Case 303: The State of Design in 2025

Case 306: Make Case Studies That Actually Get You Hired | Michael Sarpong

Welcome to a new episode of Edge Cases Podcast, where we unpack the real-world decisions, expectations, and shifting standards shaping design careers today. Case studies are meant to tell a story. But for many designers, they’ve become a checklist of process instead of a clear expression of thinking and impact. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Sarpong, Design Engineer, UX Engineer, Product Owner, Consultant, and Co-founder, to unpack why so many designers misunderstand case studies and what they are actually meant to communicate. So what makes a strong case study today? Is it the structure, the UX, the storytelling, the documented decisions, or how clearly your thought process is woven together? We explore what effective case studies tend to show, how documenting work goes beyond screenshots and timelines, and how clarity in problem-solving, ownership, and collaboration comes through when case studies are done well. We also share perspectives often considered during reviews, while keeping the conversation broad and relevant to designers at every stage. This conversation isn’t about perfect frameworks or polished visuals. It’s about using case studies to clearly communicate how you think, the decisions you made, and the impact of your work. Tune in for honest insights, practical reflections, and a grounded discussion on how designers can rethink case studies in a way that feels intentional, confident, and real. Join the conversation Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review 🔔 Keywords / Tags Case Studies, Design Case Studies, UX Case Studies, Portfolio Case Studies, Design Portfolio, UX Portfolio, Product Design, UX Design, UI Design, Design Storytelling, Design Documentation, Design Careers, Design Growth, Creative Careers, African Tech, Ghana Tech, Nigeria Tech, Edge Cases Podcast, Design Podcast, Tech Podcast Follow Edge Cases Podcast YouTube: @edgecasespod Twitter (X): @edgecasespod Instagram: edgecasespod Facebook: Edge Cases Podcast TikTok: @edgecasespod Spotify: Edge Cases Podcast

Case 305: Portfolio Fundamentals for Designers

Welcome to a new episode of Edge Cases Podcast, where we unpack the real-world decisions, expectations, and shifting standards shaping design careers today. A strong portfolio can open doors. But for many designers, it’s also the most confusing part of the job search. In this episode, we break down Portfolio Fundamentals for Designers, what a portfolio should actually do, and why so many portfolios fail to communicate value even when the work is good. So what makes a portfolio stand out in 2026? Is it the visuals, the case studies, the storytelling, the problem-solving… or the clarity of your role? We discuss how designers can choose the right projects, structure compelling case studies, explain decisions without over-explaining, and present their work in a way that speaks to hiring managers, recruiters, and clients. This conversation isn’t about perfection or fancy layouts. It’s about building a portfolio that reflects your thinking, your impact, and your growth, clearly and confidently. Tune in for practical insights, honest reflections, and a grounded discussion on how to create a portfolio that gets attention for the right reasons. Join the conversation: Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review 🔔 Keywords / Tags (SEO Optimized) Portfolio, Design Portfolio, UX Portfolio, UI Portfolio, Product Design Portfolio, Portfolio Case Study, Design Case Studies, UX Design, UI Design, Product Design, Design Careers, Design Hiring, Design Interviews, Design Storytelling, Design Growth, Creative Careers, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Edge Cases Podcast, Tech Podcast, Design Conversations Follow Edge Cases Podcast YouTube: @edgecasespod Twitter (X): @edgecasespod Instagram: edgecasespod Facebook: Edge Cases Podcast TikTok: @edgecasespod Spotify: Edge Cases Podcast

Case 304: Have Designers Moved On From 100 Days of UI?

Welcome to a new episode of Edge Cases Podcast, where we unpack the evolving habits, priorities, and pressures shaping modern design careers. The 100 Days of UI challenge was once a defining rite of passage for designers. It promised consistency, visibility, and rapid growth. But today, it feels noticeably quieter. So what changed? In this episode, we take a closer look at why designers are stepping away from long-term public challenges and what that shift reveals about the industry. Is it burnout, changing career goals, the rise of AI tools, or a deeper rethink of what meaningful growth actually looks like? We explore how designers now approach learning, visibility, and professional development. We also discuss whether challenges like 100 Days of UI still hold value, or if designers are choosing more intentional, flexible paths to progress. This conversation isn’t about nostalgia or judgment. It’s about understanding how design culture is evolving and what consistency, relevance, and success look like today. Tune in for honest reflections, practical insights, and a grounded discussion on how designers are navigating growth in a fast-changing industry. Join the conversation: Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review 🔔 Keywords / Tags (SEO Optimized) Design, UI Design, UX Design, Product Design, 100 Days of UI, Design Challenges, Design Careers, Design Growth, Creative Consistency, Design Visibility, Design Industry, Design Culture, Creative Workflows, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Edge Cases Podcast, Tech Podcast, Design Conversations Follow Edge Cases Podcast YouTube: @edgecasespod Twitter (X): @edgecasespod Instagram: edgecasespod Facebook: Edge Cases Podcast TikTok: @edgecasespod Spotify: Edge Cases Podcast

Case 303: The State of Design in 2025

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of Edge Cases Podcast, where we examine the shifting conversations shaping the design industry in 2025. In this episode: We explore the state of design in 2025 and ask some uncomfortable but necessary questions. Why are designers talking more openly about money, visibility, and tools than about craft and problem-solving? What role have platforms like Figma played in changing how designers measure success? And how are events and communities such as Fidcon and DexGhana influencing what designers value today? We unpack industry shifts, cultural changes, and the tension between creativity, compensation, and relevance. This conversation looks beyond trends to reflect on what design is becoming, and what designers risk losing if they’re not intentional. Tune in for thoughtful perspectives, honest conversations, and clarity on navigating design in a rapidly evolving landscape. Connect with us:Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review 🔔 Keywords/Tags:Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Design Industry, Design Trends 2025, Design Culture, Creative Careers, Figma, Design Events, Fidcon, DexGhana, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Design Career, Hot Takes, Edge Cases, Tech Podcast Follow us on socials: YouTube: @edgecasespod Twitter: @edgecasespod Instagram: edgecasespodFacebook: Edge Cases Podcast TikTok: @edgecasespod Spotify: Edge Cases Podcast

Case 302: Determining ROI on Design

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of Edge Cases Podcast, where we explore how to measure the real value of your design work! In this episode: We dive into Determining ROI on Design and discuss the metrics every designer should track to demonstrate impact. How do you show the tangible value of design in a fast-paced, product-driven environment? Derrick & Frankie break down what metrics truly matter, how to translate design decisions into business outcomes, and the common pitfalls designers face when trying to demonstrate ROI. Whether you’re presenting to stakeholders, leading a project, or growing your career, this conversation offers actionable insights to make your design work both impactful and measurable. Tune in for actionable tips, honest conversations, and a fresh perspective on making your design work measurable, impactful, and strategically aligned. Connect with us:Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, TikTok. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review 🔔 Keywords/Tags:Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Design Metrics, Design ROI, Product Management, Career Growth, Measuring Impact, Designer Skills, Leadership Skills, Business Value, Tech Innovation, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Design Career, Edge Cases, Tech Podcast Follow us on socials:YouTube: @edgecasespodTwitter: @edgecasespodInstagram: edgecasespodFacebook: Edge Cases PodcastTikTok: @edgecasespodSpotify: Edge Cases Podcast