320: The struggle with staying up-to-date with new design tools

320: The struggle with staying up-to-date with new design tools

Author: Charli Prangley, Femke Van Schoonhoven October 13, 2025 Duration: 30:16

Femke and Charli discuss the challenges of staying up-to-date with AI tools, the importance of developing horizontal skills rather than just tool-specific knowledge, integrating AI into your workflow, the financial and environmental impacts of AI and strategies for keeping up with rapid advancements in the tech field.

01:11 Episode introduction

01:53 Catch-up

05:16 How the episode came about: Charli shares a story from her workplace about integrating AI into their processes

10:17 Challenges in staying up-to-date with AI and design tools

14:01 Is tool-specific knowledge important? The value of learning horizontal skills versus tool-specific skills

16:00 Building AI workflows and exploring what’s possible with AI

17:51 Financial costs of using AI

23:23 Environmental impact of AI

24:58 Goals for keeping up with the rapid pace of AI development

Links: 

Femke's 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

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