Issue #023: The future is exciting

Stay ahead of the curve with updates on AI, technology, UX/UI trends, and resources to fuel your creative journey.

Jan 14, 2025

Welcome to the Cristian Talks Product Design Newsletter — where designers come to learn and stay updated on the latest in AI, technology, and UX/UI.

What we’re covering today

Exploring a New Format
AI’s Impact on The Workforce
5 Companies Designers Should Keep an Eye On in 2025
Upcoming Events for Job Seekers and Designers
Podcast update!

Exploring a New Format

Hello, designers! If you’ve been here before, you might notice a slight change in how this newsletter is structured. My goal with this update is to deliver more focused insights and updates to keep you informed and inspired.
Don’t worry—deep dives into essential topics and podcast episodes aren’t going anywhere. Moving forward, though, those will be shared as standalone content, while this weekly email will focus on curated news and updates. The idea is to streamline things and maximize the value I can provide to you.
Thank you for being here—I’m excited for what’s ahead!
- Cristian Pineda

AI Impact on the Workforce

Salesforce: CEO Marc Benioff announced that AI-driven productivity gains mean no new engineers will be hired this year. Instead, Salesforce plans to add 1,000–2,000 salespeople to help clients understand and implement AI solutions.
Meta: CEO Mark Zuckerberg predicts that by 2025, AI could perform tasks equivalent to mid-level engineers, such as writing code independently. This would allow human engineers to focus on more complex, strategic problems.

My Thoughts on What This Means for Designers
While these changes shift engineering roles, the impact on design remains limited. Designers' creativity and problem-solving skills remain uniquely human, with AI tools enhancing workflows rather than replacing them. However, as designers, we should embrace AI to improve how we work, as these tools can help us outperform non-AI users and drive greater innovation.

5 Companies Designers Should Keep an Eye On in 2025

As we dive into 2025, there are a number of companies pushing the boundaries of design tools and empowering creatives to work smarter and more efficiently. Here are five standout companies and tools to keep on your radar:

Figma AI
Figma continues to lead in design collaboration, and while its AI features aren’t fully rolled out yet, they show significant potential in transforming workflows. By automating repetitive tasks and generating design ideas, Figma AI promises to help teams focus more on creativity and less on the busywork.
Adobe
Adobe Express is quickly becoming a go-to tool for visual and graphic designers who need to create assets fast. Combined with Adobe’s integration of AI into flagship tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, its features remain impressive. From generative fills and auto-masking to enhanced animation tools, Adobe’s AI innovations make even the most complex projects more accessible and efficient.
Ideogram
Ideogram is revolutionizing text-based design and branding. It’s perfect for creating stunning typography and logos, offering designers a fresh approach to visual storytelling.
HeyGen
Video content is more essential than ever, and HeyGen’s AI-powered video generation makes creating engaging, dynamic content a breeze. Whether for marketing campaigns or storytelling, this tool is a must-try for designers.
Uizard by Miro Labs
Uizard helps turn rough sketches into polished UI designs in minutes. It’s a powerful tool for rapid prototyping and wireframing, making it a favorite for UX designers working on iterative projects.

Career Boost: Events for Job Seekers and Early-Career Designers

I wanted to share a couple of upcoming events that I think you’ll find incredibly valuable, especially if you're looking to level up your portfolio or improve your chances of landing your next big role.

Free Event: AI-Powered Portfolio

📅 When: January 29th, 2025
⏰ Time: 9 PM CET | 8 PM UTC | 3 PM EST | 12 PM PST
📍 Where: Live on Zoom
🎟️ RSVP Here

If you’ve been wondering how to make your portfolio stand out in today’s fast-changing design landscape, this session is for you. In just one hour, you’ll learn how to harness AI to simplify the portfolio creation process and make it more impactful.

Free Workshop: Help Your Resume Beat the ATS & Land More Interviews

📅 When: Tue, Jan 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 6 PM CET | 5 PM UTC | 12 PM EST | 9 AM PST
📍 Where: Live on Zoom
🎟️ Learn More & Sign Up

Let’s be real: getting your resume past ATS systems can feel like trying to crack a code. This workshop breaks it all down and teaches you how to optimize your resume to get noticed.

Podcast Update:

Last week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Nimisha Patil about her journey to launching her design agency, Swirly Peak. We covered exciting topics like leveraging AI, collaborating with stakeholders, and more.

Catch a sneak peek below!

Wrapping things up:

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter! I hope these insights, tools, and updates empower you to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of design. Whether you’re exploring new AI tools, preparing for upcoming events, or simply looking for inspiration, I’m here to support your journey.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what resonated, what you’d like to see more of, or how I can continue to provide value. Let’s keep learning and growing together.

Until next time,
Cristian Pineda