Design is often underestimated, treated as decoration or trend. Yet, as this article shows, design is research, strategy, and intention. From typography that shapes behaviour to user experiences that guide decisions, good design is never an accident. It is the invisible structure behind products, services, and systems we use every day.

Undoubtedly, there is a strong tendency to infuse AI into everything we design, like the latest ‘must-have’ kitchen gadget. But AI is an expensive tool, both for the user (as they ultimately pay for it) and the environment.

While we can't avoid embracing it at least in part, I would like us designers to be more like storytellers, consciously adding to their story in a way that helps the hero move forward in their journey.

I think a better and smarter way to design AI integration is to start by focusing on "context", so its addition doesn't feel awkward or prevent the user from finding their "spark" in the experience.

Purpose and resolution, as I mentioned in my client's brief newsletter, are two sides of the same experience. As such, they play very different roles in the storytelling process. The purpose defines the intention. The resolution defines the impact. In this issue, I compare two apps with the same purpose but different resolutions, in the hope that the importance of defining both becomes a little clearer.

In this Summer Edition of The Sunday Tales, I’m offering you some fantastic icebreakers that I’ve used in the past, on different occasions, to ensure my meetings kick off in a relaxed and productive way. You may not be surprised to know that each icebreaker is based on storytelling… which is why they are both simple and approachable. As I always say, our brains are hard-wired for stories!

In this Summer Edition of The Sunday Tales, I reflect on building a new website for Mini Studio, the challenges of learning a new tool, and how summer can be a season for slow, meaningful growth.

In this special issue, I share a behind-the-scenes look at my upcoming book project. If you're a UX designer, creative professional, or simply curious about how storytelling can shape design, you’re invited to follow along and even help shape the book.