Edge Cases Podcast

Welcome to a new episode of Edge Cases Podcast, where we unpack the real-world decisions, expectations, and shifting standards shaping design careers today.

Case studies are meant to tell a story.

But for many designers, they’ve become a checklist of process instead of a clear expression of thinking and impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Sarpong, Design Engineer, UX Engineer, Product Owner, Consultant, and Co-founder, to unpack why so many designers misunderstand case studies and what they are actually meant to communicate.

So what makes a strong case study today?

Is it the structure, the UX, the storytelling, the documented decisions, or how clearly your thought process is woven together?

We explore what effective case studies tend to show, how documenting work goes beyond screenshots and timelines, and how clarity in problem-solving, ownership, and collaboration comes through when case studies are done well. We also share perspectives often considered during reviews, while keeping the conversation broad and relevant to designers at every stage.

This conversation isn’t about perfect frameworks or polished visuals.

It’s about using case studies to clearly communicate how you think, the decisions you made, and the impact of your work.

Tune in for honest insights, practical reflections, and a grounded discussion on how designers can rethink case studies in a way that feels intentional, confident, and real.

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Keywords / Tags

Case Studies, Design Case Studies, UX Case Studies, Portfolio Case Studies, Design Portfolio, UX Portfolio, Product Design, UX Design, UI Design, Design Storytelling, Design Documentation, Design Careers, Design Growth, Creative Careers, African Tech, Ghana Tech, Nigeria Tech, Edge Cases Podcast, Design Podcast, Tech Podcast

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Welcome to a new episode of Edge Cases Podcast, where we unpack the real-world decisions, expectations, and shifting standards shaping design careers today.

A strong portfolio can open doors.

But for many designers, it’s also the most confusing part of the job search.

In this episode, we break down Portfolio Fundamentals for Designers, what a portfolio should actually do, and why so many portfolios fail to communicate value even when the work is good.

So what makes a portfolio stand out in 2026?

Is it the visuals, the case studies, the storytelling, the problem-solving… or the clarity of your role?

We discuss how designers can choose the right projects, structure compelling case studies, explain decisions without over-explaining, and present their work in a way that speaks to hiring managers, recruiters, and clients.

This conversation isn’t about perfection or fancy layouts.

It’s about building a portfolio that reflects your thinking, your impact, and your growth, clearly and confidently.

Tune in for practical insights, honest reflections, and a grounded discussion on how to create a portfolio that gets attention for the right reasons.

Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Keywords / Tags (SEO Optimized)

Portfolio, Design Portfolio, UX Portfolio, UI Portfolio, Product Design Portfolio, Portfolio Case Study, Design Case Studies, UX Design, UI Design, Product Design, Design Careers, Design Hiring, Design Interviews, Design Storytelling, Design Growth, Creative Careers, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Edge Cases Podcast, Tech Podcast, Design Conversations

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Welcome to a new episode of Edge Cases Podcast, where we unpack the evolving habits, priorities, and pressures shaping modern design careers.

The 100 Days of UI challenge was once a defining rite of passage for designers. It promised consistency, visibility, and rapid growth. But today, it feels noticeably quieter.

So what changed?

In this episode, we take a closer look at why designers are stepping away from long-term public challenges and what that shift reveals about the industry. Is it burnout, changing career goals, the rise of AI tools, or a deeper rethink of what meaningful growth actually looks like?

We explore how designers now approach learning, visibility, and professional development. We also discuss whether challenges like 100 Days of UI still hold value, or if designers are choosing more intentional, flexible paths to progress.

This conversation isn’t about nostalgia or judgment. It’s about understanding how design culture is evolving and what consistency, relevance, and success look like today.

Tune in for honest reflections, practical insights, and a grounded discussion on how designers are navigating growth in a fast-changing industry.

Join the conversation:

Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Keywords / Tags (SEO Optimized)

Design, UI Design, UX Design, Product Design, 100 Days of UI, Design Challenges, Design Careers, Design Growth, Creative Consistency, Design Visibility, Design Industry, Design Culture, Creative Workflows, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Edge Cases Podcast, Tech Podcast, Design Conversations

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of Edge Cases Podcast, where we examine the shifting conversations shaping the design industry in 2025.

In this episode:

We explore the state of design in 2025 and ask some uncomfortable but necessary questions. Why are designers talking more openly about money, visibility, and tools than about craft and problem-solving? What role have platforms like Figma played in changing how designers measure success? And how are events and communities such as Fidcon and DexGhana influencing what designers value today?

We unpack industry shifts, cultural changes, and the tension between creativity, compensation, and relevance. This conversation looks beyond trends to reflect on what design is becoming, and what designers risk losing if they’re not intentional.

Tune in for thoughtful perspectives, honest conversations, and clarity on navigating design in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Keywords/Tags:Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Design Industry, Design Trends 2025, Design Culture, Creative Careers, Figma, Design Events, Fidcon, DexGhana, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Design Career, Hot Takes, Edge Cases, Tech Podcast

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Edge Cases Podcast

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 2 of Edge Cases Podcast, where we explore how to measure the real value of your design work!

In this episode:

We dive into Determining ROI on Design and discuss the metrics every designer should track to demonstrate impact. How do you show the tangible value of design in a fast-paced, product-driven environment?

Derrick & Frankie break down what metrics truly matter, how to translate design decisions into business outcomes, and the common pitfalls designers face when trying to demonstrate ROI. Whether you’re presenting to stakeholders, leading a project, or growing your career, this conversation offers actionable insights to make your design work both impactful and measurable.

Tune in for actionable tips, honest conversations, and a fresh perspective on making your design work measurable, impactful, and strategically aligned.

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Keywords/Tags:Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Design Metrics, Design ROI, Product Management, Career Growth, Measuring Impact, Designer Skills, Leadership Skills, Business Value, Tech Innovation, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Design Career, Edge Cases, Tech Podcast

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Welcome to Season 3, Episode 1 of Edge Cases Podcast, where we explore the journey from designer to leader!

In this episode:

We unpack what it truly means to transition from being “just” a designer to becoming a leader who inspires, communicates, and drives impact. What does leadership look like in a fast-paced, product-driven environment? How do you build confidence, earn trust, and shape vision while staying rooted in design excellence?

We explore mindset shifts, essential leadership skills, real-world challenges, and what designers often don’t realize about the leap into leadership.

Tune in for insights, honest conversations, and a fresh perspective on growing your design career with intention and clarity.

Connect with us:

Share your thoughts using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, TikTok.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review 🔔

Keywords/Tags:

Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Design Leadership, Creative Leadership, Product Management, Career Growth, Designer to Leader, Design Skills, Soft Skills, Leadership Journey, Tech Innovation, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Design Career, Hot Takes, Edge Cases, Tech Podcast

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In this episode:

1. Hot Take: Do people really want feedback as much as they think they do
2. Current Affairs: Shopify's controversial move to remove design titles.
3. Product Spotlight: Tech Event Ghana.

Connect with us:Share your insights using #EdgeCasesPod on your favorite social media platforms or email us at [email protected]

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Keywords/Tags:

Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Feedback, Constructive Criticism, Shopify, Career, Job Titles, Tech News, Golly Express, Ghana, Tech Events, Product Management, Edge Cases, Podcast

Episode Description:

Welcome back to Edge Cases Podcast! In this thought-provoking second episode, we dive deep into how Artificial Intelligence is transforming design and product workflows. We'll explore practical applications, ethical considerations, and the impact AI is having on our daily tasks.

Then, we tackle a fundamental question in the industry: Does the number of years truly make you a senior designer? Join us as we challenge traditional notions of seniority and discuss what truly defines experience, impact, and leadership in the design and product world.

Finally, our Product Spotlight shines on Golly Express!

AI Tools we use:

• Google Gemini - Brainstorming
• Granola - Meeting insights
• Google NotebookLM - Learning/Research
• ChatGPT - Brainstorming
• NapkinAI - Infographics
• Claude - Brainstorming/Code
• Cursor - Code
• Lovable/v0 - Prototyping

Connect with us:

Share your insights using #EdgeCasesPod on Twitter and everywhere else @edgecasespod

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Keywords/Tags:

Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Product Management, AI, Artificial Intelligence, AI in Design, Design Workflow, Senior Designer, Career Growth, Design Career, Tech Trends, PostHeartsApp, Product Spotlight, Edge Cases, Podcast, Tech Podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of Edge Cases Podcast Season 2, your go-to source for deep dives into the intersection of design and product!

In this episode:

We're tackling the unique world of the solo designer. What does it truly take to thrive when you're a one-person design powerhouse, and how do you ensure product thinking is at the core of your work? We explore the challenges, the surprising benefits, and essential strategies for success on your independent journey.

Then, we shift gears to Current Affairs with a look at Apple's intriguing "liquid glass" technology. What does this advanced material mean for the future of product design, user experience, and the industry as a whole?

Our Hot Take sparks a conversation: "Are new designers in too much of a hurry to 'blow up'?" We unpack the ambition, the pitfalls, and the importance of foundational growth. Plus, we want your thoughts on this!

Tune in to gain fresh perspectives, challenge assumptions, and join a growing community of design and product enthusiasts.

Connect with us:

Share your insights using #EdgeCasesPod on X, LinkedIn, Tiktok.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Keywords/Tags:

Design, Product Design, UX, UI, Product Management, Solo Designer, Freelance Design, Apple, Liquid Glass, Ceramic Shield, Tech Innovation, Design Career, New Designers, Hot Takes, Product Spotlight, African Tech, Nigeria Tech, Ghana Tech, Edge Cases, Podcast, Tech Podcast

In this episode of Edge Cases, we tackle three hot topics in the design world: the crucial importance of accessibility in design, the controversial trend of "design engineers", and the mixed reactions to Figma's major UI overhaul.

Join us for an insightful discussion on balancing aesthetics with functionality, the challenges of adapting to software updates, and the evolving role of designers in tech. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to design, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the current state and future of the field.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:13 Understanding Accessibility in Design

05:17 The Challenges of Universal Accessibility

06:59 Balancing Inclusivity and Aesthetics

16:07 Best Practices for Accessibility

25:30 The Complexity of Designing for Accessibility

28:11 Transition to Design Engineering Discussion

30:15 The Role of Designers vs Developers

32:04 The Concept of Design Engineers

34:44 Expectations of Designers in the Industry

36:08 The Pressure to Diversify Skills

39:30 Navigating Trends in Design and Engineering

40:42 The Impact of AI on Design Roles

41:57 Figma's New UI: User Experience Challenges

47:12 Feedback and Adaptation in Design Tools

Keywords

accessibility, design, user experience, Figma, design engineers, coding, inclusive design, UI updates, best practices, AI in design