Journal Entries
Elevating Excellence: The Next Frontier in Product Design
Elevating Excellence: The Next Frontier in Product Design Product Design • June 17th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, interface and experience[...]
Elevating Excellence: A Guide for Graphic Designers Transitioning to UX/UI
Elevating Excellence: A Guide for Graphic Designers Transitioning to UX/UI Product Design • June 13th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky The journey from graphic design to UX/UI design is a rewarding[...]
Elevating Excellence: A Guide for Scaling Product Design Teams
Elevating Excellence: A Guide for Scaling Product Design Teams Product Design • May 29th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky Elevating excellence isn't just a goal in product design;[...]
Elevating Excellence: Designing for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Elevating Excellence: Designing for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Product Design • May 16th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky As I reflect on the significance of accessibility in digital product[...]
Elevating Excellence: A Framework for Effective Product Design Reviews
Elevating Excellence: A Framework for Effective Product Design Reviews UI Design • May 1st, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky Introduction At the heart of innovation lies the examination[...]
Figma Fundamentals: Responsive Component Activity
Figma Fundamentals: Responsive Component Activity UI Design • April 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. [...]
Figma Fundamentals: Version History
Figma Fundamentals: Version History UI Design • March 27th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. This[...]
Figma Fundamentals: Collaboration and Sharing
Figma Fundamentals: Collaboration and Sharing UI Design • March 13th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. [...]
Figma Fundamentals: Prototyping Basics
Figma Fundamentals: Prototyping Basics UI Design • March 6th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. This[...]
Figma Fundamentals: Plugins and Integrations
Figma Fundamentals: Plugins and Integrations UI Design • February 28th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. [...]
Figma Fundamentals: Responsive Design
Figma Fundamentals: Responsive Design UI Design • February 21st, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. This[...]
Figma Fundamentals: Mastering Components
Figma Fundamentals: Mastering Components UI Design • February 14th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. This[...]
Figma Fundamentals: Importing and Organizing Assets
Figma Fundamentals: Importing and Organizing Assets UI Design • February 7th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. [...]
Figma Fundamentals: Working with Text
Figma Fundamentals: Working with Text UI Design • January 31st, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. [...]
Figma Fundamentals: Creating and Editing Shapes
Figma Fundamentals: Creating and Editing Shapes UI Design • January 24th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. [...]
Figma Fundamentals: Introduction to the Figma Interface
Figma Fundamentals: Introduction to the Figma Interface UI Design • January 10th, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals.[...]
Figma Fundamentals: A Beginners Guide
Figma Fundamentals: A Beginners Guide UI Design • January 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Figma Fundamentals. [...]
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Design System Exercise
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Design System Exercise Design Systems • November 1st, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Design System Management. [...]
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Implementing and Maintaining a Design System
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Implementing and Maintaining a Design System Design Systems • October 25th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Design[...]
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Tools and Technologies for Design Systems
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Tools and Technologies for Design Systems Design Systems • October 18th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Design[...]
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Creating a Design Language
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Creating a Design Language Design Systems • October 11th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Design System Management.[...]
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Key Elements of a Design System
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Key Elements of a Design System Design Systems • October 4th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Design[...]
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Introduction to Design Systems
Crafting Consistency for Scale: Introduction to Design Systems Design Systems • September 27th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on Design System Management.[...]
Crafting Consistency for Scale: A guide to design system management
Crafting Consistency for Scale: A guide to design system management Design Systems • September 20th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky Outline In this series, we'll explore the essential[...]
Future Trends and Challenges with AI in Product Design
Artificial Intelligence • September 13th, 2023 As a Senior Product Designer, I've witnessed the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the design landscape.[...]
Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Design
Artificial Intelligence • September 6th, 2023 In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), the design landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. AI-driven design promises innovation[...]
Natural Language Processing in UX
Artificial Intelligence • August 23rd, 2023 In the realm of User Experience (UX) design, the ability to understand and converse with users in natural language[...]
AI for Design Automation
Artificial Intelligence • August 30th, 2023 In the fast-paced world of design, efficiency is paramount. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI), a game-changer in design automation. In[...]
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Artificial Intelligence • August 16th, 2023 In the digital age, inclusivity and accessibility are not mere buzzwords; they are fundamental principles that shape the way[...]
Design Optimization with AI
Artificial Intelligence • August 9th, 2023 In the ever-evolving landscape of digital design, the pursuit of excellence never rests. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI), a powerful[...]
Personalization and Customization
Artificial Intelligence • August 2nd, 2023 In today's digital landscape, where users are overwhelmed with information and choices, personalization and customization have emerged as the[...]
AI-Driven Ideation and Concept Generation
Artificial Intelligence • July 26th, 2023 In the realm of design, the spark of innovation often ignites in the crucible of ideation. It's the stage[...]
AI-Powered User Research
Artificial Intelligence • July 19th, 2023 User research, the backbone of informed design, is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).[...]
Introduction to AI in Product Design
Artificial Intelligence • July 12th, 2023 In the ever-evolving landscape of product design, a new frontier has emerged, one that promises to reshape the way[...]
Unlocking the Power of AI in Product Design
Artificial Intelligence • July 5th, 2023 Foreward As a senior product designer, I recently embarked on a journey into the intricate world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). To[...]
Designing with Empathy: Evaluating and Scaling Empathetic Design
Designing with Empathy: Evaluating and Scaling Empathetic Design UX Research • May 24th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky In this lesson, we embark on a journey to assess[...]
Designing with Empathy: Empathy in Product Development
Designing with Empathy: Empathy in Product Development UX Research • May 17th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky From ideation to prototyping, this lesson explores how embedding empathy in the creative process[...]
Designing with Empathy: Infusing Empathy into Design Processes
Designing with Empathy: Infusing Empathy into Design Processes UX Research • May 10th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky In this lesson, we'll explore how empathy becomes the cornerstone[...]
Designing with Empathy: Journey Mapping Strategies
Designing with Empathy: Journey Mapping Strategies UX Research • May 2nd, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This lesson delves into the powerful world of customer journey mapping—an essential[...]
Designing with Empathy: Crafting User Personas
Designing with Empathy: Crafting User Personas UX Research • April 26th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This lesson immerses us in the art of creating vivid representations of diverse[...]
Designing with Empathy: User Research Techniques
Designing with Empathy: User Research Techniques UX Research • April 19th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky In this lesson, we dive into the practical strategies essential for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting[...]
Designing with Empathy: Introduction to Empathetic Design
Designing with Empathy: Introduction to Empathetic Design UX Research • April 12th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This lesson sets the stage for an empathetic design journey, highlighting the[...]
Designing with Empathy: User research, personas, and journey mapping
Designing with Empathy: User research, personas, and journey mapping UX Research • April 5th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky This course is a journey into the heart of[...]
From Pixels to Presentations: Handling Questions and Feedback
From Pixels to Presentations: Handling Questions and Feedback Product Design • March 29th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky Introduction Welcome to Lesson 4 of "From Pixels to Presentations:[...]
From Pixels to Presentations: Creating Engaging and Interactive Demos
From Pixels to Presentations: Creating Engaging and Interactive Demos Product Design • March 22nd, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky Introduction Welcome to Lesson 3 of "From Pixels to[...]
From Pixels to Presentations: Showcasing Key Features and Benefits
From Pixels to Presentations: Showcasing Key Features and Benefits Product Design • March 15th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky Introduction Welcome to Lesson 2 of "From Pixels to[...]
From Pixels to Presentations: Crafting a Compelling Narrative
From Pixels to Presentations: Crafting a Compelling Narrative Product Design • March 8th, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky Introduction Welcome to Lesson 1 of "From Pixels to Presentations:[...]
From Pixels to Presentations: The Art of the Demo
From Pixels to Presentations: The Art of the Demo Product Design • March 1st, 2023 • by Dan Olsavsky Introduction Welcome to "From Pixels to Presentations: The Art[...]
User Testing Essentials: Iterative Testing and Continuous Improvement
User Testing Essentials: Iterative Testing and Continuous Improvement User Research • February 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on User[...]
User Testing Essentials: Analyzing User Testing Data
User Testing Essentials: Analyzing User Testing Data User Research • February 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on User Testing[...]
User Testing Essentials: Conducting User Testing Sessions
User Testing Essentials: Conducting User Testing Sessions User Research • February 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on User Testing[...]
User Testing Essentials: Planning Your User Testing
User Testing Essentials: Planning Your User Testing User Research • February 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on User Testing[...]
User Testing Essentials: Introduction to User Testing
User Testing Essentials: Introduction to User Testing User Research • February 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on User Testing[...]
User Testing Essentials: From Planning to Analysis
User Testing Essentials: From Planning to Analysis User Research • February 3rd, 2024 • by Dan Olsavsky This article is part of a series on User Testing[...]
6 Tips on Designing for VR
6 Tips on Designing for VR Product Design • December 6, 2021 Designing for virtual reality (VR) can be quite different from designing for other platforms,[...]
What’s the Difference Between AR and VR?
What’s the Difference Between AR and VR? Product Design • September 6, 2021 AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) are both technologies that allow users[...]
9 Tips For Passing a Whiteboard Test
9 Tips For Passing a Whiteboard Test Product Design • May 6, 2021 A whiteboard test is a type of interview used to assess a candidate's[...]
The Perfect Handoff
The Perfect Handoff UI Design • October 1, 2020 In this week’s article we’ll explore how design becomes code using Inspect by InVision. I’ll walk you[...]
Practicing Diversity in UI Design
Practicing Diversity in UI Design UI Design • July 29th, 2020 In the spirit of constant self improvement, I’ve challenged myself to be more conscious of[...]
15 Recommended Product Design Books
15 Recommended Product Design Books Product Design • July 22nd, 2020 I'm often asked what my recommendations are for product design books. I typically respond with,[...]
3 Design System Libraries for Sketch
3 Design System Libraries for Sketch UI Design • July 15th, 2020 Overview Sketch has quickly become one of the most popular product design tools on[...]
Journey Mapping in UXPressia
Journey Mapping in UXPressia UX Design • March 6, 2020 In my last article, I researched using different software for creating user personas and journey maps.[...]
Persona Mapping in UXPressia
Persona Mapping in UXPressia UX Design • January 06, 2020 This week, I researched using different software for creating user personas and journey maps. I tested[...]
Impact vs Effort Canvas
Impact vs Effort Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | December 6th, 2019 An Impact versus Effort matrix is a project management tool that visually displays[...]
Journey Mapping Canvas
Journey Mapping Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | November 6th, 2019 A journey mapping canvas is a visual tool used to understand the experiences and[...]
Persona Mapping Canvas
Persona Mapping Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | October 6th, 2019 A user persona mapping canvas is a visual tool used to understand and represent[...]
Affinity Mapping Canvas
Affinity Mapping Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | August 6th, 2019 Affinity mapping is a brainstorming and ideation technique used to organize and categorize a[...]
Benefit Hypothesis Building Canvas
Benefit Hypothesis Building Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | August 6th, 2019 A benefit hypothesis is a statement that defines the potential positive impact or[...]
Project Requirements Canvas
Project Requirements Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | July 6th, 2019 A Project Requirements Canvas is a visual tool used in the planning and management[...]
Google HEART Metrics Canvas
Google HEART Metrics Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | June 6th, 2019 The Google HEART (Happiness, Engagement, Adoption, Retention, Task Success) Metrics Canvas is a[...]
Success Criteria Canvas
Success Criteria Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | May 6th, 2019 A Success Criteria Canvas is a visual tool used to define and articulate the[...]
Project Kickoff Canvas
Project Kickoff Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | April 6th, 2019 A project kickoff canvas is a visual tool used to help teams align on[...]
Value Proposition Canvas
Value Proposition Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | March 6th, 2019 A Value Proposition Canvas is a visual tool used in the development of new[...]
Business Model Canvas
Business Model Canvas Design Thinking Toolkit Series | February 6th, 2019 The Business Model Canvas is a visual framework that helps entrepreneurs and businesses describe,[...]
Design Thinking Toolkit Series
Design Thinking Toolkit Design Thinking Toolkit Series • January 6, 2019 My Design Thinking Toolkit is a set of techniques, methods, and tools used to[...]
Maturing Enterprise UX/UI
I’ve worked with many organizations who have struggled with scaling their experience design services.
What is Design Thinking?
What is Design Thinking? Design Thinking | January 6th, 2017 Design thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that involves empathy, experimentation, and iteration to[...]
What is a Design System?
What is a Design System? UI Design | July 6th, 2017 A design system is a collection of design guidelines, components, and tools that helps teams create consistent[...]
How to Create User Personas
How to Create User Personas UI Design | January 6th, 2017 User personas are fictional, generalized representations of a product's ideal users. They are created[...]
Whats the difference between UX Design and UI Design?
Whats the difference between UX Design and UI Design? Product Design • December 6, 2016 UX (User Experience) Design and UI (User Interface) Design are two[...]
Case Study: Stackup
Case Study: Stackup Case Study • July 1, 2016 Year: 2015-16 Industry: EdTech Growth Phase: Startup Technology: Chrome Plugin & Responsive Web App [...]
8 Tips on User Research
8 Tips on User Research UX Design • July 6, 2015 User research is the process of gathering data about users to inform design and product[...]
What is Agile Product Design?
What is Agile Product Design? Product Design • January 6, 2015 Agile Product Design is a design approach that follows the principles of Agile software development,[...]