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Design Party

Design Party

By Antonija Pek

Your one-stop-shop for everything product design
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Design Trends

Design PartyDec 19, 2020

00:00
34:17
Figma's New Pricing Model / How To Move Figma Library To A New File / Zeplin To The Rescue
Feb 16, 202446:55
Figma Dev Mode Pricing / How To Organise Figma / New Website! / Lunacy

Figma Dev Mode Pricing / How To Organise Figma / New Website! / Lunacy

In today's episode of Design Party, we dive into the nuances of Figma's Dev mode and explore the benefits of organizing a Figma file efficiently.
We discuss the recent changes Figma has made, pushing code inspection behind a paywall, and how this impacts the handoff between designers and developers.
Additionally, we share our experiences with Lunacy, praising its potential as a robust design tool.
For those interested, we've linked to resources and tools mentioned in the episode: Lunacy, and our favorite weather app, Carrot.
Don't forget to check out our newsletter, Design Party Digest, for curated insights and tips in the design world.
Feb 09, 202431:24
Navigating Tech Layoffs / Figma's DevMode Pricing / Amie and Posts Launch

Navigating Tech Layoffs / Figma's DevMode Pricing / Amie and Posts Launch

In this episode of Design Party Podcast, our hosts Antonija, Vitali, and Helena delve into several pressing topics in the tech and design industry. They discuss the recent wave of tech layoffs impacting companies like Google and Figma, exploring potential reasons behind this trend. The conversation shifts to Figma's new policy of charging for DevMode, sparking a debate on its impact on developers and the industry's reaction. Alongside, the hosts explore innovative tools including Notion Calendar, Amie's public launch, and the Posts iOS app, highlighting their unique features and how they're shaping workflows and collaboration.
Jan 29, 202429:54
Adobe IS NOT Buying Figma / Figma Wins? / 2023 Wrap!

Adobe IS NOT Buying Figma / Figma Wins? / 2023 Wrap!

In this episode Helena and Antonija are commenting the dramatic Adobe and Figma divorce. As this is the last episode of the year we are taking some time to chit-chat about 2023.

Dec 22, 202334:42
Nokia Layoffs / Figma vs. Design System Roles / Job Market Dumpsterfire

Nokia Layoffs / Figma vs. Design System Roles / Job Market Dumpsterfire

Join hosts Antonija and Vitali in this episode of Design Party as we delve into the dynamics of the design world. We explore the challenges in the tech industry with a focus on Nokia's strategic missteps, share valuable tips for navigating the complex job market, and discuss the impact of Figma's latest developments on modern design practices.



Dec 09, 202340:43
Adobe Annual Contract?! / Design Systems Gatekeeping / Figma Variables / Photomator

Adobe Annual Contract?! / Design Systems Gatekeeping / Figma Variables / Photomator

In this episode of Design Party Podcast, hosts Helena and Antonija dive into the murky waters of dark UX patterns, with a particular focus on Adobe's complex subscription cancellation process. If you're contemplating canceling your Adobe subscription, you'll want to listen closely; the company's user experience design could leave you with unexpected fees. But it's not all cautionary tales; we also shine a light on companies that prioritize user-friendly experiences. For those seeking alternatives to Adobe, we recommend exploring Serif's Affinity suite, Photomator, Pixelmator, and Procreate, which not only offer exceptional user experiences but also come with fair, one-time payment options.

NEW: introducing Design Party Digest, a newsletter for designers and internet nerds. Subscribe at ⁠newsletter.designpartypodcast.com⁠
Oct 06, 202340:56
Perfect Job Doesn't Exist? / Figma is Gatekeeping?! / BeMore Festival 2023

Perfect Job Doesn't Exist? / Figma is Gatekeeping?! / BeMore Festival 2023

In this episode, hosts Antonija and Helena dive into the complexities of job hunting, discussing the importance of self-awareness and asking the right questions to find an optimal job fit. They explore the notion that the "perfect" job may not exist but emphasize the value of knowing what you want in a workplace. The conversation then shifts to Figma's new enterprise-level features, examining how these updates cater primarily to large companies and may inadvertently gatekeep freelancers and smaller teams from certain career opportunities. Finally, they spotlight the upcoming "Be More" festival by ADP List, an event that promises to cover a range of relevant topics for designers. Whether you're on the job hunt, interested in design tools, or looking to stay updated with industry events, this episode has something for you.

"Be More" festival by ADP List

https://bemore.adplist.org/

Sep 02, 202324:02
The LTT Drama / Making Time for Learning / FOMO vs. Mental Health

The LTT Drama / Making Time for Learning / FOMO vs. Mental Health

<ul>
<li>🎤 Antonija podcasts through her fifth day with Covid.</li>
<li>🎧 The team delves into the unexpected drama of Linus Tech Tips.</li>
<li>📚 Discussion on the journey of a designer's education, from online courses to mentorships.</li>
<li>🤝 Vitali talks about the nuances of interactive psychological safety in workshops.</li>
<li>💡 Helena ponders the allure of hard skills for young designers.</li>
<li>🚴‍♀️ Helena's potential fusion of downhill mountain biking with design insights.</li>
</ul>
Aug 18, 202353:01
Figma Config 2023 / Where Figma Falls Short... / It's Hard To Keep Up With The Industry

Figma Config 2023 / Where Figma Falls Short... / It's Hard To Keep Up With The Industry

Join Antonija, Vitali, and Helena in this episode as they discuss the latest trends and developments in the design industry. They share their insights on Figma's new features and the potential of its new developer mode, fresh from Figma Config 2023. The hosts also delve into the recent acquisition of Diagram by Figma and its implications for the future of design. They discuss the current state of Figma's animation features and express the need for more advanced tools for enterprise-level projects. Towards the end, they share their vision of organizing a design event with workshops to foster learning and collaboration in the design community. Tune in for an engaging and insightful discussion.


Jul 17, 202301:00:44
Secrets of Design Mentors
Jun 14, 202356:22
Uhm, Figma Commenting Sucks? / Company Culture / Big News

Uhm, Figma Commenting Sucks? / Company Culture / Big News

In this episode of Design Party, the hosts dive into a thought-provoking Twitter discussion about design collaboration and the role of tools like Figma. Antonija, Helena, and Vitali share their perspectives on the topic, highlighting the importance of healthy work environments, effective processes, and open communication. They discuss the impact of micromanagement, the need for better commenting practices, and the challenges faced by designers in today's fast-paced and evolving industry. Join the conversation as they explore how collaboration can be optimized and offer insights on managing burnout in the design field.

Jun 07, 202330:02
Apple's AR Future / AI Tools That We Love / Deepfake Dangers
May 15, 202334:22
Designer Anxieties Pt. 1

Designer Anxieties Pt. 1

In this episode, Antonija delves into designers' work anxieties by gathering insightful responses from the Posts app. Join Antonija and Vitali as they unpack these candid answers, offering thoughtful commentary on the struggles and pressures designers face in the workplace.

May 10, 202301:02:39
Complexity vs Simplicity in Product Design And Beyond

Complexity vs Simplicity in Product Design And Beyond

Antonija welcomed a guest this time, Dima, who suggested to chat about simplicity and complexity in context of product design. It's not so simple! Defining what is simple and what is complex requires a lot of context and us two are trying to figure out what this actually means!


Check the links mentioned in the episode

- Bret Victor talk about the novel interface to understand complex idea https://vimeo.com/23839605
- https://dimaveremchuk.com
- @vrmchk@mastodon.design

Apr 22, 202346:14
The Value of Customer Support Pt. 2 / Designing Exit Journeys / Again AI Stuff
Apr 03, 202338:34
Elon vs Halli / Are Online Communities Depressing? / OpenAI in design and coding

Elon vs Halli / Are Online Communities Depressing? / OpenAI in design and coding

In this episode, Antonija, Helena, and Vitali are chatting about the recent Twitter fiasco involving the firing of Halli, the famous designer from Iceland. As always lately, OpenAI squirmed into our thoughts once again.

Mar 24, 202352:28
The Value of Customer Support Pt. 1

The Value of Customer Support Pt. 1

In this episode, hosts Antonija Pek and Helena Bukovac discuss the value of customer support in informing and inspiring better user-centered design decisions. They also share their own horror stories where customer support saved the day. Tune in to learn how customer support can provide valuable feedback on user experience, identify pain points, and help designers stay up-to-date on user trends and changing needs. You'll also hear how customer support can collaborate with designers to develop training materials, troubleshoot issues, and track user feedback and sentiment. Join us for an insightful conversation on the importance of customer support in creating a positive brand image and increasing customer loyalty and retention.

Mar 03, 202337:37
Hot Takes on Generative AI: Shaping the Future of Product Design
Feb 26, 202351:03
Design Tokens & How Can AI Fuel Design

Design Tokens & How Can AI Fuel Design

In this episode we dive into the world of design tokens and explore the relationship between designers and developers. Join us as we delve into the world of UI/UX and product design and explore the future of collaboration. 

- https://design-tokens.github.io/community-group/format/ 

- https://www.fraktio.fi/blogi/mikä-erottaa-design-systemin-ja-komponenttikirjaston (in Finnish still) 

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03Hp-bHLftM

Feb 06, 202334:21
Which is better? Spotify vs Apple Music vs Youtube Music!

Which is better? Spotify vs Apple Music vs Youtube Music!

Antonija, Helena and Vitali share their experiences in using music apps and comment their usability, features and everything in between.
Jan 20, 202338:60
Wrapping up 2022
Dec 29, 202201:04:24
Agency life

Agency life

Vitali shares his experiences from an agency life!
Dec 27, 202239:46
Handling error messages

Handling error messages

Antonija and Vitali share their experiences around error handling and some good practices.

Nov 08, 202248:29
Subscription Hell
Oct 24, 202241:50
Designing with code in mind
Oct 10, 202255:59
What?! Figma is sold to Adobe!

What?! Figma is sold to Adobe!

Check out Vitali's presentation https://youtu.be/cwLepGcOANs

Sep 17, 202239:12
Prototyping

Prototyping

In this episode, Antonija and Vitali chat about prototyping — why do we need it? What tools are out there? And share our own experiences.

Sep 15, 202239:16
The past, the present and the future of our design paths

The past, the present and the future of our design paths

In this episode, Vitali and I went to the public library Oodi in Helsinki and recorded our episode there. We took a walk down a memory lane and reflected on our beginnings in design, where we are now, and where our future is, or at least wishful thinking about where we see ourselves in the next few years.
Jul 17, 202245:44
The Future of Figma

The Future of Figma

Antonija and Vitali are recording for the first time ever in the same room!  We are talking about the future of Figma, going into detail about what we like, dislike, and would like to see happen in the next years with our favorite tool for designing. Send us a message if you're listening on Spotify! Leave us a rating if possible — it helps reach more designers.

Jul 01, 202232:41
Processes in design teams
Jun 06, 202230:36
Frustrations in product design

Frustrations in product design

In this episode, Vitali and Antonija go through responses Vitali got from designers on a meetup. The question was, "what are your biggest frustrations in your role as a designer". We think responses are pretty relatable, and we decided to take a few and share our thoughts.

May 24, 202239:29
New breed of designers?!

New breed of designers?!

Hi, your host Antonija here. I met Riley through Good News and we had a little discussion about the new breed of designes. Who are they? What do we mean? Well, hit play and find out.

May 06, 202226:38
How to have an eye-catching portfolio when you work under NDAs

How to have an eye-catching portfolio when you work under NDAs

Helena and Antonija are discussing ways to show your work while having all of those NDAs hovering around you
Apr 21, 202240:60
How to handle rejection from a job application

How to handle rejection from a job application

Antonija and Vitali are chatting about getting rejected from job applications. We are sharing tips on how to apply, how to handle rejects, and sharing some salty personal stories.

Apr 04, 202233:28
Interfaces and user-experiences we don't really like

Interfaces and user-experiences we don't really like

Antonija, Helena and Vitali are discussing about services and apps they don't like because of a bad UX

Mar 21, 202249:21
Chatting while watching Apple event (extra episode)

Chatting while watching Apple event (extra episode)

Vitali and Antonija are watching Apple event and sharing their thoughts.

Mar 12, 202201:25:31
How to survive being the solo designer in an early startup?

How to survive being the solo designer in an early startup?

Antonija invited a guest co-host Stefan to talk about startups and being the only designer.


Contact for design help
@heystefan_
@antonijapek

Mar 07, 202255:03
How to handle stress and avoid burnout

How to handle stress and avoid burnout

In this episode, Antonija and Vitali talk about handling stress and avoiding burnout. We all know recovery is important, but what are the signs we should look out for and how can we manage being overworked? how does the parasympathetic nervous system help us feel balanced? We reflect on our experiences and offer techniques to help tackle these important challenges.

Feb 28, 202236:56
Design s#x test

Design s#x test

Helena and Antonija share tips on how not to embarrass yourself when you are naming your product that will ship globally. We share a little anecdote from rebranding our podcast and examples of big brands. 

Feb 14, 202239:06
How do we handle time management
Feb 07, 202235:49
Passive aggressive "The Design Tools Survey" review

Passive aggressive "The Design Tools Survey" review

In this episode of a very attractive title, Helena is joining me in discussing the UX tools survey for 2021. We talk about the state of the tools, give our opinions on whether we agree or if there is something surprising, and as announced - we passively aggressively bash on (almost) everything. Not to be lazy, we also give out a list of tools we would like to see grow, use more or just enjoy using. Find everything notable we mentioned below!

Recordings
Feb 02, 202248:34
Demistifying user research

Demistifying user research

Today’s episode discusses user research: what it is, what types of research are there, how it can help your work, and where to begin.


Resources mentioned:

Don’t make me think by Steve Krug https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Think-Revisited-Usability/dp/0321965515

Just enough research by Erika Hall https://www.amazon.com/Just-Enough-Research-Erika-Hall/dp/1937557103

Article on how to do remote user research https://uxdesign.cc/how-to-do-user-centered-design-during-the-remote-work-period-9ed223673451

CareerFoundry UX research playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGZGDnTY454&list=PL4GEkVtNYGlIcHp9lPMD9KHMlfc-Jbyjp

Norman Nielsen Group - Why you only need to test with 5 Users https://www.nngroup.com/articles/why-you-only-need-to-test-with-5-users

Startup Graveyard https://startupgraveyard.io

Growth.design https://growth.design

Baymard Institute https://baymard.com/blog

Don’t make me think by Steve Krug https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Think-Revisited-Usability/dp/0321965515

Just enough research by Erika Hall https://www.amazon.com/Just-Enough-Research-Erika-Hall/dp/1937557103

Article on how to do remote user research https://uxdesign.cc/how-to-do-user-centered-design-during-the-remote-work-period-9ed223673451

Jan 29, 202237:07
Predictions for 2022 with Vitali Gusatinsky

Predictions for 2022 with Vitali Gusatinsky

Amazing designer Vitali Gusatinsky is joining me in this episode to talk about 2022 and what it means for product design. We speculate what will be trendy this year and where designers' focus will shift in order to craft better experiences.
Jan 15, 202229:24
Catching up

Catching up

After a long 6-month break, Helena and I decided to catch up and talk a bit about what had happened.

Dec 14, 202119:15
Figma Config 2021

Figma Config 2021

In this episode, we deep dive into what happened in Figma Config 2021. Helena didn't watch so I am going through features and how I see them as a product designer.

May 02, 202135:14
Tips for junior designers
Apr 20, 202148:18
Hard skills for designers

Hard skills for designers

What are hard skills

  • knowing your tools (adaptability)
    for designing
    prototyping
    communication
    coding?

Design theory

  • typography
  • colors
  • rules of visual perception
  • common UI patterns
  • HIG, Material Design

Management - deep dive next time

Other valuable skills

  • Strategic thinking
  • networking
  • negotiation
  • teamwork
  • independence
  • marketing knowledge
  • business knowledge
Apr 10, 202139:31
Tools we use for design

Tools we use for design

Tools mentioned


Productivity tools

Notion

Toggl/Clockify

A timecube!

Linear

Jira

Todoist

Trello

Communication

Slack

Teams

Around

Zoom

Meet

Skype

Design tools

Sketch 🧡

Figma 💜

Principle

ProtoPie

Blush

Spline

Adobe

iPad

Procreate

GoodNotes

Apr 02, 202149:23
iOS vs. Android

iOS vs. Android

In today's episode, Antonija and Helena discuss iOS vs. Android. Weirdy, we both use Android as our daily driver. Antonija is thinking about switching to iOS, but Helena stays loyal to Android, and why is that? Listen and find out.

Feb 19, 202137:10
Redesigning the world

Redesigning the world

Helena and Antonija are discussing non-digital and digital products and ask themselves are they designed for everybody or is accessibility an afterthought?

Feb 12, 202145:05