319: Balancing speed and quality in design work

319: Balancing speed and quality in design work

Author: Charli Prangley, Femke Van Schoonhoven September 29, 2025 Duration: 39:17

Femke and Charli discuss how to balance product quality with commitments, deadlines, and the pressure to ship quickly. They explore the best approaches to building MVPs and new features, and consider whether AI is influencing the expected pace of work in design.

Timestamps:

01:14 Episode start

02:25 Catch up

07:56 The background of the issue at Femke’s work

10:42 Did Charli experience anything similar?

12:56 Has the rebrand and the new systems in place helped your team unlock more velocity, allowing you to work more quickly?

17:19 What does your team think about MVP?

24:45 As a design manager, what’s your role in solving this?

26:07 Any ideas of solutions Femke can share?

32:15 Is AI influencing leadership’s push for speed? Do you think it’s making teams move faster?

Links: 

Femke's new community

Femke’s course “Product strategy for designers”

Share your topic suggestions for the show with us at hello@designlife.fm


Hosted by designers Charli Prangley and Femke Van Schoonhoven, Design Life feels like eavesdropping on a candid conversation between two friends who genuinely understand the hustle. This podcast digs into the reality of a creative career, moving beyond portfolio tips to discuss the actual challenges of making a living from your ideas. Each episode stems from their own experiences as serial side-project addicts, covering everything from navigating client negotiations and pricing your work to pushing through creative blocks and finding time for personal work. You’ll hear them dissect the intersection of design, business, and technology with a relatable, grounded perspective. The discussion they foster is particularly valuable for young creatives seeking honest advice and a sense of community, all delivered through the lens of two practitioners in the field. Tune in for a blend of practical strategy and personal reflection that focuses on building a sustainable and fulfilling design practice.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Design Life
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