
In this insightful conversation with Asis from Glazed, 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 scenesKey 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, and here and here! 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
May 21, 2025
19 min

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 | Website Berlin Design E.V Linkedin | Berlin Design Networkand you can follow Nick here 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
May 7, 2025
23 min

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 | UX for AI Podcast 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
Apr 9, 2025
27 min

TopicBuilding and Growing a Design CommunityWhat 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 LinkedinGet tickets to Hatch Conference hereFollow Berlin Product Designers Meetup to be updated of their meet-upsHave a cool idea and want to speak at BPD? Sign up here!Want to host a BPD, here’s 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
Apr 2, 2025
19 min

We spoke to Mathieu Ritter - Talent Acquisition Expert (Founder of Undiscovered) about navigating the Design Job Market, and all the Strategies that could help you land your next role. Topics :* Introduction to Undiscovered and its unique approach * Navigating the brutal job market * Strategies for job seekers * Standing out as a designer * Breaking into the industry as a junior designer * The evolving role of designers * Future hiring trends and skills needed* Final thoughts and advice for candidatesWhat You'll Learn: * Practical techniques for finding hidden job opportunities* How to properly utilize LinkedIn without falling into common traps* The importance of networking and building relationships in the industry* Specific portfolio strategies that get attention from hiring managers* Ways to break into the industry as a junior designer* How the design industry has evolved and what skills are increasingly valuedKey Takeaways:* Success in job hunting requires looking beyond just applying on LinkedIn* Personal branding and authentic presentation are crucial for standing out* Companies value designers who understand business context and can communicate well* Product companies and agencies offer different career paths with distinct advantages* Junior designers face challenges but can succeed with the right approach to mentorship and learning* Technical knowledge (coding, API integration) is increasingly valuable for designers* Authenticity is the "magic wand" that helps candidates stand out in interviews* Networking strategies should focus on building genuine relationships rather than transactional connections………….You can find Mathieu Ritter at: LinkedIn | Undiscovered | ADPlist 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
Mar 19, 2025
27 min

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
Feb 27, 2025
19 min
