Caio Braga

There’s a subtle difference between “educating” stakeholders and making the impact of your work visible. One of these can help you win promotions, autonomy, and co-conspirators. The other can distract you from your craft at best… or devalue your work at worst. Thought-provoking article from Sara Wachter-Boettcher on how designers can reframe “advocating for design” in a way that avoids burnout and sidesteps the gaslighting.

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Diversity in design isn't just a buzzword—it's a business imperative. 🌈 As a hiring manager, I've seen firsthand how diverse teams boost creativity, product quality, and profitability. I believe in building teams that reflect our users and bring fresh perspectives to every project. How do you ensure fairness during the hiring process when you have to look at portfolios? Here is my perspective on the challenges of inclusive hiring. #DiversityInDesign #InclusiveHiring #TeamBuilding

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Instead of digging your heals in to "you don't understand UX or design", spend just half that energy on understanding your stakeholders, what they value, what they're up against. Loved this from Michael Holzer and Academy UX Adam Perlis. ✨ This is the biggest differentiator that I see from junior to senior product designers. Learning what hills to die on is a skill that isn't taught in bootcamp or school. Watch your design leaders. Ask how they make trade offs. Think at a skip level. Ask what matter's to their leaders. This is a way faster road to successful projects, careers, and relationships.

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I really enjoyed this conversation with Alex Smith from Fuego UX on value of designers learning to code, team collaboration, culture, and thoughts for new designers entering the market in the age of AI. Plus, it's short and sweet - just under 12 mins! If anything peeks your interest that you'd like to hear more on, let me know as I may be able to go deeper in future talks or blog posts :)

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In today's "more is more" world, how do UX champions prioritize quality (not just quantity) in product experiences? Forget endless features – it's all about protecting quality and creating a user experience that truly shines. 🌟 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ekkVzxjF #productdesign #intranet #intranetdesign #ux #ui

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“Digital systems, not people, will do much of the craft of (screen-level) interaction design.” These words from The State of UX report by Fabricio Teixeira and Caio Braga might sound scary to UX designers. But here's the truth—this isn't the first time we've faced a shift like this. When I started in the industry in the early ’90s, I was worked on traditional graphic design projects: print, retail, brand identities, etc. Then came websites, WAP sites, responsive design, mobile apps... Each time, designers adapted and evolved. What's remained constant? Our role as the translation layer between businesses and their audiences. Whether it was Charles and Ray Eames designing furniture for modern living, or today's product designers shaping digital experiences, our core mission hasn't changed: we connect businesses with people in meaningful ways. The tools will keep changing, just as they have since my San Francisco days. But our ability to think strategically about the "why"—that's what makes our craft enduring. Here's my full essay: https://lnkd.in/gFQd33GA Special thanks to Byrne Reese and Shawn Smith for some insights on being product managers. #Design #ProductDesign #UX #UXDesign #ProductManagement

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Every design should start with a masterfully crafted hypothesis. In my latest article, I am going through everything you need to know, to construct better product design hypotheses that lead to successful product experiments. Dedicated to Nic T. the master of hypotheses generation! 😁

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The State of UX 2025 report is here—but what does it mean for early-career designers and those wanting to break into the industry still? Fabricio Teixeira and Caio Braga’s annual report has been a design industry staple for a decade, but this year’s edition hits differently. The trends it highlights point to significant change: Change in what design is responsible for. Change in how designers are perceived by businesses and stakeholders. Change in the skills needed to thrive in this evolving field. While change can feel unsettling—especially for those entering the field—it’s important to remember that design has always evolved. New roles emerge, old ones shift, and opportunities arise for those willing to adapt. For early-career designers, though, this shift can feel particularly challenging. When students chose to pursue HCI degrees or enroll in bootcamps, they bought into a concept of design that might already be outdated. Bootcamps, in particular, are notoriously slow to update their curricula, leaving graduates unprepared for what today’s hiring managers actually need. But just as Fabricio and Caio found a silver lining in this year’s report, I’d like to highlight one too: change creates opportunity—especially for new designers. With shifts toward visual design, AI integration, and a preference for designers who can ship, there are clear paths for early-career designers to reposition themselves for the future. Here are three ways to adapt to these changes: 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: If you have a background in computer science or coding, lean into it. Designers who can bridge the gap between design and development are uniquely positioned to thrive in an era where shipping solutions is highly valued. 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿: AI isn’t here to replace designers—it’s here to amplify them. Learn how to integrate AI tools into your workflow to enhance your output, speed up repetitive tasks, and free yourself to focus on strategy and creativity. 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁: While AI can generate polished visuals, it struggles with interaction patterns and fine-tuning details. A strong foundation in interaction and visual design, paired with exceptional prototyping skills, will continue to set designers apart. These aren’t universal solutions—they won’t resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. But for those ready to embrace change, there’s a lot to be optimistic about. What’s your take? How are you preparing for the future of UX design? Let’s discuss.

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I’ve expanded on my earlier post with examples and deeper insights in a new Medium article. 🚀 In this extended version, I dive deeper into balancing autonomy with strategic alignment, guiding teams like a fleet of ships, and setting the stage for cross-functional success. If these leadership themes resonate with you, I’d love for you to explore the full article here : https://lnkd.in/g_q2Yxfk Let me know your thoughts!

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Our company is acquired. Now what? “Business as usual” applies no more to us UX professionals if we must navigate organizational changes. Here are a few questions to consider to handle uncertainty. #UX #productDesign

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Somtimes the content that can up your UX game comes from unlikly sources. This article puts into context some of the best places to start!

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I have worked with Karyn in the past and have seen the impact she can make through her thoughtful facilitation. Are you interested in how you could leverage systems thinking to scale innovation in complex product development organizations? Worth the read!

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🤝Designing Together: The Power of Trust in Cross-Functional Teams Let’s talk about something often overlooked in the hustle of deadlines, roadmaps, and launches: the human connections that hold our squads together. As product designers, we live at the intersection of user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility. In this space, our product managers and engineers aren’t just “other functions.” They are our partners—the people we rely on to bring ideas to life. Yet, the real challenge is less about tools, processes, or even skillsets, and more about building relationships rooted in honesty, transparency, and trust. Here’s the truth: without these values, even the most brilliant designs can falter. Why? Because product development isn’t a solo act. It’s a collaborative symphony, where alignment, constructive friction, and mutual respect drive success. Honesty: The Foundation Honesty starts with dropping the ego. Be real about what you know, what you don’t, and where you need help. For example, if a design direction feels risky, say so. Likewise, invite your PM and engineers to challenge your assumptions. The best ideas emerge when all perspectives are heard, not when we hold back to avoid discomfort. Transparency: The Glue Transparency isn’t just about sharing updates—it’s about inviting others into the process. Share your messy explorations, involve engineers in user research, and talk openly about constraints. A transparent team is a team that avoids surprises. And when everyone understands the “why” behind decisions, alignment comes naturally. Trust: The Multiplier Trust doesn’t happen overnight—it’s earned through actions. It’s being consistent in your delivery, showing empathy when conflicts arise, and treating criticism as an opportunity rather than an attack. When trust is solid, something powerful happens: debates shift from “proving a point” to “solving a problem.” The Role of Feedback Feedback is where these values are put to the test. Constructive criticism isn’t just about improving a design—it’s about building a better partnership. When a PM critiques your work, they’re helping align it with the strategy. When an engineer pushes back on feasibility, they’re ensuring it’s buildable. Embrace these moments. They’re not threats; they’re gifts. The Big Picture In a squad, the lines between roles blur. Success isn’t about who “owns” the best idea—it’s about delivering the best solution together. When honesty, transparency, and trust become your defaults, your team stops being just a collection of functions. You become a unit, operating with shared purpose and collective accountability. So, product designers: How are you fostering these values in your squads? What’s one thing you’ll do differently this week to strengthen your partnerships? Let’s commit to designing not just great products, but great relationships. That’s where the real magic happens. #Collaboration #ProductDesign #TrustMatters #Teamwork #productdesign

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I have a question for the designers in my network. I hear that many designers have strong opinions/fears about reporting into Product, rather than Design. As a product leader hiring a designer, I'd like to better understand these concerns. Folks who prefer to report into Design: what are the drawbacks of reporting into Product? Designers who have chosen to report into Product: what helped you make that decision? Happy to talk outside of this comment thread too.

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Empathy in Application Design: Why Great Leaders Foster Great Teams As leaders in product design, empathy isn’t just a tool; it’s a necessity. Empathy fuels the connection between design vision and human need, but it also creates an environment where designers can bring their full selves and creativity to the table. In my experience, fostering a culture of empathy has fundamentally improved team dynamics and the quality of our work. Here’s how I see it in action: ↳ Open Communication: Empathy encourages active listening, where team members feel truly heard. This creates space for honest feedback and innovation because designers feel safe to express ideas and iterate openly. ↳ User-Centric Vision: When we prioritize empathy, we keep our users front and center. Our product decisions are made with their experiences in mind, ensuring we’re solving real problems in meaningful ways. ↳ Empowered Teams: By showing empathy toward our teams, we support their growth and confidence, which in turn fuels their passion and productivity. A team that feels valued is a team that strives for excellence. → True Story... sharing insights from what it's like to be on a great team: In a project designing a web app for elderly users, our team faced a common challenge: most of us were young and didn’t fully understand the tech limitations older adults might face. To bridge this empathy gap, we held “empathy workshops” where each team member simulated age-related challenges—using gloves to limit dexterity, applying screen filters to mimic vision impairments, and adjusting text sizes to the maximum. A few product team members quickly realized the frustration of navigating with shaky hands and commented, “We had no idea how challenging even simple actions could be.” This experience reshaped our design & development process: we made buttons larger, simplified navigation, and enhanced contrast. By stepping into our users’ shoes, our deliverables went beyond meeting requirements—they genuinely addressed user needs, making the app truly intuitive. With empathy as a foundation, we didn’t just deliver a product; we delivered a meaningful, user-centered experience. Empathy-driven leadership isn’t a buzzword; it’s a pathway to building cohesive, high-performing teams. Leaders who prioritize empathy create an environment where collaboration thrives, communication flows, and great design flourishes. #Leadership #ProductDesign #Empathy #Teamwork #UXDesign #LeadershipInAction

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DVA is not associated with this job posting Senior Product Designer https://lnkd.in/ghdTwqy4 About the Role As a Senior Product Designer at Circle, your role extends beyond crafting beautiful interfaces; you are a strategic partner influencing our community engagement SaaS platform's future. You'll have a high degree of autonomy and will be entrusted with significant responsibilities, shaping user experiences and design outcomes. Your work will contribute to Circle's growing impact in a sector that is not only culturally significant, but also a major economic driver, generating billions globally. As Circle strives to be the go-to platform for creators looking to scale their communities and monetize their content, your role will be instrumental in turning that vision into a reality. #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #technology #creativity #futurism #startups #marketing #socialmedia #socialnetworking #motivation #personaldevelopment #jobinterviews #sustainability #personalbranding #education #productivity #travel #sales #socialentrepreneurship #fundraising #law #strategy #culture #fashion #business #networking #hiring #health #inspiration

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“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou This truth is especially powerful in product and UX/UI design. While creating a beautiful, user-friendly application might seem straightforward—I've had the privilege of doing it for nearly two decades—the real impact lies in the emotions we evoke. It’s those feelings that turn one-time users into loyal advocates. If you’re curious about how emotions shape user experiences or want to know more about neurodesign, check out this article and others written by @jashsak https://lnkd.in/gtj5JpD6

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