Season 5

|

Episode 6

Envisioning the art of the

possible

Michael Wandelmaier

Head of Design @ Metalab

Nick Basile

Thinking like a

developer

Level up your technical understanding to become a

better communicator, collaborator, and designer,

without learning to code.

Apr 4, 2024

|

53 mins

music by Dennis 

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About this Episode

From the onset of my design journey, Metalab has always been my inspiration. Therefore, this interview holds a unique place as we glean insights from their Lead Designer, Michael Wandelmeier.

We delve into understanding Metalab's design process and discuss particular tactics related to:

•

Mike’s preferred narrative strategies

•

The significance of assertive design

•

When project limitations are disregarded

•

Their distinct method of illustrating user paths

•

Guidelines for managing consensus on intricate initiatives

•

Utilizing the “absurdly premature supposition” approach

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Show Notes

•

Ian Wharton (storytelling coach)

•

Upwork (example client)

Transcript chapters

[00:00:00] Overview of how Metalab works

[00:01:59] How to run a great project kickoff meeting

[00:05:19] A different way to think about user journey maps

[00:07:33] Why Mike uses the "Ridiculously early hypothesis"

[00:12:18] Strategies for driving alignment with clients

[00:16:03] How Metalab's process evolves for startups vs. big-

name brands

[00:18:11] Understanding the core Metalab process

[00:21:26] Designing to find answers vs. finding answers to design

[00:23:21] Importance of storytelling in the informal working

context

[00:26:00] Traits of designers who are great storytellers

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"