Design Gist

In this episode, we talk about analysis paralysis. We also got into the discourse around Nomba (formerly Kudi) going viral for allegedly vibe-coding their website redesign. Product 👍: Tailwind colors, Google Gemini summarising long email threads Product 👎: iOS Photos App collections Concepts discussed: Analysis paralysis in e-commerce (Amazon, Temu, Shein) Stakeholder pressure as a driver of ove...

We had big plans to break down analysis paralysis from the Laws of UX deck, but Enny's mic had other ideas. What you're getting instead: our intro (which slaps), and a social media listening session where we gist about Google Stitch's new features, Anthropic's survey about what people actually want from AI, and a spicy take about discovery on the internet being dead (due to hyperpe...

We're looking at AI-assisted design today. We talked about how the 'designer' title has evolved and how to design with AI without losing your creative voice. Plus, we're breaking down the brand designer vs. product designer debate that blew up on Naija design Twitter few weeks ago. We're also giving you a free design system template to start designing with AI today. 👍 Product...

In what is actually the 31st episode of the Design Gist podcast, we yap about the user experience and customer experience of flying, particularly with Air Peace, a Nigerian airline. We discuss the various phases of air travel, from pre-booking to post-flight, highlighting the importance of design in each of those stages. And the conversation opens up the frustrations and challenges faced by travel...

Quick heads up: we had some audio gremlins in this one (ironic for our first episode of the year, we know!). The content's solid though, so stick with us. Better sound coming in the next ep!

This episode explores the Law of Uniform Connectedness, a UX principle where elements that share a visual treatment (such as the same background color, border, or container) are perceived as related, even when separated by distance.

In This Episode Part of our ongoing series testing whether AI can actually handle UX jobs. Why Writesonic and Copy.ai didn't make the cut What makes Frontitude stand out for UX writing The real limitations we found even in the best tools Our honest take on the future of UX writing as a specialty We're back with our AI tools testing series! After hitting some technical snags with the first...

In this episode, we unpack our experience at Talk UX 2025. We spotlighted the talks and workshop sessions that impacted us, plus our favourite little things from both days. This links to a Notion page with some references from this episode.

Enny and Elsy demystify Agile methodologies, covering Scrum, sprint planning, user stories, and product owner roles. They share real experiences implementing Agile in different contexts, including challenges with hierarchy, remote work, and interpersonal dynamics. Practical insights for anyone working in or curious about product teams. Chapters (00:00) Intro and Icebreakers(02:43) Understanding Ag...

In this episode of the Design Gist Podcast, we discuss Hick's Law, a fundamental principle in UX design that states the time it takes to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices. We explore its relevance in today's content/app-saturated world, share personal updates, discuss product reviews, and reflect on the challenges designers face in creating user-friendly experienc...

The conversation explores the theme of convenience in design, discussing its evolution and impact on culture, particularly in the context of streaming services and social media. We reflect on how the pursuit of convenience can lead to decision fatigue, shallow content, and a loss of creativity, while also considering the broader implications of AI. We also discuss the need for a balance between co...

In this episode of the Design Gist podcast, we explore the Card Sorting as a design principle. We discuss its importance in understanding how users group information, the different types of card sorting (open and closed). We also engage in practical exercises exploring a music app and a budgeting app. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Card Sorting (13:12) Understanding Card Sorting as a Design Prin...

Takeaways Mobile technology has transformed user experience in Africa. Mobile-first design is essential for businesses in Africa. Service design is crucial for improving government interactions with citizens. Nigerian government services need to adapt to mobile technology. Social media platforms are the primary e-commerce channels today. E-commerce platforms must build user trust through reliable...

In this episode, we talked about Jakob's Law, a principle in UX design that emphasizes the importance of familiarity in user interfaces. We discuss how reducing cognitive load through predictable design can enhance UX. The conversation explores the balance between innovation and familiarity, why usability testing matters, and the role of competitor analysis in understanding conventions. Chapters (...

In this episode, we’re counting down 10 products and experiences where aesthetics matched usability. From the crisp simplicity of the Google homepage to WeTransfer's seamless user flow and carefully curated ads, we nerd out over the times the appeal of a thing meets its ease of use. We also chat about planning to see Rema at the O2, our weekend plans, and a few spicy segues. Enjoy! (00:00) Catchin...

This week, we’re asking the big one - Should design be pretty or just work well? We kick things off with some personal updates, content creation struggles, and a hiking trip to the Seven Sisters that took an unexpected UX turn - inclusive tourism. Then we go into the aesthetics vs. usability debate. We also talk the weird ways social media affects our taste, how accessibility demands a visual comp...

In this episode, we warm up with some personal updates — preferred communication styles and the harsh realities of living arrangements (mould). And then we discuss today's issues: AI’s impact on creativity, literature, UX design, and the broader digital world. We also talk about the perceived extinction and evolution of UX into PX (product experience), and debate whether gatekeeping might actu...

In this episode, we discuss usability testing in the context of African countries. We also break down the differences between user testing, usability testing, and QA testing—because no, they’re not the same thing. Another thing we explored was the rise of African UX freelancers Upwork offering usability testing services. We also talked about how cultural factors should be taken into consideration...

In this episode, we discuss how hierarchy organises elements to create meaning and usability. From street furniture to digital interfaces, we discuss real-world examples and some moments when breaking hierarchy actually works.

In this 30-minute episode, we scratched the surface of Core Design Principles—a topic we’ll circle back to all year. From UX to graphic design to engineering, we explored why design principles vary so much across fields and why they all matter.

In this episode, we reflect on 2024 through our Spotify Wrapped insights, discussing its evolution and how our music habits have shaped the year. We also explore Dr. Ola Brown's 10 annual review questions to unpack the lessons, challenges, and growth we’ve experienced. A lighthearted yet meaningful wrap-up to close out the year!

In this episode, we’re talking about NewComma, the platform for African creatives to get gigs, grants or exposure. Why pick NewComma over platforms like Upwork or Fiverr? What’s up with its name? And who’s really hiring — local freelance hunters, international full-time recruiters?. Tune in for fun, insights, and a few surprises!

In this episode, we dive into a fascinating UX case study with our cohost Elsy, who takes us behind the scenes of  Calmscapes , a stress-relief app she designed to help users find their calm in the chaos of everyday life. What started as an ambitious AR/VR project evolved into a practical MVP featuring real videos of serene natural environments—think peaceful beaches and tranquil mountain sides. J...

In this episode, we dive into a fascinating UX case study with our cohost, who takes us behind the scenes of  Calmscapes , a stress-relief app she designed to help users find their calm in the chaos of everyday life. What started as an ambitious AR/VR project evolved into a practical MVP featuring real videos of serene natural environments—think peaceful beaches and tranquil mountain sides. Join u...

Building a Cultural Playground: Inside the design of an interactive mobile archive for user driven access to cultural exploration