The design process is dead. Here’s what’s replacing it. | Jenny Wen (head of design at Claude)
Lenny's Podcast@LennysPodcastThe design process is dead. Here’s what’s replacing it. | Jenny Wen (head of design at Claude)
Jenny Wen, Head of Design at Claude, explains why traditional design workflows are becoming obsolete and how AI is changing the relationship between designers and engineers. She shares insights on the shift toward rapid prototyping, the future of human 'taste,' and her personal journey from a director at Figma to an individual contributor at Anthropic.
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Analysis
A woman stands on the right side of the frame looking toward a large quote written on white paper strips. Her name and professional title are listed clearly at the bottom left alongside a well-known brand logo. The entire image uses a bright, textured orange background to keep the focus on the text and the person.
This design process that [music] designers have been taught, we sort of treat it as gospel. That's basically dead. Few years ago, 60 to 70% of it was mocking and prototyping. But now I feel the mocking up part of it is 30 to 40%. Where will human brains continue to be valuable? What do you now look for when you're hiring designers?
- 01The Death of the Old Way
Immediately attack a common belief or standard practice, calling it obsolete.
- 02The Statistical Shift
Provide a specific comparison of how much time or effort has shifted from the old priority to the new one.
- 03The Existential Question
Pivot to the human element or the core challenge created by this shift.
- 04The Actionable Setup
Ask the specific question that leads into the main content of the video.