In this episode, we are joined by Mario Van der Meulen, the founder of MVDM Designs. Mario is a human-focused, insights-driven experience design leader and innovation strategist, with nearly 30 years of experience in the design industry. He has been instrumental in helping organizations around the world and serves as a mentor at ADP List. Discussion points: ~ Can you briefly share your journey from starting in Europe to ending up in Singapore over the past 30 years? 1:53~ Many designers face challenges when entering the market, especially when it comes to language barriers. What advice do you have for navigating these situations? 7:48~ Do research methods or insights change when moving between different countries or regions? 9:31~ Rapid fire round 11:21~ How do you handle vague, non-actionable feedback based on gut feelings, especially when there are no clear, constructive points to work with? 18:47~ Do you see a significant visual difference in web design between content-heavy styles in some countries and the minimalistic approaches in others? How do these contrasting styles affect global designers in choosing a direction? 26:22~ Where will you be speaking at conferences in the coming days, and how can people meet you in person to learn more? 35:40Show notes:~ The primary goal of design should always be to serve the user. Understanding their needs and behaviors is essential for creating impactful experiences.~ Criticism should be seen as an opportunity, not a setback. It brings diverse perspectives that can elevate our work.~ Design does not exist in a vacuum; it's influenced by cultural contexts. What resonates in one culture might not in another.~ While designs should look good, they must also be practical and intuitive. The balance between beauty and function is key.~ Decisions in design should be backed by data and user research. Validating our choices ensures they truly meet user needs.~ Clear communication about design decisions builds trust with stakeholders and ensures alignment with business goals.Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariovdm/Website: https://www.mvdm.me