Our Design Diaries

In the age of AI, design can be generated in 10 seconds. So, what is the role of designers today? Are design systems creating coherence or making designers replaceable? And if a design can’t be built, is it bad engineering, bad design, or something else? In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with five SAP designers to unpack three uncomfortable questions facing design today. They explain that designers remain steadfast advocates for users, why empathy and problem-solving are uniquely human strengths, how design systems create coherence at scale, and why the real reason behind unbuildable designs is often a lack of collaboration. Listen to learn why designers remain the ones shaping meaningful user experiences as AI accelerates. Thank you for sharing your perspectives: Emil Voutta, Gülcin Yurdatapan, Jan Cantzler, Marisa Wollner, Natalie Stainton, Philip Miseldine

In the age of AI, how important is user research? Is UX research just a way to validate our own assumptions, or does it play a deeper role in shaping product strategy? And as AI adoption grows, how exciting is the future for UX researchers really?In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with eight SAP UX researchers to unpack four questions facing user research today.They share why UX research is not about validating assumptions, what user insights continue to surprise, how user research drives product strategy, and what the future of UX research looks like, from artificial users to researchers evolving into strategic partners.Listen to learn how UX researchers keep humans at the center of product innovation as technology accelerates.Thank you for sharing your perspectives: Alina Uvaeva, Alexandra Matz, Andy Echenique, Ellie Kemery, Eric Mahlstedt, Kathrin Paimann, Leonie Dietterle, Miray Kubilay

Are AI tools replacing UX designers or giving them superpowers? Should designers rush to learn every new AI tool, or double down on core design principles? And what does it really take to stay relevant as AI systems begin to design, prototype and even strategize on their own?In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with Pablo Stanley, Designer at Vercel, to explore the excitement and unease UX designers feel as AI reshapes design workflows.Pablo shares how AI is changing which designers get hired, how it impacts UX skill gaps, and why adaptability, not perfection, is the most critical skill for designers right now.We discuss AI as a creative collaborator, how UX designers can avoid becoming tool operators, why fundamentals matter more than ever, and what it means to stay nimble as intelligent systems accelerate beyond traditional workflows.Listen to learn how UX designers can use AI to amplify their work, focus on higher-order creative tasks, and shape meaningful user experiences in a world where intelligence is no longer just human.

How do you prepare for a UX design interview? What should you include in a design portfolio? And do you need formal design education to land a design job in 2026?In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with Lyubomir Mateev, Principal UX Designer at the SAP Design Hub Sofia, about what hiring managers actually look for when reviewing portfolios and interviewing designers. Drawing from his experience as both an interviewee and interviewer, Lyubomir shares practical advice for junior designers, career switchers, and UX professionals.We discuss creativity and design mindset, how portfolios are judged visually first, and why skills like networking, negotiation, and building credibility are critical for design careers but rarely taught in school.Listen to learn how to tailor your UX portfolio, prepare for design interviews, and align your application with the company and role you’re applying for..

Where is the biggest disconnect between UI development and UX design? If one is rooted in logic and the other in emotions and feelings, how can we bridge the gap?In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with Felix Hackenbruch, UX Designer for SAP Business Network. We discuss his recent transition from UI developer to UX designer and how this journey has shaped his perspective.Explore the complex relationship between UI and UX and uncover the “secret sauce” that brings both teams and all stakeholders together: eloquent communication and a shared vocabulary.Felix shares his redesign journey and drops wisdom for young devs. Hit subscribe for more design adventures coming your way!

How do design systems help shape brand identity and create a foundation for company growth? Can design systems stifle creativity in designers, and what can we do about it?In this episode of Our Design Diaries I speak with Sophia Levens, Head of SAP Design System, discussing her life in design and the key role design systems play in the sustainable success of any business.Tune in to learn how a seamlessly integrated design system fosters scalability, consistency, and accessibility across the entire business ecosystem.

Ever wondered how everyday experiences shape the products and services we use?This episode delves into real stories, frustrations, and insights from people interacting with the world around them. Through deep conversations and thoughtful listening, User Researcher Nisha Balaraman uncovers perspectives that inform better design decisions and ensure products truly meet users' needs. Whether you're a designer, researcher, or simply curious about human experience, this podcast offers a fascinating exploration of how listening can shape the future of design.

Why do we need a specific role of a design strategist? Shouldn't every designer do some element of design strategy?In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that hits close to home for designers, product managers, and teams everywhere: understanding the jobs to be done and the real problems people face—both for users and within our own teams.What happens when we forget to apply our empathetic skills to the people we work with? How can solving an 'empathy problem' unlock collaboration, help teams get unstuck, and translate strategy into action?Join us as we discuss the importance of bringing business impact and user needs together with jobs to be done, featuring our guest speaker Itamar Medeiros (VP of Design Strategy for SAP SuccessFactors).

What does it take to make user research truly impactful?In the first episode of "Our Design Diaries," join us for an inspiring conversation with Tyler King, Senior UX Researcher at SAP. We explore Tyler’s unexpected path into the world of UX research and delve into why user research is essential to creating solutions that genuinely enhance people’s lives. If you’re curious about UX design from a researcher's perspective, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

A glimpse of the upcoming Our Design Diaries podcast hosted by Arin Bhowmick, navigating design journey through personal stories and insights of an incredible lineup of talented and creative minds.