Amanda Goldwasser

Gang, Wow. Sharing a unique perspective on where we go from here post-election & well, hold tight cuz the arc is...long. Hawai‘i’s own Norma Wong drops some big time ‘ike here in this podcast that was really the salve i needed. Norma, a contemporary of Aunty Puanani Burgess, is in conversation w/ Adrienne M Brown. Highest level takeaway: We gotta evolve.  It’s the only way out. Here are the key meanings I made: 1. Perspective on the election “I would say that it took about 4,000 yrs for us to get to this point, & so the notion that it could somehow right itself in the course of a few election cycles? That also means we've completely bought into a consumer notion of human history. We can package & sell & buy the answers that will somehow right our ship. The rest of the living universe has figured it out long before we can: if the living universe wants to continue to live, it has to continuously evolve. & we as humans are not doing that very well.” 2. Don’t despair. Stay in the light to build forward “As long as our purpose is about fighting the conditions that we are in, then we will remain in despair….But if our purpose is about shared humanity, it requires the levers for thriving, it means we are the ones who have to do it, & we cannot look to the institutions and the structures that are collapsing around us to do it. And we go about that work. We are in a totally polarized world, that means that there are actually billions of people that we can count on, and billions of people we cannot. And somehow we're giving more power to the billions of people who cannot. We're giving them more power. What is it about that?” 3. We gotta evolve, transform, & work on the human condition. THROUGH STORY AND FIERCE IMAGINGING.  “To be in a state of the beginner's mind, I believe a fruitful state is in the exercise of story. And future story in concrete terms, in which no isms live, and in which thriving is the fiercest possibility. THROUGH BREATH AND MEDITATION. “When we say take a breath, it's not a metaphoric thing. It is to be in that embodied aspect of breath, which there are actual mechanical things to be learned in order for us to breathe deeply connected to the earth, in which the exhale is longer than the inhale. By our breath alone, become like a glowing energy ball in which fierce peace is emanating from us, & therefore we are capable of agency, of our agency... It's that which grounds us to the essential humanity. Without that, we're mechanical living beings rather than actual living beings. THROUGH BEING W/ EACH OTHER.  “…not for the purposes of a transaction.” “THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF THE CULTIVATION OF JOY, even in the most horrific circumstances, to not allow that to die. THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF GRATITUDE & ANCESTORS. “The practice of gratitude, particularly seeing and being w/ the various beings, not only human ones, who are every single moment making it possible for where we are right now, & what we can become.

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Algorithms don’t build meaningful brands  …just like data doesn’t build better people (see graph below). Engagement is a craft while attention is factory work. Commodities come out of factories and specialty comes from craft. Craft takes time so it can be meaningful (to the few) and factory work optimizes time so it can be plentiful (to the masses). If your brand management is based on the optimization of an algorithm, like many are, you are in a race to a commodity bottom and you may not realize it.  …and ignore your sleep score in December.

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Incredibly excited to be giving a new talk—"Design is 'Connection' Made Manifest"—on Seattle Design Festival 's main stage this August 18th. The themes in this presentation have been congealing for me over the past few years, evolving through my other conference talks, written works, and even business / career decisions. Across "why" we're creating, "how" we're creating, and "where" we're creating, our value is infinitely greater than the sum of our choice of digital tools. I'll (currently) be giving this talk only twice this year, with the second event to be announced soon. The 'formal' talk description: "What is design, if not ‘connection’ made manifest? Given the state of the world over the past few years, with designers navigating the global pandemic, mass layoffs, hybrid / remote work, and a struggling economy, connection is at is apex of relevance. The connection of us to one another, us to our work, and our work to those who engage with it. Be it a concert venue poster, a website, or an app icon, design is solving the problem of engaging people—agnostic of their circumstances—to connect and convey an experience. When we’re in touch with our values, focus on craft evolution over tool loyalty, and create in an environment of support and inclusion: ‘connection’ is the result. Via the power of storytelling with actionable methods, Justin Dauer will show us how to get there." And on the Seattle Design Festival itself, via their website: "The Seattle Design Festival is a platform for bold design conversations. We believe that design is for everyone and that inclusive co-design practices are essential to shaping an equitable Seattle. We are multidisciplinary, socially engaged and civic minded. The Seattle Design Festival was founded in 2011 as a strategic initiative of AIA Seattle to promote public dialogue and community engagement about the role and impact of design in urban life." Seattle Design Festival is a FREE event for the public. My presentation's page: https://lnkd.in/gaQNA5GD The full list of festival programming: https://seadesignfest.org/ #ux #productdesign #uxdesign #creativity #design #culture #seattle #seattledesignfestival

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A brand’s identity captures attention, but it’s the experience that keeps customers engaged. In a recent project, we combined strategic branding with thoughtful UX design and compelling copy to create an eCommerce experience that didn’t just look great—it converted. The result? A 2x increase in sales. Here’s how we approached it: ✔ Branding: Building trust and standing out with a cohesive, memorable identity. ✔ UX Design: Streamlining the customer journey for effortless browsing and purchasing. ✔ Copywriting: Speaking directly to the audience’s needs with clarity and impact. When every element works together, the results are transformative. #Branding #UXDesign #Copywriting #ECommerceSuccess

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🍭 Top 3 Takeaways from this week's Sweets & Snacks Expo: 1️⃣ Occasions are the NEW Seasonal While traditional seasonal products aren't going anywhere (pumpkin spice: you *ARE* safe), consumer demands are evolving FAST. Whether it's aligning an LTO with a Taylor Swift album drop or deciding what snack to buy for a Vanderpump Rules Reunion watch party with friends, brands and retailers that solve for occasions in culture will outpace their peers by a mile. A standout example was Jack Link's Protein Snacks Bloody Mary Mixes: "people were already putting beef sticks in their Bloody Marys, so it made sense that we show up at brunch!" 2️⃣ The Better-for-You vs. Indulgence Battle Continues NCA Sweet Insights reports that only 53% of consumers believe BFY confections exist, and just 1 in 10 purchase them frequently (predominantly Gen-Z). Experts confidently state: "Indulgence is not going anywhere," even as consumers cut back on snack purchases citing health concerns. The takeaway? Consumers will never give up indulgence—it will just look different in the future. There's a MASSIVE, untapped opportunity in this space. Standout brands already threading the needle beautifully include BEHAVE and NICKS, both of which highlight indulgence with drool-worthy flavor and texture, and an "oh-by-the-way this is actually better for you" twist. FFUPs also caught my eye with their unabashed "NOT HEALTHY" claims, embracing the pure joy and emotional benefits of snacking without any B.S. 3️⃣ Foodie Influence International flavors aren't new, but what stood out was the expressive brand storytelling in snacking. There were so many founders on the expo floor sharing the flavors of their culture with infectious joy. El Nacho was particularly memorable—their tortilla chips were not only delicious, but their packaging was a vehicle for storytelling with cheerfully rebellious characters. I am an immediate fan (especially of Ms. Mango). Nomad Snacks also drew me in with their journey of international flavors like chimichurri and ramen. Lastly...our team has a few more takeaways in our pocket too spicy to publish here 👀 DM if you want to hear more! #SweetsAndSnacks #ConsumerTrends #foodandbev LPK Emily Dominick Kyle

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💡"You have to learn to transmute your love for creating through your designs to a love for creating through a design TEAM. Your creative successes will be shown through how successful your team is. This is the key to leading and managing in the creative space." https://lnkd.in/gHMwbEhT Check out my thoughts on leadership in the creative/UX space, and share your own below! What tips or struggles would you share with up-and-coming creative leaders?

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Mountain Dew just rolled out a shiny new logo, and they’re going full throttle with a nostalgic, outdoorsy vibe. They’ve swapped “Mtn Dew” for the full “Mountain Dew” name, brought back retro fonts, and tossed in some topography to remind us all they’re literally all about the mountains now. 🌄🍋 While we’re not exactly guzzling it ourselves (I mean, we’re more of a kombucha crowd), you’ve got to love a brand makeover that leans into its roots. But here’s my hot take: will this rebrand really resonate it's loyal fanbase, or gain new customers with their more health concious, sleek rebrand and rollout? Either way, it’s bold. It’s bright. It’s got storytelling potential written all over it. What do you think—hit or miss? (Psst… If your brand needs a visual glow-up, give us a shout! We specialize in makeovers that don’t just look good but turn heads. 💥)

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"I want my impact to be aligned with my money." Experience-driven and subscription businesses have customers that continue to pay them over time because their product must continue to provide value. I love this framing from a new friend, Jenny Friedler, as to why we both gravitate towards companies who provide a longer tail service journey (like healthcare), and who are capitalized over time (like a subscription business). Compare this against a company that sells a one-off product, often as a single expense like in retail, and it makes sense these orgs would look at experience delivery differently. Thanks for this helpful framing Jenny! I've used it internally at ZoCo Design many times this week, and we've picked up on new patterns because of it.

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I've seen how essential it is to have an environment that nurtures creativity, allowing it to flourish and drive meaningful progress. At Openthrive, our goal with each project has been to design engagement-first website experiences that not only look good but also drive significant business results. To extend our work further, for the companies we’ve not been able to work 1:1, we created Cxful. It’s a UIUX suite and advanced Figma design system that empowers companies, agencies, and designers to craft top-tier website experiences on their own. Creativity shouldn't be a luxury. It should be an integral part of every company. Cxful provides the foundation and direction needed to keep creativity and logic intact, ensuring your website experience remains functional, consistent, and complete. 🔥 Cxful will be available for pre-order in 24 hours ⏱ Whether you're a startup, small business or a large enterprise, Cxful can help you open up your creative potential and achieve your business goals faster. Be among the first to experience the difference that Cxful can make. Wanna get notified? 👉 Visit cxful dot com and hit "Notify me" #uiux #ux #ui #cx #designsystem

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✨ What’s your signature hallmark as a designer? Share it below. Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about originality, integrity, and innovation. And as designers, we walk a fine line between being inspired and staying uniquely ourselves. In today’s episode (114) of the Design Business Freedom Podcast, we explore what it truly means to be inspired versus what it means to copy. 🎙️Here’s what’s inside: ✔️ What is the fine line between inspiration and plagiarism? ✔️ Why defining your design hallmarks is essential. ✔️ How to bring originality to every project without losing your signature style. This episode is your reminder to dig deeper, push creative boundaries, and honor the privilege of designing something truly one-of-a-kind! 🎧 Tap the link below to listen now, or catch it on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dtxG-xRx . . . #interiordesignstyle #interiordesignerlife #designhallmark #designbusinessfreedom

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Overview of a conversation on how designers can create value in early-stage startups.

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Launch day for a new feature is always a queasy bundle of nerves and excitement. I cross my fingers that nothing crashes, that all the teeny visual details are accounted for, and, ultimately, that the feature delivers real value to our users. Today, in collaboration with Instacart, my team at The New York Times Cooking launched a new shoppable recipe integration! 👩🏻‍🌾 We aim to save busy home cooks even more time and energy so they can focus on the things that matter: Enjoying delicious meals and the act of creating them. What you see of a feature is always a black box. The final designs in the NYT Cooking and Instacart products eclipse the massive effort from everyone on both teams. We spent hundreds of messages, emails, hours, and meetings nailing down every little detail—from the language on the buttons to its placement to all the marketing we’re doing to promote this integration. I could not be happier or more proud of the work that we’ve put it! I hope you take advantage of this integration to whip up something delicious and share it with someone special! 💕 Learn more about the partnership here: https://lnkd.in/eX3bmJY8

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What a journey it’s been. For almost a decade, I’ve been designing software that brings people closer to the food they love, whether it’s discovering their new favorite dish or supporting a chef’s dream. This space has always felt special to me—food connects people in a way few other things can. Today, I’m excited to share that Cookin Inc. has officially been acquired by CookUnity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the possibilities ahead. This is the third acquisition I’ve had the privilege of navigating in this space, and each time has taught me invaluable lessons. First with SkipTheDishes in 2016,. Then in 2020, with Just Eat Takeaway.com. And now, with CookUnity. Here’s what I’ve learned: the secret to success post-acquisition lies in unifying vision, product, and experience. It’s about creating something that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And that’s what excites me most about this next chapter. CookUnity is a platform driven by chefs, innovation, and a passion for food. Combined with Cookin’s unique DNA, I see a massive opportunity to design a product experience that not only empowers creators but also delights every eater along the way. These moments are rare in life—the chance to create something transformative in an already hyper-competitive industry and to do it alongside people equally as hungry as you are. To everyone at Cookin, CookUnity, and beyond—let’s make this the gold standard for food platforms. Let’s bring our vision to life. Here’s to making food a universal language of connection, creativity, and joy. Huge shout out to the team that made this possible. Natalie Zamani David Senior Andrew Choly Ivy Malao N. Christopher Katoyi Kaba Amanda Biffis Nhi Tran Khalil Kassam Carolyn Tanner Cohen Tobiass Kuplens-Ewart Jennifer Dowd Zamaan Jiwani Zakir Jiwani Jackson Wolburgh Celeste Ivers Jessica Sonberg Leen Li, CPA, CMA Morley Ivers Michael Baruch And so many more folks who were instrumental throughout the years in making Cookin what it is today. What a ride. https://lnkd.in/gxgB6ZSS.

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At Bandit, we believe in the power of ideas. Our mission is to help people bring their visions to life through effective brand and content strategy. We've seen how these strategies can transform businesses and organizations, but we've also noticed a problem: personalized strategy work is often inaccessible due to high costs. ⭐️ So what did we do about this? To address this challenge, we've developed a guided process that makes brand strategy more accessible: ➡ Clear, jargon-free explanations ➡ Thoughtful prompts and practical formulas ➡ Customizable templates ➡ A structured approach to strategic planning This process is designed to help you develop authentic brand and content strategies tailored to your unique vision. It's about moving beyond guesswork to create a solid foundation for your ideas. ⭐️ Why This Matters Great ideas deserve the chance to flourish. We've seen too many innovative concepts held back by a lack of access to professional strategy tools. While we can't solve every challenge, we're committed to making a difference in this area. Our goal is to support you in exploring, refining, and realizing your ideas. With the right tools and guidance, you can develop strategies that truly reflect your vision and resonate with your audience. ⭐️ How to Get Started We've packaged this process into a DIY Brand Strategy Notion Dashboard. This tool offers hours of guided work and is designed to help you create solid brand and content strategies. If you're interested in learning more about this tool or our other services, you can visit our website or reach out to us directly. We're here to support your journey in whatever way we can. Remember, the path from idea to reality can be complicated, but it becomes much more evident with the right strategy. We're excited to see what you'll create. ⁠ ↪ So hop over to our site to grab your dashboard. >>> https://lnkd.in/g-WFhqtk [And because we love you, from now until next Saturday evening, use the promo code "BANDITLOVESYOU" at checkout for 15% off.]⁠ And if you need anything or have questions, feel free to reach out.

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Did we really need that free delivery in under 15 minutes? Did we fully explore all the potential side-effects of one-click purchasing? Sure, some millennial pet parents may have been able to afford to put their little fella in a luxury dog spa, but was that really the best use of that precious real estate? Over the past 15 years, it feels like user-centric thinking (in its most myopic form) has become increasingly co-opted as a way to ruthlessly target a subset of the population at the cost of others, prioritizing the needs of a brand’s ‘most valuable segment’ with little regard for the secondary and tertiary effects on wider society. Now, a new generation of organizations and business leaders are calling this into question. And, as a broad set of strategists and creatives, we have the opportunity to do the same. As part of the NYCxDESIGN festival, DesignStudio is opening its doors to discuss ways in which government, organizations, agencies, and brands are starting to ditch pure user-centric thinking in favor of more community-minded approaches and what it means for the design industry as a whole. On Wednesday May 22, we’ll be hosting an evening of conversations and ideas with experts from civic, commercial, non-profit and academic institutions, along with music, and light refreshments from local LIC businesses. If you’re interested in attending, snag yourself a ticket: https://lnkd.in/es4at7JS #enduser #communitycentricdesign #nycxdesign

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Have you listened to The Design Imposter Podcast? Monique and I have some remarkable guests in the coming weeks and the conversations are 🔥 Actually, our pre-recording vibe checks have been 🔥🔥🔥 We really need to start recording the vibe checks for b-roll. ---- Here's one of my favorite episodes which discusses the benefits of working in a corporate environment over freelancing and entrepreneurship. https://lnkd.in/eYKW3sTA

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This article resonates with me, highlighting the challenges I encountered managing the San Jose public art collection. One particular hurdle involved reconstructing artwork imagery from unusable files due to outdated software limitations. If you require assistance in developing policies and guidelines for your public art collection, feel free to reach out—I'd be happy to help! #artcollectionmanagement #publicart

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One of the best articles to come out recently on brand strategy. Worth the time. When you are done listening to the Unorthodox Podcast by Rosie Lee Group, take a moment to read this one. #innovation #brand #creativity #bobdylan

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Dive into the fascinating story of how Netflix transformed from a DVD-rental service into a global streaming powerhouse through revolutionary UX design. Learn how their data-driven approach and relentless focus on user experience shaped the future of digital entertainment. Best for UX designers, business strategists, and digital innovators looking to understand how thoughtful design can drive massive business growth. Discover why 80% of Netflix views come from their recommendation system!

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