Instead of detailing every step of your design process, focus on showcasing the final work. Hiring managers often assume a process exists. Over-explaining it can introduce biases (e.g., you only show qualitative research) or provide reasons for disqualification. Let the work be the hero, not the process.

Designing a personal portfolio is uniquely challenging because, unlike client work with defined brands, it forces a deep self-reflection on your professional identity. This internal struggle to define "who you are" is often harder than the design work itself.

In the fast-evolving world of AI, the most valuable trait in a designer is a deep-seated curiosity and the self-direction to learn and build independently. A designer who has explored, built, and formed opinions on new AI products is more valuable than one with only a perfect aesthetic.

Technical talent is not the primary driver of resonant creative work. The key ingredient is 'taste'—an unteachable ability to discern what will be emotionally pleasing and impactful to an audience. This intuitive sense separates good creators from great ones.

Not all parts of an application require the same level of design polish. Founders must develop an "editorial eye" to invest heavily in the core user experience (a 9/10) while accepting "good enough" for less critical areas like settings pages (a 5/10).

Perplexity's VP of Design, Henry Modiset, states that when hiring, he values product intuition above all else. AI can generate options, but the essential, irreplaceable skill for designers is the ability to choose what to build, how it fits the market, and why users will care.

When hiring for creative roles like AI Product Manager, the resume itself is evaluated as a product. A generic, plain-text resume signals a lack of creativity and product taste. The design, clarity, and cohesive narrative it tells are direct demonstrations of the candidate's core skills.

To avoid getting lost in endless options, establish a clear vision using descriptive adjectives like "techie," "classical," or "sharp and crisp." This high-level direction acts as a filter, helping you confidently accept or reject ideas and maintain consistency throughout the design process.

The company's design leadership is pushing back against justifying design solely through business metrics, arguing it signals a lack of confidence in craft. They foster a culture where the primary measure of success is the team's own high bar for taste, trusting this will ultimately drive long-term value.