Approaching design systems

How can software companies approach branding without the fluff? In this episode, we dive into the concept of 'pragmatic branding'—a no-nonsense approach to building a brand that serves both the product and the business. We explore how to balance consistency with agility, keep branding costs in check, and create something that sticks as you scale. Let’s get practical! focusstate.fm

In this episode, we explore why first impressions are crucial for user retention and how to optimise onboarding for a smooth, engaging experience. Learn about the “Aha! moment” — when users discover your product’s true value — and how to reveal it quickly. We’ll explore personalising onboarding, encouraging social connections, and motivating users to complete the process. We'll also discuss key metrics for success, re-engagement strategies, and best practices for communicating updates without harming retention. Tune in for actionable tips to improve user experience and drive long-term loyalty. focusstate.fm

In this episode, we explore how design tokens can speed up development, ensure design consistency, and improve team collaboration. Learn how they streamline workflows, reduce code redundancy, and simplify tasks like theming and white-labeling.We’ll also share tips for getting team buy-in and why design tokens are a game-changer for building scalable design systems in large organisations. Tune in to discover the business value of design tokens.focusstate.fm

We’re diving into one of today’s hottest topics: AI! We discuss how AI can strategically enhance software design and product development workflows to elevate the user experience. We explore real-world examples of AI in SaaS products, such as Salesforce's Einstein, which smoothens both sales processes and customer interactions. Key topics include balancing AI automation with user control, avoiding common AI integration pitfalls, and how to measure AI’s impact on UX. Finally, we tackle the ethical considerations of AI in design and explore the role of designers in a world where generative AI is everywhere. focusstate.fm

In this episode, we break down the concept of technical debt and explore how startups can avoid it by starting with strong design principles. We’ll discuss the balance between speed and a solid design foundation, the importance of using UI kits, and how design-first approaches can prevent costly issues down the line. Learn how early design decisions can save your startup from expensive rewrites, longer time to market, and other hidden costs of technical debt. We’ll also share practical tips on integrating design into your development process to set your product up for success. ⁠focusstate.fm⁠

We dive into the often-overlooked link between great UX design and revenue growth. Despite common misconceptions, a well-crafted user experience isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a strategic investment that can significantly impact your bottom line. We discuss why UX design is frequently misunderstood, explore real-world examples of its direct influence on revenue, and highlight the most common UX mistakes that frustrate users and drive churn. Plus, we share practical tips on leveraging user feedback and optimising key areas of your product to boost user satisfaction and business performance. ⁠focusstate.fm⁠

In this episode, we explore the art of budget-friendly redesigns. Learn how to prioritise features, gather user feedback cost-effectively, and balance short-term constraints with long-term goals. Our co-hosts, Modestas and Oskar, offer expert insights into making impactful changes without breaking the bank. Whether you're a designer, developer, or product owner, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you achieve a successful redesign on a budget. ⁠focusstate.fm⁠

We dive into the world of design systems and why they should be crucial in your day-to-day work, whether you’re a designer, developer or product owner. Our co-host Modestas joins us as we discuss design systems, how to get started, and some advanced topics. Our goal is to make design systems approachable for startups and enterprises. Tune in and join us on this exciting topic! ⁠focusstate.fm⁠