AI Design, UX Design
Paul Goins
The creative platform I trained on myself

I am a product designer who came back to an IC role because AI lets one person build so much. This project started as a hypothesis: the judgment behind the work can be made visible and systematic.

AI Design
Paul Goins
The Asset Intelligence Platform
The Asset Intelligence Platform
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Design is a Job

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Here are a few anecdotes from an amazing book I picked up called, Design is a Job (Dan Brown). It's a concise, and powerful jolt of wisdom and philosophy that's relevant to any designer working today. Get the book here.

Some key points: 

  • While working constantly ask yourself ‘why am i doing this and who benefits’. 
  • Don’t work in a bubble for too long:
  • No tasks longer than 2 weeks
  • Pull in other team members to validate your progress direction.
  • Instead of 1, 12 week project, go for 12, 1 week projects when estimating/scoping projects.
  • Prioritize lists visually and keep it concise or you'll lose motivation.
  • Make more small choices/decisions, its easier when you're wrong.
  • Don't copy competitors. Establish your value props against them. 
  • Be proud about providing less, especially if you’re a small business. It can be easier and more quality focused.
  • Build an audience by teaching them stuff! Be Informative and educational over promotional. It will create more loyalty.
  • Be genuine in all you do. Imperfections can foster real connection.
  • Writing is today's currency for good ideas. Hire the person who can write better (no matter what job it is).
  • Don't try to hide or spin bad news to your customers—the truth will eventually surface anyway.
  • If you Apologize, accept responsibility, explain your actions to prevent it occurring next time. Think how you'd feel if you were given 'that' apology.
  • Get back to people quickly. Answer personally.
  • "Culture is the byproduct of consistent behavior." Don’t force culture.
  • If you're small company don't be afraid to sound 'small' in your tone of voice.
  • Write to be read. Keep personality.
  • Save emergency language for real emergencies!

Get the book here.

7 design quotes for the month

  • “Expertise is the only valid basis for differentiating ourselves from the competition. Not personality. Not process. Not price."
  • “Businesses need employees who are engaged, not simply happy with their benefits package."
  • “Companies need to find out and articulate why they exist–beyond profits, and that is where brand building, business strategy, and design intersect."
  • "Don't brag about your knowledge of technology– technology is irrelevant because it's a given. Brag about the smart thing you are doing with it."
  • “As such, the concept of brand has moved from being thought of as nearly an addition to the offering, the logo on the product, to it's acceptance as a representation of the culture, knowledge, and vision that inspires and strategically guides that offering." 
  • “Our canvas size is unknown”
  • "This is a creative challenge not a challenge to creativity"