Issue #024: The Intersection of AI and UX – Curated Events, Reads & Updates
Dive into AI's role in UX design, join free events to expand your skills, and explore expert insights through must-reads and an inspiring podcast episode.
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
Incase you missed it! Nim’s Podcast
Must-Reads for Product Designers in the AI space
Free Events to Elevate Your Design Skills/Career
In Case You Missed It!
Last week on the podcast, I had an inspiring conversation with Nimisha Patil, a seasoned AI product designer and founder of Swirly Peak. In this episode, Nim shares her journey from graphic design to launching her own design studio, working with early-stage AI startups, and building impactful AI-powered products.
We talked about everything from navigating startups and running collaborative workshops to the tools and techniques she swears by for ideation, prototyping, and efficiency in design. If you're curious about the intersection of AI and design or need practical takeaways for your own career, this episode is packed with value.
🎧 Tune-in Now: Nimisha Patil’s Journey to Launching Her Design Career
Must-Reads for Product Designers in the AI Space
Here are three insightful reads I’ve curated for anyone exploring the intersection of product design and AI. These resources cover everything from practical frameworks to thought-provoking ideas about AI’s role in shaping user experiences.
Prompt Frames: Structuring Better Interactions with AI
If you’ve ever struggled with designing clear, intuitive AI interactions, this article is a must-read. It introduces the concept of Prompt Frames—a framework for crafting AI prompts that enhance usability and user understanding. Whether you're building conversational interfaces or AI-powered tools, this practical guide offers actionable advice to improve clarity, context, and user satisfaction.
How AI Makes Online Shopping Feel Like a Personal Boutique
This article offers inspiration on how AI can transform e-commerce by creating hyper-personalized shopping experiences. It explores the potential of AI-first applications to curate products, predict needs, and mimic the tailored service of a high-end boutique. If you’re working in retail or exploring ways AI can elevate personalization, this piece is full of creative ideas.
Shaping Minds: How First Impressions Drive AI Adoption
This thought-provoking article dives into the psychology of first impressions in AI adoption. It explores how early interactions with AI systems shape user trust, perceptions, and long-term engagement. For designers building AI tools, it’s an essential read to understand how to create positive first impressions that encourage user adoption and confidence.
Curated Free Events to Elevate Your Skills
As January comes to a close, I’ve handpicked these free events to help you refine your craft, explore new opportunities, and stay ahead in your design career. Whether you’re storytelling your product, adding polish to your prototypes, or navigating the UX job market, these sessions are designed to provide practical value without costing you a dime.😉
Animate Prototype Interactions like a Pro in Figma
📅 When: January 23rd, 2025
⏰ Time: 12 PM EST (30 minutes)
📍 Where: Live on Zoom
🎟️ Sign Up for Free
Elevate your motion design skills in Figma with Nima Tahami, Co-Founder of ClevrStudio. This 30-minute workshop will teach you how to create smooth interactions using Smart Animate and streamline workflows by adding interactions to components, making your prototypes feel like real apps.
Beyond Big Tech: Companies Hiring for UX Roles in 2025
📅 When: January 28th, 2025
⏰ Time: 12 PM EST (30 minutes)
📍 Where: Live on Zoom
🎟️ Sign Up for Free
Explore UX opportunities beyond FAANG with Sarah Doody, Founder of Career Strategy Lab. In this 30-minute webinar, discover which industries are hiring, where to find jobs, and quick tips to stand out on LinkedIn—helping you land a role faster with better work-life balance.
How to Map Your Product Story with a Simple Storyboard
📅 When: February 4th, 2025
⏰ Time: 1 PM EST (30 minutes)
📍 Where: Live on Zoom
🎟️ Sign Up for Free
Join Chris Abad, former Design Director at Google, Dropbox, and Square, for a 30-minute session on using storyboards to clarify your product story. You’ll learn how to define your narrative flow, sketch ideas quickly, and align teams before going high-fidelity—saving time and ensuring a sharper message.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for joining me for this week’s issue of the Cristian Talks Product Design Newsletter. My goal is to provide you with resources, insights, and opportunities to help you grow as a designer in the ever-evolving fields of AI, UX/UI, and technology.
From free events to elevate your skills, to inspiring reads and podcast episodes that dive into the realities of design, I hope you found something valuable here. Don’t forget, January is almost over—now is the time to set the tone for the rest of the year. Take advantage of these resources and start building momentum today!
If you enjoyed this issue, I’d love for you to share it with your network or leave your thoughts. Your feedback helps shape future editions, and I’m always excited to hear what resonated with you.
Until next time, keep learning, designing, and growing!
Cheers,
Cristian