technology, and entrepreneurship, offering a unique perspective on how to navigate the challenges of career transition and the pursuit of innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional considering a pivot or a student contemplating your future path, Dylan and Leon’s conversation provides valuable insights into making informed decisions in the pursuit of passion and purpose in the digital age.

Welcome to "Into Doubt," the unfiltered podcast where, each week, I share raw and genuine audio from my mentorship sessions with designers from all around the world.

Today, we're giving you a front-row seat to my recent session with Gabriela, a data analyst eager to transition into UX design.

It's an authentic recording of our conversation, filled with the struggles, insights, and breakthroughs that happen as she navigates this change.

So, plug in and listen closely as we explore Gabriela's story, and maybe you will find a piece of your own journey reflected in hers.