Product Design AMA (Ask Me Anything)

This article was generated with the assistance of AI to help our volunteer team share valuable insights efficiently. While we've reviewed the content for accuracy, please let us know if you spot any errors or have additional insights to contribute!

If you couldn’t make it to our latest FEDSA Product Design AMA, don’t worry - we’ve got the key insights right here. This session brought together experienced product designers, UX researchers, and front-end leaders to discuss career journeys, hiring practices, industry challenges, and the ever-evolving role of product design.

What We Covered:

• How industry professionals transitioned into product design from diverse backgrounds.

• What hiring managers look for in junior designers.

• How to demonstrate the ROI of UX and research to stakeholders.

• The role of mentorship in career growth.

• The differences (and overlap) between UX/UI design and product design.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Career Paths Are Rarely Linear

None of our panellists started in product design. Their journeys included psychology, fine arts, sociology, branding, and even marine biology! The takeaway? Your background can be an asset, not a barrier, to entering this field.

🔹 Hiring Is About Mindset, Not Just Tools

When hiring juniors, employers value problem-solving skills, curiosity, and the ability to learn over tool proficiency. Tools can be taught—thinking critically and collaborating effectively matter more.

🔹 Advocating for UX Research Requires Strategy

Getting buy-in for UX research and design can be challenging, but showing data—like bounce rates, customer complaints, or industry case studies—can make a compelling business case.

🔹 Mentorship Matters at Every Career Stage

Whether you’re a junior starting out or a senior looking to grow, having a mentor (or being one) can accelerate your career. The best mentorship relationships provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights.

🔹 UX/UI vs Product Design: The Debate Continues

Titles vary across companies, but generally, UX/UI focuses more on screen interactions, while product design takes a broader, end-to-end approach—including business goals, user experience, and technical feasibility.

Watch the Full Session & Join the Community

This AMA was packed with insights, personal stories, and practical advice. Catch the full discussion on YouTube and join the conversation on our FEDSA Discord community for more events, mentorship, and industry insights. Join here.

Stay tuned for upcoming events on Security in Front-End Development (March 24th) and Storybook for Front-End Developers in April - you won’t want to miss them!