Show notes for Season 2, Episode 5 of the Diary of Design Thinking by Simon Hoang, co-hosted by Chuck Rice. — Dan Donald, previously Zeroheight and Autotrader, is not only an engineer, designer, and product person rolled into one, but an absolute generous gem of a human being. We’re privileged to have him with us to discuss all things Design Systems. How do we start one? What’s the best tool? …

What to do when you’ve achieved all your design career goals, as well as a collection of articles, videos, and podcasts I’ve been enjoying or creating in April 2023. — I’ve decided to split this month’s newsletter into two parts, letting people choose whether to read the story or browse my findings. Let me know what you think!

How to remain happy when you’ve had your fill of learning, progression, and recognition in your design career. Illustrated using Eminem and cheat codes. — Working in tech is great for those who can’t seem to quench their thirst for learning, progression, and recognition. You can climb the career ladder, become an expert in a niche, and perhaps one day take centre stage and present your work and ideas to thousands across the globe.

Show notes for Season 2, Episode 4 of the Diary of Design Thinking by Simon Hoang, co-hosted by Chuck Rice. — Designers often have an easier time progressing into leadership positions, we think, because giving feedback and critique is core to a healthy design culture. We discuss design feedback the right way, how to handle aggressive feedback, and techniques for lowering your defences while maintaining your dignity.

License to be authentic, Windows 95 UI kits, learn Figma fast, and my favourite writes and reads of March 2023. — Sure, you can be authentic at all times, but how do you do it, such that everyone loves you for it? Out of anyone on this planet, one of the greatest examples I’ve ever come across is Lewis Capaldi. …

Show notes for Season 2, Episode 3 of the Diary of Design Thinking by Simon Hoang, co-hosted by Chuck Rice. — Post-pandemic, we’ve gone from home bound to remote whenever we can, but is it even possible for a modern Product Designer? We discuss the ultimate desk setup, the worst desk setup, what belongs in your “go-bag”, and what setup graduates and freshly minted designers might need. Plus, a couple books…

Podcasts, books, and articles that helped me navigate difficult decisions, and my favourite reads and writes of February 2023. — I know I know, this one sounds all doom and gloom, but the theme is all about making difficult decisions. We’re 3 years on from the pandemic. After the first series of lockdowns, people seemed to recognise the importance of being their authentic selves. …

Show notes for Season 2, Episode 2 of the Diary of Design Thinking by Simon Hoang, co-hosted by Chuck Rice. — Seriously, how do you get to Principal or Head of..? Whether you’re struggling to reach Senior level, or spinning your wheels pushing to Lead and beyond, it genuinely takes some hustling and some luck to do it. …

Should you go property-heavy or composition-heavy? A cautionary tale. — Figma is now at the point you can model your components in 100’s of ways, but which way is right for you? …