LOGBOOK

DESIGN CAREER ADVICE: A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF

Dear Luigi,

2025 marks fifty years on this planet. It’s a massive milestone—the moment where the time I’ve spent finally feels heavier than the time I have left. I’m writing this because I spent too many years chasing ghosts, and it’s time to be brutally honest.

Right now, you’re surrounded by noise. Everyone is obsessed with “AI-driven design”, “user-centred” frameworks and “customer obsession.” They’re just buzzwords people throw around to sound like they know what they’re doing.

2024 RETROSPECTIVE

Retrospective sessions are often gruelling—an honest, sometimes uncomfortable look back at what worked, what didn’t, and why.

For me, they’re a bit more challenging because I tend to break many of the conventional rules surrounding agility and scope. In fact, I’ve turned this process into something far more personal: a chance for self-reflection.

At the start of 2024, I set out with a clear focus on three areas: mastering design quality, improving delegation, and honing my strategic planning skills. As the year unfolds, I’ve realized how much these areas are intertwined with delivering a design that truly unlocks business value. In the next few paragraphs, I’ll take you through my journey, the lessons I’ve learned, and the challenges that have shaped my understanding of what it takes to create impactful, value-driven design.

DUE IS MY DELOREAN

Reading Enrico Brizzi’s new book, “Due,” took me back to the vibes of his first novel, “Jack Frusciante è uscito dal gruppo” which came out thirty years ago.

In the next few paragraphs, I’ll dive into how this “time travel experience” brings back memories without making me feel nostalgic. In a way, these books help me evolve as a human and designer that unlocks business value.

FIGMACONFIG2024

The FigmaConfig2024 was filled with numerous interactions, learnings, and reflections on the evolving design practice. A lot of discussions particularly in light of AI taking more maturity in the digital industry. Indeed, the whole AI thing was a big deal at the event. Some panels focused on how generative AI will help designers make digital products and manage design systems. My key takeaway was that “prompt engineering is the art of getting the right answers by knowing how to ask the right questions“.

MASTERING STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

A (un)comprehensive guide

Effective stakeholder management is a pivotal aspect of any design project. In today’s fast-paced environment, designers must communicate effectively with decision-makers. Stakeholder management ensures that all stakeholders are involved throughout the design process and that their feedback is considered.