The Best Black Friday Deals for Designers

Issue #004

Join us at 12pm CST today for This Week in Design Live™ as we sit down with Brett from DesignJoy to debate the reality of design subscriptions, building an audience, and elitism in the design community. It will be streaming from my personal Twitter account here.

2024 has been a big year for retro tech. ModRetro brought back the Gameboy, Analogue is bringing back the N64, and now we’re turning our Apple Watches into iPod Classics. I’m here for it.

Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker Designs an “Idea Synth” and it’s gorgeous

This is the vibe everyone needs for the holidays. Give us lights, Simon!

Meng is becoming the Apex Designer. Fear him.

Stripe is absolutely killing it with this Black Friday dashboard. You’ll get lost watching it.

What’s been your favorite project so far?

Good question. I have a many favourite projects.

If one was to stand out, It would be the Syntea (Synthetic AI Teaching Assistant) for the IU University — one of the world largest online international universities. Syntea is an AI meta human that can be interfaced with via voice or text either on native apps, in the web, or via Microsoft Teams.

My role was Lead Product Designer and Creative Director. Over 2 years as a consultant, I was involved in research, user testing, naming/branding, meta human design, persona creation/styling, crafting the AI’s guiding principles based on best conversational UX principles, whilst also collaborating and bridging the gap between product design and development. On top of this, I designed the user interface, icon library, design system and style guides.

What makes this project a favourite, is the outcome today. The design and technology has been part of many keynote presentations from the likes of Microsoft, and since September 2024 is now live in the UK on the Study LIBF platform. Syntea was released in Germany in January 2024 and based on real analytics, is now proving that with Syntea, IU University degrees can be completed 27% faster than using traditional study techniques.

Designing for humans. Designing for change. Designing for impact. This is what design is all about.

Where are you finding inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere — especially in the shadows of life, emotions, or just looking up to the sky in the vastness of space in appreciation for everything that is.

Lately, I’ve been inspired by the intersection of design, technology and vast amount of design talent on the platform X, whilst also exploring how AI can enhance creative processes without overshadowing the human touch — the part that I hold greatly to who I am as a designer, ultimately designing for humans.

How do you get into flow?

You have to create the right environment: great minimalist music, a work from anywhere attitude, and a clear vision of the problems to be solved.

Flow often comes mostly when I’m not in front of my computer, but spending time inside my head thinking up stories that are visual, connecting and often (but not always) have meaning.

What else should we know about you?

With just over 25 years of experience in technology and design, I’ve built everything from digital brand ecosystems to playful, interactive installations, to market leading mobile and web products.

I’m also a firm believer in three human principles; Hard work, honesty and fairness. I try my best to apply these principles both in my work and personal life.

Beyond work, I’m a devoted husband and father to two amazing daughters, whilst constantly trying to learn how to navigate and appreciate life’s quiet moments — I have a busy mind, but can persevere a lot of pressure.

I’ll leave you with this this quote on perseverance:

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”

– Albert Einstein

What’s been your favorite project so far?

My favorite project to date is the website I created for my wife's photography business. Working on something for loved ones provides an extra sense of fulfillment. Another project I'm particularly proud of is an app I developed for the Colosseum in Rome. It's deeply gratifying to be connected to such important historical heritage.

Where do you find inspiration?

I draw inspiration from various sources: graphic design, book covers, magazine layouts, and posters. Industrial design and engineering also influence my work, along with more common sources like Cosmos and Pinterest. I make a point to seek inspiration from related design disciplines.

How do you get into flow?

I maintain my flow state through established routines and habits that help me stay focused and productive.

What else should we know about you?

I strive to balance digital creation with physical craftsmanship, particularly woodworking. Being able to physically touch my creations provides a unique sense of fulfillment that digital design can't replicate.