Behind the Craft Ex-Meta VP Reveals His Top Lessons after 25 Years Leading Product Design | Jon Lax (Meta)
Sep 1, 2024
In this discussion, Jon Lax, former VP of Design at Meta, shares invaluable insights from his 25 years in product design. He argues that focusing on utility should precede aesthetics to enhance product effectiveness. Jon critiques the reliance on vision decks, advocating for practical problem-solving. He emphasizes the necessity of team alignment and a shared definition of completion for successful projects. He also explores the evolving role of AI in design and the challenges of transitioning high performers into leadership roles.
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Vision Decks vs. Current Problems
- Vision decks and north stars are fun to create but often ineffective in pragmatic tech cultures.
- Focus on solving current problems instead of designing for a distant future.
Designer Time Scale
- Designers should work 4-6 weeks ahead of engineers, focusing on near-term solutions.
- Take time twice a year to look further ahead, about one year out.
Three Miracle Problem
- Jon Lax uses the "three miracle problem" to describe teams solving problems prematurely.
- Example: Designing solutions for cluttered AR glasses when the glasses themselves don't even exist yet.