💪 Be a better designer without AI

🤖 Not Another AI Breaking News 🙏

Hello people, in this issue, we’ll look at…

• 👩🏽‍💻 Shine as a Designer
• 📐 Choice Architect,
• 👃Breathe (it’s not a pause it’s a topic),
• 🛌 Airbnb Summer Edition,
• 🌈 2 colors-only club,
• 🍟 and extra things to bite it…

✨ Be a Better Designer

I came across an image recently that made me think about how many skilled designers out there are always eager to explore new avenues. It’s inspiring to see how they are not 🤪 Figma-Freak like some newbie designers. I can relate to this because I’m very curious and always trying to learn from everybody that I meet. It’s truly impressive to see the level of dedication and passion that designers like Johnny have for their craft, particularly in the case of his journey into pottery.

If you want to be a better designer, don’t study design books. Study sculpture. Study paintings. Study cars, watches, philosophers, movies, fiction, music, people. Study the world.

👇 Start by nudging…

Many people recommended me read the book called ‘Nudge’ by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein. I’m still at the beginning of the book, but I loved this first cool concept introduced by them: Choice Architect, which got me thinking 🤔 about how our design decisions as Product Designers can influence people for better or worse.

For instance, Thaler and Sunstein share this fascinating example about a school cafeteria. The way they set up the 🍔🍟 food choices can actually impact what students choose to eat. By cleverly placing 🍑🥦🥕healthier options at eye level and making them more accessible, they ‘nudge’ the students towards making healthier choices. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in their overall health and well-being.

Guess what? As Product Designers, we’re also Choice Architects! When we design products or interfaces, we have the ⚡️ power to shape how users make decisions. It’s a big responsibility, but an exciting one. We should strive to create experiences that nudge users towards choices that are good for them, while still respecting their freedom to choose.

📐 So, what exactly is a choice architect?

It’s someone who designs the environment in which choices are made, knowing that it has a significant influence on people’s decisions. By understanding this concept, we can create products and interfaces that guide users towards choices that align with their best interests.

🤓 What else I’m reading

The other day, I took my son to his ⚽️ soccer football class, and something interesting happened. The coach asked all the kids who their superheroes were, and you won’t believe who my son chose — Rickson Gracie! Now, you might be wondering, who’s that? Well, Rickson Gracie is a real-life superhero in the world of vale-tudo fights (not your typical MMA). He’s got an incredible record of 450 victories and 0 losses. Talk about being unbeatable! 💪

I’ve been reading a lot of athlete biographies lately, and they really give you a fresh perspective on what a career means. It’s not just a boring 9–5 job for them. Athletes like Rickson Gracie have to conquer their own minds and push their limits. They don’t blame everything on mental health disorders. In fact, they understand that to some extent, we all have our own mental challenges to deal with.

Rickson Gracie’s book, ‘Breathe,’ is a fascinating dive into the Gracie family’s legacy in the world of jiu-jitsu. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as learning to breathe properly can take an athlete like Rickson to a whole new level of greatness. And you know what’s even cooler? Rickson Gracie actually taught the Hulk (yes, the Hulk!) how to control his emotions and breathe. How awesome is that? 😤

If you’re looking for an inspiring read and want to explore the 🥋 world of jiu-jitsu and the power of the mind, I highly recommend checking out ‘Breathe’ by Rickson Gracie. It’s a captivating journey through his life and a testament to the incredible impact that mindset and breathing techniques can have on our abilities.

In the meantime, I’m reading a couple other books, which I’ll share soon.

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🛌 🥞 ☕️ Exploring Airbnb’s Cutting-Edge Features in the 2023 Summer Release

Airbnb has always captured my attention with its elegant design and seamless user experience since my early days as a traveler. But now, I have discovered even more reasons to appreciate their user-centered design approach.

The recent release of Airbnb’s 2023 Summer features has me buzzing with excitement. What makes it even more impressive is that these additions were born out of 3,000+ conversations with hosts from all corners of the globe. Airbnb truly knows the importance of listening to their users.

Let me give you a rundown of my top picks from this release:

1. 📆 Focused Calendar: Say goodbye to the confusion of date selection. Airbnb has revamped the calendar, making it easier than ever to manage bookings. With a simplified interface and a yearly view, hosts can keep track of their availability without the mental overload.
2. 🏷️ Streamlined Pricing: Adjusting rates based on demand and local trends has never been simpler. Airbnb now offers integrated pricing tools that empower hosts to set competitive prices effortlessly. No more guesswork!
3. 💬 Enhanced Messaging: Effective communication is the key to successful hosting. Airbnb understands this, and they have enhanced their messaging features to foster better conversations between hosts and guests. Building trust and positive relationships has never been easier.
4. 🔑 Seamless Checkout: Checking out should be a smooth and hassle-free experience for both guests and hosts. That’s why Airbnb has introduced customizable checkout instructions. This personalization makes the process more intuitive, enhancing the overall user experience.
5. 🤝 Cohost Management: Collaboration is at the heart of hosting, and Airbnb recognizes that. Their new cohost tools offer improved access control and streamlined payout sharing. Working together with fellow hosts has never been more seamless.
6. 🌟 Wish List Collections: Airbnb has introduced Wish List Collections, allowing hosts to curate and showcase their favorite listings. This feature gives hosts a creative platform to highlight unique and inspiring accommodations, attracting more guests and providing them with a personalized experience.
7. 🎁 Special Amenities: To enhance the overall guest experience, Airbnb now offers hosts the ability to provide special amenities. From welcome baskets to unique perks like local experiences or discounts, hosts can add thoughtful touches that make guests feel truly welcomed and valued.
8. 📸 Virtual Staging: Want to make your listing stand out? Airbnb has introduced virtual staging, allowing hosts to virtually decorate and furnish their spaces, giving potential guests a clearer vision of the ambiance and style. This feature helps hosts showcase their spaces in the best light and attract more bookings.
9. 🌍 Sustainable Hosting: In line with Airbnb’s commitment to sustainability, they have introduced new resources and tools to help hosts become more environmentally conscious. From eco-friendly cleaning tips to information on sustainable practices, Airbnb is empowering hosts to make a positive impact on the planet while hosting.
10. 🚀 Performance Insights: Understanding how your listing is performing is crucial for success. Airbnb now provides hosts with detailed performance insights, including key metrics and trends. This data allows hosts to optimize their listings, adjust pricing, and improve their hosting strategies, ultimately maximizing their earning potential.

What I truly admire about Airbnb is their dedication to listening and demonstrating empathy towards their users. They genuinely care about creating meaningful and user-centered products. Other companies can definitely learn a thing or two from their commitment to empathy and active listening.

Unleashing the Magic of Two-Color Combinations

Colors play a vital role in creating visually appealing designs. They have the power to evoke emotions, set moods, and communicate messages effectively. When it comes to UI design, choosing the right color combination is crucial for creating a harmonious and engaging user experience.

In the vast realm of color possibilities, certain combinations stand out for their ability to strike the perfect balance between harmony and impact. The “Two Colors Combinations” — a hand-picked collection that offers a plethora of options for designers seeking impactful color schemes.

By leveraging the power of these two-color combinations, you can create UI designs that not only catch the eye but also convey the intended mood and message effectively.

Remember, color is a language of its own — choose your colors wisely, and watch your UI designs come to life!

🍟 BITes

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🗡️ Ready to level up your skills as a Product Design Jedi? Look no further! Check this treasure trove of incredible resources that won’t cost you a penny. These gems will skyrocket your game and help you become the master designer you aspire to be.

🎤 Planning for your next job interview? Brace yourself with confidence by preparing for the most common questions that may come your way. Stay one step ahead with these insightful interview questions that will showcase your expertise and secure your dream job.

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See you next week!

Juno
Designer, writer, educator, UX/UI advocate, and mentor for startups.