A comprehensive walkthrough of the product design interview process — I’ve been in big tech for almost my entire career and have interviewed and been interviewed hundreds of times. This has given me unique visibility and insight into exactly how to ace a product design interview. From understanding what skills are being assessed to preparing for specific questions that might…

The key mistakes startups make with design and how to avoid them — I’ve worked for big companies and startups alike. So I have seen companies with robust design processes and thousands of designers. It also means I’ve seen startups flounder to hire their first designer and figure out how to integrate them into their product development process. I’ve identified some common mistakes…

How to stand out in a crowded field — My wife and I recently had our first child. The nice thing about having a kid is there is a built-in 10 month preparation period. At some point during those 10 months we came across midwifery. …

5 insights from design recruiters and managers — I just finished reviewing the 100th design portfolio since early April. It all started when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and affected all sectors, including technology. Early on we heard about startups and smaller companies laying off and then suddenly the unicorns unloaded. Lyft laid off 17% while companies like Airbnb…

My journey to Social Impact Design. — Exactly a year ago, to the day, I turned 30. In the months leading up to that pivotal birthday I felt…unsettled. I knew that my life’s work — the sum of all my years of study, labor and achievement — didn’t amount to much. I was searching for purpose. I…

Thoughts on how design and content work together. — I recently spoke on a panel about how design and content strategy work together at Facebook. Like peanut butter and jelly, design and content strategy are a classic pairing. But whereas peanut butter and jelly make a great sandwich, design and content strategy together make great products (I promise I’ll…

Hint: it’s product thinking — Eight years in the industry, working at two major consumer tech companies has taught me one thing: how to spot the difference between a good designer and a great designer. As I talked about in my article “Advice on your design portfolio”, the main skills hiring managers are looking for…