What does a product designer actually do?
In my view, product designers help turn ideas into products that people actually want to use.
We work with founders and teams to:
- Get to the heart of what users need and want.
- Build products that feel easy and natural to use.
- Create enjoyable experiences that keep people coming back.
I personally approach each project as a partnership, invested in making it the best it can be, not just in terms of aesthetics but general efficacy as well.
Many of my clients call me a “designer co-founder for hire” since I can manage all design-related aspects, from understanding the problem to executing to the very last detail.
Understanding the Problem
It all starts with digging into the problem—researching, talking to users, and getting a clear view of the business. Design only works when it fits the full picture.
Setting a Strategy
I can help shape how the product will make an impact by aligning with business goals, understanding users, and planning a go-to-market strategy. This means figuring out how we’ll reach users, stand out in the market, and create value. It’s about making smart choices on what to build, when to launch, and how to grow effectively.
Feature Mapping and Prioritization
List potential features, assess their value, and prioritize based on what will deliver the most impact first. This step ensures that we focus resources on the essentials and usually it's good to have this a standalone thought, after setting the general strategy.
Organizing Content (IA)
This part is about structuring information and navigation paths so users find what they need effortlessly.
User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI)
Map out the journey and design the look and feel to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
Prototyping:
Build quick prototypes to test ideas, gather feedback, and refine before full development.
This is the part where the product starts to feel real and usually brings a few a-ha moments that were hard to see before.
Interaction Design (IxD)
Adding those finishing touches to make interactions feel intuitive and satisfying, with smooth transitions and responsive feedback. In game development, they call it “adding juiciness”—bringing that extra layer of polish to the experience.
Creating Design Systems
Design systems help speed up development—if they’re kept simple.
A straightforward system is easy to update, while an overly complex one can slow things down. The key is to create a solid foundation with reusable components for consistency and efficiency, supporting fast and flexible growth.
Working with Development and Launching
Working closely with developers is essential for smooth, efficient launches.
As a technical designer, I stay hands-on from ideation to launch, ensuring everything I design is practical to build so we can move quickly and effectively.
Focusing on Growth
I believe growth should be part of the product. By designing features that make sharing easy and building in ways to boost user retention, the products can reach new users naturally and keep them engaged.
Curios how this looks in practice?
If you want to know more about this process or need some guidance, let me know.
My contact info is right below: