The design scope should be a floor, not a ceiling — What distinguishes a great product designer from the average one? I think the answer lies in how they interpret the design scope. Typically, the design scope will reflect the current business goals and team resources. It tells the designer what the product is supposed to do at a given time. …

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? — A business strategy, product development process, backend and API, brand personality, product roadmap, and marketing approach. What does it have in common? Answer: It’s all predefined for a product designer. We even have a name for that: design scope. It seems like there is not much left for a product…

Do your workplace have a space for imagination? — Imagine going to the gym every day but only workout one side of your body. Over time, one side of your body becomes muscle while the other stays weak. It may sound absurd, but it’s happening in most product teams. Many tech companies heavily invest in their engineer hard power…

Congrats! You are nonsense, crazy, and no one believes in you — Once upon a time, there was a man who scored over $100 million from his 11.7% shares after he sold his visionary business. That man could early retire and enjoy his life, but he took a risk to start another venture, pursue another dream and become ordinary again. That man…

People say mistakes are the best teacher; maybe that’s why they call me Principal (Product Designer) — I’ve made many mistakes throughout my career, and chasing the (wrong) job title is one of them. We put a lot of effort into work, so why don’t we aim for the best and chase for the title — right? I feel you. Bear with me. As a Product Designer…

Raise your hand if you ever failed your New Year’s Resolution. Now use that hand to slap on your face — 2009, I dreamed of becoming an Australian while I didn’t even know how to spell Australia. People laughed at me when I shared my goal around. It’s not just about my English but financial capacity. I’m not born with a silver spoon. So the first year — I failed my…

The fact does not equal truth; it’s incredible how your mind creates reality — The fact is the proven thing that exists, while the truth is a sense of belief. The facts may not be changed, but the truth can be improved or created. As Product Designer, we use facts to create a better truth (ethically). At freelancer.com, when I first came up with…

The happiest person is those who recognise they always had a choice — the choice is power — Spoiler alert! The perfect workplace doesn’t exist. Either you create one or be happy with unhappiness—your choice. Like meditation, reading, journaling, or exercise, work should be a part of life, not a burden. Within the delegated hours, I treat work as one of my routines. When it comes to being…

I asked for a promotion, and my manager said no — Since 2006, I’ve been working as a designer in different companies (and countries). I only got promoted twice, and one of those was my own company. I came from a culture where people aren’t asking for their promotion. We tend to do as best as possible and wait for our…