Exploring Founder-Focused Growth Design | Adi Kujal | Drop 02. Ep. 01

Adi Kujal, a seasoned growth product designer shares his insights on applying growth design principles within the fast-paced world of early-stage startups. He discusses his transition from traditional design to a growth-focused approach, emphasizing the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset, a deep understanding of user psychology, and navigating the unique challenges of the startup environment.

He delves into the power of emotionally driven user research, exploring the balance between persuasive design and ethical considerations. He also examines the evolving role of designers in startups and offers practical advice on identifying red and green flags when considering joining an early-stage company.

He offers valuable insights into recognizing red and green flags when joining early-stage companies and addresses the pervasive experience of imposter syndrome among designers.


Key Topics Discussed:
Expectations for Designers in Founding Roles
Approaching Conversations with CEOs About Design's Influence
Setting Up Experiments and Working with Limited Data
Incorporating Sales Psychology and Behavioural Science into Design Work
Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories From Working With Startups

Takeaways.
Connecting psychology with design enhances user experience. Proactivity is key in early-stage startups.
Small wins can lead to bigger opportunities.

Experimentation is necessary in the absence of data. Emotional user research can yield deeper insights.
Qualitative data is essential when quantitative data is lacking. Experimentation should be fun and engaging for teams. Sales psychology can enhance design effectiveness.


Referenced Resources:
Sera Tejima’s Growth Playbook
The Creative Act - Rick Ruben
Creative Confidence: Tom Kelley, David M. Kelley


Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Growth Design and Adi’s Background
02:47 The Importance of Entrepreneurial Mindset in Design
06:03 Aha Moments in Growth Design: Psychology and Sales
08:53 Challenges of Working in Early Stage Startups
12:13 Misconceptions About Founding Designer Roles
15:02 Navigating Responsibilities in Sensitive Fields
17:48 Essential Skills for Designers in Startups
21:00 Communicating Design Value to Founders
23:53 Proactive Design Strategies and Small Wins
27:11 Validating Design Decisions with Limited Data
35:32 Emotional User Research
36:52 Navigating Growth Design with Limited Data
39:11 Fun and Impactful Experimentation
40:36 Integrating into Team Structures
43:02 Sales Psychology in Design
46:12 Balancing Persuasion and Ethics
48:06 Applying Behavioral Science Principles
50:58 The Evolving Role of Designers
55:46 Generalists vs. Specialists in Design
01:00:08 Lessons from Startups
01:04:29 Identifying Green and Red Flags in Startups


Where to find Adi Kujal
LinkedIn:   / aditya-kuja  
Website: https://www.rootdesign.net/


Co-hosts:
Emmanuel -   / omoleemmanuel  
IniOluwa -   / inioluwa-abiodun  

Production by ⁠⁠  / damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0  
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