The Fountain Institute is an independent online school that teaches advanced UX & product skills.
Shaping the Future of the Guild of Working Designers - Let's Co-Create!
Shaping the Future of the Guild of Working Designers - Let's Co-Create!By Hannah Baker Dear Reader, As one of over 6,500 newsletter subscribers, you're part of a vibrant group passionate about senior-level design and leadership. You might have heard us refer to the Guild of Working Designers, or Guild for short, and maybe you're even part of it. But if you've been curious about what this is and why it exists, we are here to clarify that and offer an opportunity to shape its future. The Guild of Working DesignersImagine a community where working designers don't just meet but grow together, going beyond the basics and enriching our collective design wisdom. That's the heart of the Guild, which has been thriving since late 2020. Since I started the Guild, it has grown to over 800 designers on Slack, with more than 35 meetups and 9,000+ event registrants fostering connections and creativity. And now, this space is evolving, and here's your invitation to be a part of that change! We've Listened, and Now It's Time to ActThe Guild isn't just evolving; it's being reborn, with your voice as its guiding force. While we've created a thriving space for working designers, we realize it's time for something even more impactful. Now, we're turning the reins over to you—the heart and soul of our community. Your Voice, Your CommunityWe're not just about meetups and Slack chats anymore. We're evolving into a community where your desires and needs take center stage. So, how do we make this happen? Through co-creation and a healthy dose of transparency, of course! We're launching a series of workshops where you get to define our community's purpose and values. Think of it as our community reimagined by you! A Special April MeetupOur next meetup, Designers' Collective Dreaming, on April 24 at 19:00 CEST, is not just another event. It's the kickoff to this new area of the Guild, and we invite every designer to share, dream, and contribute. Be a Part of the TransformationDo you want to dive deeper past this initial workshop and really help steer the Guild's future? We're seeking 8 creative minds for an additional three hands-on workshops. It's more than participation; it's about leaving your mark on the design world. Check out the details below and how you can apply.
Not a Guild Member Yet?Curious but not yet a Guild member? Join us and amplify your voice in a community that values your design insights and creativity. Apply to Join the Guild Together, we're not just designing but redefining what a design community can be. Join us on this extraordinary journey.
Until next time!
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The Fountain Institute
The Fountain Institute is an independent online school that teaches advanced UX & product skills.
When Hype Comes Before User Insight by Jeff Humble Dear Reader, Have you ever seen a hyped-up product that felt worthless? Today I want to tell you a tale of two companies and how they handled user demand. One took a hype-based approach, trying to create demand, while the other achieved real demand (and hype) through user insights. Hype-First Failure: Quibi (2020) On its surface, Quibi made perfect sense to investors in 2020. The idea was to create Hollywood-quality ten-minute movies and...
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Why Your Portfolio Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It) By Hannah Baker Dear Reader, Let’s talk about a harsh truth: Your UX portfolio might be the least important thing in your job search. Yep, I said it. You spent hours making sure it showcases your best work. You structured your case studies just right. You ensured your problem statements, research insights, and solutions flowed together. And yet… hiring managers are ghosting you like a bad Hinge date. Well, the problem isn’t your...