Design Actually is a podcast about what it’s really like to be a designer—especially when you’re just starting out. I’m Stella, transitioning into product design, and this is my way of learning out loud through honest conversations with everyday designers—not the highlight reels, but the messy middle.
In this episode, I talk with KD about job hunting, comparison, and learning for the sake of curiosity—not pressure. We get into what keeps him inspired, how he thinks about talent, and why feeling behind doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure where you’re headed, this one’s for you.
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00:00 Highlights
01:13 Intro - for anyone who's ever felt behind or stuck
02:34 How KD approaches job hunting
05:52 Domain fit matters more than you think
07:37 What makes a role exciting
09:09 Fellow job hunters: be true to yourself
10:23 How to keep learning without guilt or burning out
19:01 On comparison, pressure, and talent: It may take you longer, but you will get there
26:10 What kind of designer are you?
28:42 KD's creative toolkit
31:05 Outro
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🔗 Resources & Mentions from This Episode
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If this episode resonated with you — or if you have feedback, topic ideas, or want to be a guest — I’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out:
📩 Email: designactually25@gmail.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellayy/
Welcome to Design Actually, a podcast about what it’s really like to be a designer — especially when you’re just starting out.
I’m Stella, currently switching careers into product design. This show is my way of learning out loud through honest conversations with everyday designers — not the highlight reels, but the messy middle.
In this first episode, I chat with KD, a designer who moved from psychology into UX. We talk about learning the fundamentals without a design degree, balancing data with intuition, and how to grow when you're in a place without strong design culture.
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00:00 Highlights
00:43 What is this podcast
03:41 KD's background - from Psychology to UX design0
7:51 Advices to career-switchers: staying grounded, staying curious
13:32 What it's like and how to navigate in a place without a strong design culture
20:52 Balancing data and taste
29:06 What research is worth including in a portfolio
33:20 Outro and what's next
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If this episode resonated with you — or if you have feedback, topic ideas, or want to be a guest — I’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to reach out:📩 Email: designactually25@gmail.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellayy/
