Newsletter issue: #163
Read time: 1m 28s

I used to introduce myself as a UX Designer.

Now, I consider myself as a Product Designer.

But frankly, I did (and do) the same things.

That's the thing about these job titles: everyone uses them differently, yet most people can't actually explain the difference.

The landscape in 2025 is very different from when I started in 2015 (I know, I’m old!).

Let's cut through the BS with my updated definition:

UX designers = making sure users don't throw their devices into the sea

• Dive deep on the problem and solution space
• Map the entire experience journey
• Research needs and pain points
• Create wireframe, user flows, ...
• Test with actual humans

They're the voice saying, "Maybe we shouldn't make users click 17 times to check their balance?"

Product designers = UX plus business smarts on steroids

• Wear multiple hats (researcher, strategist, therapist for frustrated developers)
• Take ideas to final products
• Sweat the tiny UI details
• Fight for business goals
• See the big picture

At my first design gig, I wasn't just taking orders like a design waiter.

I'd ask: "Have you considered this (crazy) approach?" or "Here's a user need we missed while staring at spreadsheets all day."

So what’s the real barrier to making the leap?

It's not your tools or technical skills. It's caring about what the business is trying to do.

Product designers obsess over:

• Is this something people actually want?
• Will this solve the business problem?
• Will this move the needle on metrics?

If you're stuck at "Is this usable?" without considering "Is this valuable to both users AND the business?". That's your growth area.

Want to level up? Focus on three things:

1. Master UI fundamentals (yes, the visual stuff still matters)
2. Talk to users and stakeholders (both matter as much)
3. Develop product sense (the money skill)

The best product designers combine curiosity with adaptability.

Want my playbook? Check out my full guide on becoming a kickass product designer that companies actually fight over 👇

Master Product Design in 2025

🔥 HOT THIS WEEK

The goings ons

Happenings & shenanigans in the (design) world and beyond

Instagram began notifying users that Google will index all public Instagram posts and videos—so public’ Instagram content will now appear on Google search results. A way to retain their search platform dominance? Time will tell.

After many public reviews, Apple’s “Liquid Glass” interface is getting some usability updates (for the better hopefully). Navigation bars, buttons, and Control Center elements have been toned down. So is Liquid Glass hype? Or it is a visual language here to stay?

Just spent a week in Mexico City and...