When design should lead strategy (and when it shouldn't)

Is design in SaaS just a money pit? Yes, when it's treated like decoration. But when it’s done right, it can drive genuine product impact.

In this episode, our CEO shares what it takes to make design actually matter, from supporting fast-moving teams to shaping strategy where it counts.

We challenge a few assumptions, like the idea that design slows you down or that hiring a studio means handing over control. We discuss what strategic design really looks like in a SaaS context, why every product is designed, whether you plan for it or not, and how to avoid the chaos that comes from ignoring systems and guidelines.

There’s a conversation on where SaaS teams typically struggle when going solo, how studios can add depth without just adding polish, and what happens when speed becomes the only priority.

We end with a rapid-fire round: opinions on trends, UX pet peeves, what to prioritise when budget’s tight, and the one thing every founder should understand about design.

If you think design is just vibes, this episode's for you.

focusstate.fm