Season 5

|

Episode 6

Envisioning the art of the

possible

Michael Wandelmaier

Head of Design @ Metalab

Apr 4, 2024

|

53 mins

music by Dennis 

Nick Basile

Go from Designer to

Founder

Considering taking the leap? Learn how to de-risk the

move, leverage your skills beyond design and craft a

pitch that gets your idea funded.

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About this Episode

From the start of my journey in design, Metalab has been my inspiration. Therefore, this particular interview holds value as it enables us to garner knowledge from their Design Chief, Michael Wandelmeier.

We delve deep into the workings of design at Metalab, discussing specific strategies related to:

Michael's preferred narrative strategies

The significance of assertive creation

While neglecting limits during a task

The distinct method they plot user pathways

Guidelines for achieving consensus on intricate tasks

Their exploitation of the 'absurdly preliminary theory'

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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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"