#113 Making a difference as a designer w/Rachel Wu
Anfi and Rachel delve into the creative journey of a designer, with Rachel sharing her experience of how she approached a pitch, exploring non-linear approaches to design thinking, the value of diverse backgrounds, and the art of storytelling in design. This episode was recorded in partnership with Wix Studio. Episode Timestamps: 0:35 - Episode Intro 1:45 - Collaboration with Wix Studio 3:07 - Can you share your story as a designer? What led you to work with me at Mews on guest experiences? 4:58 - What inspired Rachel to become a product designer? 8:39 - Why did Anfi decide to discuss this episode’s topic with Rachel? 13:03 - Observing, noticing, and interpreting signals: The concept of hearing those whispers. What does that mean for you? Describe this process. 16:55 - Mapping insights into the bigger picture: Rachel’s approach to research, exploring solution spaces, and analogous industries. How they look at similar problems in other areas before returning to the same space for competitor research. 18:58 - Taking a non-linear approach instead of following the standard process: Abstract thinking and reverse engineering. 21:04 - Coming to design from a different background: Is it a drawback? Should designers follow standard paths? Anfi shares her experience at her university design program and the diversity of student backgrounds. 24:15 - Why did you choose high fidelity for the pitch? What was your thought process? 29:03 - Storytelling: How do you approach telling stories in a cohesive yet engaging way that keeps listeners interested until the end? (Song analogy) 32:40 - Extra thoughts: Presenting your voice to others and then hearing it back—how this helps identify areas to adjust, cut, or elaborate on. Why verbalizing thoughts is key to the feedback process. 42:52 - Why are you so good with words? 47:08 - Closing thoughts on imposter syndrome as a designer. Check out these links: Ioana's AI Goodies Newsletter Join Anfi’s Job Search community. The community includes 3 courses, 12 live events and workshops, and a variety of templates to support you in your job search journey. Enroll in Ioana's AI course "**AI-Powered UX Design: How to Elevate Your UX Career"** on Interaction Design Foundation with a 25% discount. ❓Next topic ideas: Submit your questions or feedback anonymously here Links: 🎓 Into UX design online course by Anfisa 🎓 Domestika course Create a Learning Strategy by Ioana 🧡 Want to support us? Sign up here to get access to exclusive locked episodes for $0.99/mo Follow us on Instagram to stay tuned for the next episodes. 🗂 Our instagram 👩💻 Anfisa’s instagram 👩🏻💻 Ioana’s instagram