Rethinking Design Careers: Beyond the Portfolio and Into the Real World

AI and the Future of Design: Insights from Aswin Ranganathan (Design Manager and Educator | Speaker @HatchConference)

In this conversation, Aswin shares his perspective on the evolving role of designers in the age of AI. Drawing on his experience as a design manager, he explores how AI is reshaping workflows, what skills will matter most, and how designers can stay relevant while embracing new opportunities. What you’ll learn * Why AI is not replacing designers but reshaping the design process. * The shift from execution-focused work to strategy, research, and decision-making. * How to approach AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor. * Practical ways designers can start integrating AI into their daily work. * The importance of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning in an AI-driven future. Key takeaways * Designers should focus on problem-solving, empathy, and strategy — areas AI can’t fully replicate. * AI tools accelerate execution but still need human judgment, creativity, and ethical oversight. * Staying ahead means experimenting with AI now rather than waiting until it’s industry standard. * Soft skills like facilitation, storytelling, and collaboration are becoming even more valuable. The future belongs to designers who balance technical AI knowledge with human-centered design principles. Where to find Aswin: * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aswinckr/ * Aswin’s newsletter: https://moderndesigner.ai * Learning: https://moderndesigner.ai/course This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com [https://ampli.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

"Just Make Things"

In this insightful conversation with Asis from Glazed [https://glazedanalytics.com], we explore what it takes to build a startup from scratch, how to stay grounded during unpredictable growth, and the role of personal projects, mindset, and endurance in making your own opportunities. What You’ll Learn: * The unexpected power of “just starting” and building small things * Why vibe coding is exciting but still early * How Asis and his co-founder balance ambition with mental health * Glazed’s mission to become the go-to analytics tool for designers * What finding product-market fit feels like behind the scenes Key Takeaways: * Prototypes > Promises: Talking isn’t testing — you learn by doing. * Start scrappy: Asis didn’t “found a company” until he realized he’d already done so many things that resembled one. * Mental stamina matters: Treat startups like an endurance sport. * Vibe coding is great for prototyping, but not ready for prime-time scale. * Glazed is on a mission: To make data accessible and intuitive — not just for analysts, but for the designers shaping user experience. You can follow Asis here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asisybarra/], and here [https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fglazedanalytics] and here [https://bsky.app/profile/soyasis.bsky.social]! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com [https://ampli.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Rethinking Design Careers: Beyond the Portfolio and Into the Real World

Topic: The evolving role of designers in today's workforce, why traditional career advice falls short, and how to unlock growth through systems thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurial curiosity. What You’ll Learn: * Why design portfolios and perfect CVs aren’t enough—and what really matters to employers. * How thinking systemically can help you build a sustainable and fulfilling career in design. * Where to look for inspiration and clients outside the design world. * Alternative paths to traditional employment—like collectives, agencies, and building your own product. * The importance of failure, curiosity, and learning from business to grow as a creative. Key Takeaways: * Mindset matters more than aesthetics—your ability to ask good questions, communicate clearly, and collaborate is key. * Be curious about other systems—understand how politics, business, and institutions work to design with real-world impact. * Go where the clients are—attend industry-specific events, not just design conferences. * Explore new models—not everyone needs to freelance or take a job; you can build products or join/start collectives. * Failure is part of the journey—you’ll learn more from building (and failing) than from staying in the comfort zone.……Berlin Design E.V [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.berlin-design.org%2F&trk=flagship-messaging-web&messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-NjYwN2Y4MmQtMTI4YS00ZmZmLWI5OWQtNzIxZDgwODI5NWIxXzEwMA%3D%3D] | Website Berlin Design E.V Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/berlindesign/posts/] | Berlin Design Network [https://berlin-design-network.org/]and you can follow Nick here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickstuebe/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com [https://ampli.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

On embracing Ai , and leading with passion | Behrad Mirafshar (Bonanza Studios | UX for Ai Podcast)

What You'll Learn: * The growing importance of AI in design and development. * The shift in roles from traditional designers to "makers" using AI tools. * Insights into AI tools like ChatGPT, Framer, and Webflow. * The process of adopting AI in design workflows. * The philosophy of working with AI, balancing passion and patience. Key Takeaways: * Adopting AI as a Designer: * AI tools are rapidly evolving and will likely play a central role in design workflows. * AI is not just for augmenting existing skills but can be used to reimagine the role of a designer. * From Designer to Maker: * Designers should view themselves as "makers," not just as users of tools. * Passion is essential for turning ideas into tangible products. * Choosing the Right Tools: * It’s still unclear which tools will dominate, but platforms like ChatGPT 4.5, Framer, and Webflow show promise. * Personal preference for tools depends on the desire to avoid manual coding and focus on getting projects live. * Patience in the Process: * The journey with AI in design is a process of trial and error—be willing to start over if things go wrong. * Embrace the learning curve and approach it as an investment in your future work. * Commit to Ideas and Avoid the Pressure of Commercialization: * Don't worry about creating "unicorns" or overly commercial projects. * Focus on building something you’re passionate about, even if it’s small (e.g., a journal app that you want to use). * Ground Zero for Everyone: * The field is still new, and everyone is figuring it out together. * Failure and mistakes are part of the learning process, and passion will drive you to continue when setbacks occur. …………. You can find Behrad Mirafshar at Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/behradmirafshar/] | UX for AI Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/5GRT4OVeflkw4EkMG5rxja] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com [https://ampli.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

On Community building , and more | Damian Martone (Hatch Conference + Leadership Ateliers | Community Organizer & Host at Berlin Product Designers Meetup)

Topic Building and Growing a Design Community What You'll Learn * How to start and sustain a successful design meetup. * The role of consistency in fostering a strong community. * Balancing community building with personal and professional commitments. * Lessons from running Berlin Product Designers Meetup and Hatch Conference. Key Takeaways * Consistency is key: Regularly showing up and hosting events fosters a strong sense of community. * Start small and be persistent: Early challenges include finding venues, funding events, and gaining sponsorships. * Build a reliable team: Having a dedicated team ensures sustainability and allows for flexibility. * Adaptability matters: Unexpected disruptions (e.g., speaker cancellations, strikes) require quick problem-solving. * Community-driven growth: Engaging attendees and leveraging their network helps expand resources and partnerships.…………..Follow Damian at Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianmartone/]Get tickets to Hatch Conference here [https://www.hatchconference.com]Follow Berlin Product Designers Meetup [https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/berlin-product-designers/] to be updated of their meet-upsHave a cool idea and want to speak at BPD? Sign up here [https://berlinproductdesigners.notion.site]!Want to host a BPD, here’s [https://berlinproductdesigners.notion.site/Guidelines-for-Hosting-a-Berlin-Product-Designers-Meetup-fd5c82f5aaa24ed8b31cb044333d0bf6] all you need to know! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ampli.substack.com [https://ampli.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]