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Dear Young Designer, Part II

(this is a timely continuation of Part I of Dear Young Designer) → You don't need to become a grifter to be successful. I know it seems that way today (given the context of 2025), but trust me there is another way that's more meaningful and long

by Tobias van Schneider

How to reverse AI brain rot — A note to myself

Stop chasing frictionless convenience Accept some slowness and complexity in your life. Don't use shortcuts everywhere even if they're easily available to you. Embrace manual effort to train your mind and body. It's the only way to grow and retain personal agency in a

by Tobias van Schneider

Embracing Friction

⏱️ Average reading time: 5-6min For the past decade, we designers (in particular software & UX designers) have pursued an almost singular goal: make everything easier. User-friendliness above all else was and still is our mantra. From operating systems to mobile apps and even games, our goal is to

by Tobias van Schneider

How do you know what you like anymore?

"Did you see Turtle Boss yet?" Tim asked over brunch. "I saw it," said Katie over a mouthful of hash browns. "It was so freaking good." "Good?" said Sam. "You actually thought it was good?" "Yeah, it was incredible.

by Tobias van Schneider

Dear young designer

Dear young designer, If you feel like your designs are more like strung-together hacks, you’re on the right path. If you’re waiting on feedback from your creative director, don’t wait. Keep exploring other options. Move on to the next task. Never sit around. If you want