It comes down to
Communication & Research.
There is a tendency in these sections to show ‘double diamond design’ graphics, or screens showing design tools.
Or a fixation on design deliverables.
Design is about thinking and communication.
The specific tools for both those things are always changing. But here is how I typically work.
Good design begins with understanding. Understanding the problem, the context, users and people behind the product.
I start by mapping insights, references, and constraints so the full picture is clear before anything is designed. I might sketch inside FigJam, or use Balsamiq mockups.
I build structured, interactive, annotated prototypes in Figma or Sketch that are easy for developers to work with. Every page and layer is named and organised for clarity.
I design for rapid development and feasibility, while keeping future product directions in mind. The latter is the part Ai still isn’t good at (to date).
Humans have a great understanding of unspoken needs and gathering context. Experience is what allows us to predict future product needs.
I share updates through Loom, pairing visuals with explanations that keep everyone aligned asynchronously. Captions are always included because accessibility and cross-time-zone collaboration matter.
I adapt to each team’s tools — whether that’s Slack, Notion, Linear, Monday, Shortcut, or Jira — keeping design communication part of the workflow instead of another layer on top.
AI and agentic workflows are part of my toolkit insofar as they speed up exploration or execution and remove busywork, leaving me to focus on anticipating and solving problems. I am proactive rather than reactive.
Finally, I document everything in Notion so the reasoning behind each decision is easy to find and build upon.
For me, design is as much about communication and clarity of thinking as it is about craft.
Craft is always evolving and getting faster. Product thinking, experience, and making good calls are the designer assets that appreciate over time.
It’s a process that stays calm, clear, and collaborative from start to finish. Even when moving fast.