Hey Basia

Many designers find themselves stuck in a cycle: they create thoughtful solutions but struggle to get buy-in from stakeholders. The issue often isn't the quality of their work—it's how they communicate their ideas to business leaders.

This week, I'm sharing insights from a conversation with Ari Zalmanow, a former police detective turned market researcher, about a communication framework that transforms how designers present their work.

His approach helps designers move from being order-takers to strategic advisors who speak the language of business. Read on for more.

In today's email:

• The POSTER framework breakdown - A step-by-step guide to structuring presentations that drive decision-making
  ​
• Building quality through culture - Why lasting quality comes when the right path is also the easiest path
  ​
• How AI is changing design management - Why fewer pure managers means more responsibility for individual contributors

Design gems of the week

• ​Championing Quality Through Culture: Quality isn’t added at the end — it’s built into systems and culture from the start. Trevor Rogers shows how strong processes and accountability turn speed and rigor into allies. The key: lasting quality comes when the right path is also the easiest.
  ​
• ​You’re Definitely Going to Be a Manager Now: Julie Zhuo shows how AI is changing management: fewer pure managers, blurrier roles, and more responsibility for individual contributors. AI follows clear purpose, the right “people,” and processes—but doesn’t need empathy, making some tasks easier. Effective leadership today still depends on steadiness, adaptability, and building trust in an AI-driven era.
  ​
• ​Build Strategic Influence as a UX Researcher: Join Ruby Pryor for a live session on boosting the impact of UX research. Learn frameworks for impact, how to communicate with executives, and key metrics to demonstrate value. Happening today @ 8:00 PM PDT I 30 min I Virtual (Zoom) I Free.​
  ​
• ​The Founder’s Guide to Hiring Designers in 2025: Practical tactics for hiring top designers in a competitive market. Learn how to attract talent, leverage networks, evaluate skills, and check references early. Success comes from balancing craft with speed and showing design is a core company value.
  ​
• Design Roles Worth a Look: New product design openings with exciting teams.
  ​Apple (Product Designer, iCloud Mail, Calendar & Contacts)
  ​Monzo (Senior Product Designer)​
  ​Jobber (Senior Product Designer, Platform Experience)​
  ​Sublime Security (Product Designer)