Our Design Diaries

How do you prepare for a UX design interview? What should you include in a design portfolio? And do you need formal design education to land a design job in 2026?In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with Lyubomir Mateev, Principal UX Designer at the SAP Design Hub Sofia, about what hiring managers actually look for when reviewing portfolios and interviewing designers. Drawing from his experience as both an interviewee and interviewer, Lyubomir shares practical advice for junior designers, career switchers, and UX professionals.We discuss creativity and design mindset, how portfolios are judged visually first, and why skills like networking, negotiation, and building credibility are critical for design careers but rarely taught in school.Listen to learn how to tailor your UX portfolio, prepare for design interviews, and align your application with the company and role you’re applying for..

Where is the biggest disconnect between UI development and UX design? If one is rooted in logic and the other in emotions and feelings, how can we bridge the gap?In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with Felix Hackenbruch, UX Designer for SAP Business Network. We discuss his recent transition from UI developer to UX designer and how this journey has shaped his perspective.Explore the complex relationship between UI and UX and uncover the “secret sauce” that brings both teams and all stakeholders together: eloquent communication and a shared vocabulary.Felix shares his redesign journey and drops wisdom for young devs. Hit subscribe for more design adventures coming your way!

How do design systems help shape brand identity and create a foundation for company growth? Can design systems stifle creativity in designers, and what can we do about it?In this episode of Our Design Diaries I speak with Sophia Levens, Head of SAP Design System, discussing her life in design and the key role design systems play in the sustainable success of any business.Tune in to learn how a seamlessly integrated design system fosters scalability, consistency, and accessibility across the entire business ecosystem.

Ever wondered how everyday experiences shape the products and services we use?This episode delves into real stories, frustrations, and insights from people interacting with the world around them. Through deep conversations and thoughtful listening, User Researcher Nisha Balaraman uncovers perspectives that inform better design decisions and ensure products truly meet users' needs. Whether you're a designer, researcher, or simply curious about human experience, this podcast offers a fascinating exploration of how listening can shape the future of design.

Why do we need a specific role of a design strategist? Shouldn't every designer do some element of design strategy?In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that hits close to home for designers, product managers, and teams everywhere: understanding the jobs to be done and the real problems people face—both for users and within our own teams.What happens when we forget to apply our empathetic skills to the people we work with? How can solving an 'empathy problem' unlock collaboration, help teams get unstuck, and translate strategy into action?Join us as we discuss the importance of bringing business impact and user needs together with jobs to be done, featuring our guest speaker Itamar Medeiros (VP of Design Strategy for SAP SuccessFactors).

What does it take to make user research truly impactful?In the first episode of "Our Design Diaries," join us for an inspiring conversation with Tyler King, Senior UX Researcher at SAP. We explore Tyler’s unexpected path into the world of UX research and delve into why user research is essential to creating solutions that genuinely enhance people’s lives. If you’re curious about UX design from a researcher's perspective, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

A glimpse of the upcoming Our Design Diaries podcast hosted by Arin Bhowmick, navigating design journey through personal stories and insights of an incredible lineup of talented and creative minds.