Ep. 321: Craft, taste and the future of Design at Canva with Lucy Datyner

In this episode of The Gyaan Project, I speak with Lucy Datyner, Principal Designer at Canva, about craft, taste, and the future of product design in the age of AI. Lucy shares how craft goes beyond polish into problem solving, why simplicity is always informed by context, and how designers can build taste through curiosity, critique, and making. The conversation explores AI as a co-creator, the importance of keeping humans in the loop, and why junior designers still matter. This episode is for designers, product leaders, and creators navigating design, craft, and AI today.Topics discussed(00:00) Introduction(02:09) What does craft mean to you(04:16) Is craft about aesthetics(04:57) How do you bring craft into your work(07:29) What is informed simplicity at Canva(08:38) How does AI fit into the world of craft(11:05) How do you define taste(13:19) Any rituals at Canva to build taste(16:08) How do design critique sessions happen at Canva(17:31) How does Canva handle not being monotonous(20:13) What is the role of research in craft and AI(22:55) Will designers be left only to curate(24:51) Will we lose the faculty of crafting with hand after AI takes over(26:59) What excites you the most about AI(29:24) What worries you the most with AI(31:11) What will your poster sayReference links- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucydatyner/- https://lucydatyner.com/- https://contentseoul.com/speaker-profile-lucy-datyner/- https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/design--canva/episodes/E10-Lucy-Datyner--Content-Strategy--Experience-Design-Lead-e2i8mak- Tom Harman (Ep 319 - Part 1 of the Craft Series) https://youtu.be/MuDg4y-52Ec- Caio Orio (Ep 320 - Part 2 of the Craft Series) https://youtu.be/JEvWEyIYKbo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

In this episode of the Craft series, I speak to Caio Orio, Principal Brand Designer at Wise, about the role of craft, taste, and practice in modern digital product design. Drawing from his advertising background and work on global fintech products, Caio explains how craft goes beyond visuals to include strategy, care, and attention to detail. The conversation explores taste, open mindedness, brand consistency, design systems, AI, and building meaningful product experiences. This episode is ideal for product designers, brand designers, and design leaders seeking depth beyond tools and trends.Topics discussed:(00:00) Intro(00:01:00) What does craft mean in digital products?(00:02:30) How Caio’s understanding of craft evolved?(00:03:53) Why craft is essential for designers?(00:06:16) Craft in brand design and digital products?(00:09:16) How Wise maintains consistency in craft?(00:10:43) Rituals and practices that support craft?(00:12:07) Bringing craft into the smallest elements?(00:15:02) How Caio defines taste in design?(00:16:03) Translating taste into digital products?(00:16:59) How designers can develop taste?(00:18:03) Caio’s personal journey of developing taste?(00:20:59) Communicating taste across teams?(00:23:55) How Wise inspires designers and design culture?(00:25:21) Balancing speed and craft in product design?(00:27:14) Prioritising craft without clear business metrics?(00:28:50) Digital products admired for taste and craft?(00:30:05) One essential mindset for future designers?About Caio Orio (Guest)https://c-orio.com/https://www.instagram.com/c_orio/https://www.linkedin.com/in/caio-orio/https://www.behance.net/oriohttps://friends.figma.com/events/details/figma-singapore-presents-designing-wise-the-hidden-layers-in-our-creative-process/https://wise.com/https://wise.design/Join The Gyaan ProjectA newsletter with 4 curated finds across episodes - TGP SamaChar - https://www.thegyaanproject.com/s/samacharFollow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegyaanprojectpodcast/Follow u on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gyaan-project/Subscribe to our Website to stay tuned - https://www.thegyaanproject.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

Tom Harman, a design leader with twenty years of experience at Monzo and BuzzFeed, joins The Gyaan Project to explore craft, taste and the role of AI in modern product teams. He explains how clarity, judgment and shared language shape high quality work. A useful episode for designers, PMs and founders who want to sharpen decision making, move with speed and build trust through thoughtful design.Topics discussed(00:00:00) Intro(00:01:03) What does craft mean to you(00:06:00) Rituals to improve craft(00:11:43) How do you define what great looks like(00:14:21) What does taste mean to you(00:18:57) How do you instill taste(00:22:44) How to keep pushing the boundaries(00:28:49) How is AI a copilot for craft and taste(00:32:38) How to work with AI(00:39:17) Can AI create serendipity(00:41:53) How do we ensure maximum impact and quality(00:47:06) How to handle uninformed decision makers(00:49:26) One poster idea on craft(00:51:32) Future of craft in the world of AIReference linkshttps://intentional.partners/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomharman/https://x.com/tomharmanhttps://mastodon.social/@tomharmanJoin The Gyaan ProjectA newsletter with 4 curated finds across episodes - TGP SamaChar - https://www.thegyaanproject.com/s/samacharFollow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thegyaanprojectpodcast/Follow u on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-gyaan-project/Subscribe to our Website to stay tuned - https://www.thegyaanproject.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

Today, The Gyaan Project turns 9.And honestly, it feels surreal.Since 27th December 2016, I have been documenting Indian creative wisdom across disciplines and ways of thinking. After 318 episodes, I found myself wondering how to mark this moment and the answer came naturally.So here it is.A small celebration.A warm offering.9th Anniversary Soup9 bites from 9 conversations.This is primarily an audio episode. You can also watch it on YouTube if you like.The episode opens with Dr. Uttara Chousalkar from Episode 66, singing a short phrase of Baul music. The episode then closes with a few lines by Mohammad Muneem Nazir (Alif), from Episode 265.The soup brings together these nine questions and voices:What is Design? by B.V. DoshiWhat is a frame? by Prashant GodboleShould art depict society or should society learn from art? by Varun GroverIs it wise to change your career path in Design? by Ruchita MadhokHow was design seen in the 1970s? by Sujata KeshavanWhat is the measure of a good designer? by Ayaz BasraiWhy do we need art? by Rajat KapoorI hope you enjoy this soup as much as I enjoyed making it.If you would like to give me an anniversary gift - Please share this episode with as many people as you can. And if you have not already, do subscribe to the YouTube channel and The Gyaan Project website. It truly means a lot.Thank you for listening.Thank you for staying.See you next year.Take care.And stay curious. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryThis episode of The Gyaan Project features Harish Kumar and Anurag Bartarey who shaped Ather Energy’s groundbreaking EV dashboard. Recorded just before Ather’s IPO, we dive into the design process, challenges, and the nuances that make the dashboard so unique. It is ideal for designers, technologists, and EV enthusiasts curious about how hardware and software come together on two wheels. This is not a sponsored episode, just a deep and fun conversation.Topics discussed in the episode* What drew you both to Ather, and what was the mindset when you joined?* Anurag: How did you shift from digital design to vehicles?* Harish: What tech foundations were critical for building the ecosystem?* How did you imagine a new dashboard UX and navigation system?* What challenges came with integrating the dashboard into the scooter’s design?* Anurag: How did you design gesture interactions and Ather’s sonic identity?* Harish: What were the Linux limitations and how did you test with OTA updates?* How did a startup mindset shape Ather’s design outcomes?* With constant updates, how do you balance evolution with the original vision?* Looking back, what critical but underrated decisions shaped Ather?* What advice for young designers working across hardware and software?Reference links* Harish Kumar — https://in.linkedin.com/in/harish-kumar-b0926465* Anurag Bartarey — https://in.linkedin.com/in/anuragbartarey* Anurag’s portfolio — https://www.abartarey.com/* Ather Energy (Wikipedia) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ather_Energy* Ather 450 series (Wikipedia) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ather_450* Ather Energy (LinkedIn) — https://in.linkedin.com/company/ather-energy* Ather Energy (Instagram) — https://www.instagram.com/atherenergy/* Ep22: Understanding motorcycle design with Chetan Shedjale* Ep. 274 - Designing Trucks with Sathiya Seelan Gangaasalam This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryIn Ep. 317 of The Gyaan Project, Tanuj Goenka, Director at Kerry Hill Architects and jury member for The Drawing Board 2025, shares how emotion, context and conversation shape timeless architecture. From Bhutan to Kyoto, AlUla to Sadahalli, he reflects on slowing down the design process, listening to the land and building meaningfully. A must-listen for architecture students and young designers. In partnership with Rohan Builders and Mindspace Architects. All details at https://thedrawingboard.in/Reference links* The Drawing Board – Official Website: https:// thedrawingboard.in/* Instagram – The Drawing Board: https:// www.instagram.com/thedrawingboard.in/* YouTube – Museum of Geology Brief: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=60MynnKdDas* Instagram – Sadahalli Quarry Competition Vibe: https:// www.instagram.com/p/DMX41peSLlc/* Tanuj Goenka – LinkedIn: https:// www.linkedin.com/in/tanuj-goenka-4a58647/?originalSubdomain=sg* Nacasa Interview with KHA: https:// www.nacasa.co.jp/column/2-01-designer-interview-kha-e* Dezeen – Amanyangyun Interview: https:// www.dezeen.com/2019/05/17/amanyangyun-resort-kerry-hill-architects-ahead-awards-interview-video/* Tatler – Aman Resorts and Emotion: https:// www.tatlerasia.com/homes/architecture-design/architect-behind-the-latest-aman-resorts-talks-emotions-and-space* CLAD Global Feature: https:// www.cladglobal.com/architecture-design-features?codeid=32838&source=home&p=2* YouTube – Amanyangyun Video 1: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmgeIGE6q08* YouTube – Amanyangyun Video 2: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ceFbI82hVQ* SIA Event Page 1: https:// store.sia.org.sg/tc-events/16244* SIA Event Page 2: https:// store.sia.org.sg/tc-events/79875* AHEAD Awards – Amanyangyun Film Library: https:// www.aheadawards.com/film-library/amanyangyun-shanghai-china* Sleepifier – KHA Feature: https:// sleepifier.com/architecture-design/kerry-hill-architects/* Instagram Post: https:// www.instagram.com/p/DG2A1JXt0T8/* Instagram – KHA Studios: https:// www.instagram.com/kha.studios/* Instagram Post: https:// www.instagram.com/p/DG0Uf1JS1SL/?hl=en This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryIn this episode of The Gyaan Project, architect Manjunath dives deep into the power of observation, the role of intensity in creative work, and the beauty of the unseen. A must-listen for young architects, designers, and creatives participating in The Drawing Board 2025 competition. Set against the backdrop of Sadahalli Quarry, this conversation explores how to approach design with sensitivity, curiosity, and care. Presented in partnership with Rohan Builders and The Drawing Board.Topics discussed in this episode* What is the difference between seeing and observing?* How can we observe without bringing in our biases?* What does experience mean to you?* How do observation and experience shape your design process?* How do you define intensity in creative work?* How can a designer balance knowing the whole story with focused intensity?* What is your reading of the Sadahalli Quarry brief?* How do you interpret the idea of the unseen?* Can technology help us experience the unseen or aid the creative process?Reference links* The Drawing Board – Official Website* Instagram – The Drawing Board: https://www.instagram.com/thedrawingboard.in/* The Drawing Board 2025 — official competition overview and brief* “The Drawing Board 2025 – 10th Edition” on World Architecture Community - https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/fpzhe/the-drawing-board-2025-–-10th-edition.html* YouTube video introducing the Museum of Geology brief at Sadahalli Quarry -* https://wcfa.ac.in/staff/b-l-manjunath/* https://www.instagram.com/manjunath.bl/?hl=en* https://manjunathandco.com/* https://www.archdaily.com/professional/b-l-manjunath-co?ad_source=office* https://www.linkedin.com/in/manjunath-b-l-45973929/?originalSubdomain=in This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryIn this episode, architect Rajeev Kathpalia of Vastu Shilpa Sangath shares timeless wisdom on designing with empathy, slowness, and stewardship. From public space to net-zero campuses, we explore what young architects must unlearn to create meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable environments. A must-listen for architecture students and urban thinkers. Presented in partnership with The Drawing Board 2025 and Rohan Builders. Submission deadline: 6th Sept. More at thedrawingboard.in.Topics discussed in this episode* What does stewardship mean to you, and how can public spaces be designed for shared benefit in a country like India?* How can sites like Sadahalli Quarry be opened to the public while still attracting private investment?* What does “net zero” mean beyond metrics, and how can young architects start thinking in that direction?* What’s the least that needs to be built in a public space to make it meaningful and adaptable over time?* How do you observe how people use space, and how does that influence your design process?* What does building “slow” mean to you, and how can young architects balance slowness with the urgency of development?Reference links* Rajeev Kathpalia – LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeev-kathpalia-35418099* Vastu Shilpa Sangath – Rajeev Kathpalia bio: https://www.sangath.org/rajeev-kathpalia/* Beyond Smritivan – Architectural Legacy (Elev8 2025): https://thearchitectsdiary.com/beyond-smritivan-rajeev-kathpalia-on-architectural-legacy-elev8-2025/* Community-Centric Architecture | Rajeev Kathpalia | TADPod: https://thearchitectsdiary.com/community-centric-architecture-ar-rajeev-kathpalia-vastushilpa-sangath-tadpod/* Designing Humane Cities – Sangath Interview: https://www.sangath.org/news/architect-rajeev-kathpalia-talks-about-the-need-to-create-humane-cities/* The Drawing Board – Official Website: https://thedrawingboard.in/* The Drawing Board 2025 Announcement (World Architecture): https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-news/fpzhe/the-drawing-board-2025-–-10th-edition.html* Instagram – The Drawing Board: https://www.instagram.com/thedrawingboard.in/* Instagram – Rajeev Kathpalia: https://www.instagram.com/kathpalia_r/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

Summary(Hindi) अब्दुल कलाम शेख, एक अनुभवी इलेक्ट्रिशियन, के साथ विस्तृत बातचीत। एपिसोड में कवर किया गया है कि इलेक्ट्रिशियन कैसे बनते हैं, 12 हजार से शुरू करके 45 हजार तक कैसे कमा सकते हैं, कॉन्ट्रैक्टर्स और आर्किटेक्ट्स के साथ नेटवर्किंग कैसे करते हैं, सेफ्टी गाइडलाइन्स क्या हैं, और इस प्रोफेशन का फ्यूचर क्या है। परफेक्ट है उन सबके लिए जो अल्टरनेटिव करियर एक्सप्लोर कर रहे हैं।(English) Detailed conversation with Abdul Kalam Shaikh, an experienced electrician. Episode covers how to become an electrician, earning progression from ₹12K to ₹45K, networking with contractors and architects, safety guidelines, and future prospects of the profession. Perfect for those exploring alternative career options or interested in skilled trades. Includes practical insights on daily routines, job hunting strategies, and industry secrets that help build a successful electrical career.Reference links* https://iti.somaiya.edu.in/en/programme/electrician/* [https://nsticalicut.dgt.gov.in/node/2429?](https://nsticalicut.dgt.gov.in/node/2429?utm_source=chatgpt.com)* https://bietc.com/iti-electrician/* https://nhit.in/iti-courses/iti-electrician/* https://aiecet.com/iti-electrician-course-details.php* https://www.urbanitijsr.com/course/electrician* https://nctaindia.in/courses?course_id=148* https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/big-business-backs-skilling-push-reliance-adani-mahindra-among-firms-eye-iti-upgrade-rs-60000-crore-plan-gains-momentum/articleshow/122836940.cms This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com

SummaryIn this insightful conversation, Kirti Trivedi reflects on the concept of order in design, drawing from his experiences at IDC and the Ulm School. He explains order as the relationship between elements, discusses hierarchy, mapping, and the interplay of inner and outer order. Drawing parallels with Indian philosophy, aesthetics, and spiritual ideas like dharma and Vishnu’s iconography, he emphasizes that true beauty emerges from well-formed internal order, not superficial styling.Join the new journey* YouTube Channel – Join 4K+ subscribers. 🎥* TGP SamaChar – A newsletter with 4 curated finds across episodes.* Instagram – Stay updated with episode updates and more* LinkedIn Page - A new dedicated page for TGP* WhatsApp Channel – One-way episode updates for now. With your support, it could soon become a vibrant community.* Recommend a guest - Have someone in mind who would be a great fit for The Gyaan Project? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thegyaanproject.com