In this episode of "Pixelated Perfect," Dianne and the TDP design team engage in a candid conversation about their personal challenges and areas for improvement in the design process. From setting boundaries and saying no to delegating tasks and separating emotions from work, the team reflects on their ongoing journey of humility as designers and human beings. Gain valuable insights into collaboration, trust, and the pursuit of continuous growth in the design industry.

Tune in to hear Minjun’s inspiring story as she shares the hurdles she faced as an international student pursuing a design career. From language barriers to limited information about UX programs, Minjun’s resilience and determination led her to obtain a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction Design and start her own Youtube channel.

Did you know about the crucial role of soft skills in design careers? Discover how effective communication, collaboration, time management, and listening can transform your professional trajectory. Gain insights on developing these essential skills and learn how they can differentiate you as a designer.

Everyone at least once has had a client relationship that didn’t go as planned. Has it been miscommunication? Didn’t reach the expectations? Or other things? The design world is filled with challenging client relationships, so we are here to provide actionable tips to navigate difficult situations. Discover how to maintain open communication, set boundaries, and ultimately deliver a successful project.

In this episode of Pixelated Perfect, Dianne interviews Denisse from Mural as they explore the expansive world of design, the power of storytelling, and the importance of collaboration. Dive into the role of empathy, problem framing, and real-world metaphors in the design process.

We’ve all received feedback some time in our lives. Sometimes this is more difficult than we thought, or we were not actually ready to hear it, although it helps us grow. In this episode, we delve into the importance of embracing feedback in the design process. Discover techniques for receiving and giving constructive feedback, creating a safe space for open discussions, and building a strong feedback culture within your team.

Join Mansoor, a UX researcher, as he shares the importance of research in the design process, including research planning, selecting appropriate methods, and the value of collaboration between researchers and designers for higher market success.

In this episode, Dianne shares her expert advice on how to make a lasting impression during a design interview. Learn how to showcase your process, discuss your personal projects, and align your answers with the company’s values.

Join Dianne as she interviews design professor Ariel, exploring the changing landscape of design education, the importance of understanding design history, and the need to adapt to the ever-evolving industry demands. Discover how the smartphone revolution impacted designers and learn about the significance of a user-centered approach in design education.

Don’t know the differences between freelance and full-time work? In this episode, we will be discussing the pros and cons of each option. We talk about the challenges of finding clients as a freelancer and offer tips on how to plan and budget for a freelance career. We also delve into questions you should ask yourself to determine which option is right for you, such as whether you prefer a set schedule or more control over your work-life balance. Join us as we share personal experiences and insights on navigating the world of work as a designer, and discover how to make the decision that’s best for your career goals and lifestyle.

Have a look into Pochi’s life, as a product designer, as she shares her wisdom on the design process, the power of feedback, and the importance of finding the right job fit. Understand how positive company culture and strong communication can make all the difference in your career.

In this podcast, Dinorath shares her valuable insights and advice on how to succeed in UX design. She stresses the importance of being patient, applying to jobs that match your interests, and constantly improving your portfolio through feedback.  Dinorath also emphasizes the need to have a solid understanding of the industry you want to work in, and how to tailor your approach to your desired field. She offers valuable insights into the importance of mentorship, and how to find mentors to help improve your portfolio and designs through platforms like "ADP List." This episode is sure to inspire designers looking to take their skills to the next level.

Join us as we delve into the world of UX design with Kultar Ruprai, a seasoned designer working at Williams Commerce and Untitled.  Kultar shares his journey in the industry and how he typically approaches the complex task of aligning business objectives with user needs.  In this episode, we explore the challenges and rewards of designing for the user experience, and how Kultar stays ahead of the game in a rapidly changing industry. From mentoring junior designers to refining UX processes, Kultar provides a glimpse into the life of a UX designer and the importance of creativity in the field. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as we journey through the art of UX with Kultar Ruprai.

This episode looks at how the design business has changed since the introduction of Figma. Nicolas discusses how design has changed and the importance of designers understanding the fundamentals and best practices of design. Also, Dianne and Nicolas discuss how AI and tools like ChatGPT will help to automate some activities but will not replace designers' creative thinking and empathy. Nicolas believes that curiosity and openness to new technology are essential for designers, but they also need to remember the fundamentals of design, such as sketching and empathy.

Join us for a special episode of Pixelated Perfect as we welcome Julieta, the newest member of our design team.  Julieta, a senior designer with a passion for editorial design, shares her journey from discovering her love for design at a young age to becoming the design director of a magazine. In this podcast, we dive into the ever-evolving world of design and discuss the importance of collaboration, continuous learning, and having an open mind in this field.   Julieta also shares her experiences of working at various design jobs, becoming a teacher, and her current design project.  Get ready to learn and be inspired by Julieta’s wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of design.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk to Adnan, a product designer with 10 years of experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Adnan shares his inspiring story of how dedication and hard work helped him overcome the challenge of pursuing a career in design and technology while his parents and society expected him to finish college.  He speaks about how he learned the basics of web design and code and how he eventually transitioned into the world of UX design. He also talks about finding a mentor, changing one’s profession, communicating with clients, and the importance of understanding mental models. Finally, he encourages others to pursue their dreams and to use their passions to make an impact in their lives and in the lives of others.  Join us as we learn from Adnan and his incredible journey.

Join us on an exploration of the UX industry with Susan Wolfe, a UX designer and lead senior instructor at General Assembly with 40 years of experience in the field.  From discovering UX design at IBM to developing her skill set at NASA to becoming the managing director of a UX consultancy in Australia, Susan has seen it all. Hear her insight on the importance of learning traditional design principles and the benefits of testing products early to save time and money in the long run.  Plus, gain an understanding of her current role as a principal at OE Strategy and her experience as a lead senior instructor at General Assembly. Learn the importance of decision-making and why she encourages designers to take on projects outside their comfort zone.

Martha Magsombol is a designer with a unique career path. Initially studying animation in college, Martha discovered a passion for problem-solving and decided to explore other career options. She enrolled in a bootcamp and discovered UX design, which quickly became her calling. In episode 21 of the Pixelated Perfect podcast, Martha shares her journey from animation student to UX designer and offers valuable insights for those considering a career pivot. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and learn more about the exciting world of UX design.

In episode 21 of the Pixelated Perfect podcast, Ritika jumps into the key components of a great design course, including practical thinking and exercises based on real-life scenarios.  In this episode, we are going to explore the importance of conducting thorough user research, and how to effectively collaborate with team members to build trust and find creative solutions.  Through a combination of expert insights and hands-on tips, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to succeed as a designer.

In episode 20 of Pixelated Perfect Podcast, we are joined by Demarc Ramanand, a UX designer at Kingsman Software and a graduate of South Carolina State University's computer science program. Demarc shares his advice for designers starting their first job, including the importance of taking risks and trying new things, as well as having a clear understanding of your own design preferences. He also shares tips for staying sane and avoiding burnout, including setting aside time for innovation and pursuing hobbies outside of work.  Demarc also discusses how to break into the competitive fintech industry and showcase your skills through a strong portfolio, including complex data projects. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable tips on thriving in your first design job and beyond.