Raphael Schaad

Raphael Schaad, Head of Calendar at Notion and founder of the innovative calendar app Kron, shares his unique perspective on design and entrepreneurship. He discusses the shift from design as mere art to a vital problem-solving tool. Raphael emphasizes why founders should integrate design early in product development and how coding skills enhance creativity. He also highlights the value of sketching as a fundamental practice for all designers and the delicate balance between innovation and user expectations in craft.

Raphael Schaad, founder of Cron (now Notion Calendar) and Y Combinator visiting partner, offers product and design expertise. He discusses how AI and no-code tools spread repetitive design trends. Short critiques cover distracting animations, poor hierarchy, scroll-jacking, and loss of brand originality. Practical focus: when to edit AI output and preserve clear product messaging.

Raphael Schaad, design founder of Cron (which became Notion Calendar), shares insights on sketching, MVP identification, building Cron in YC during COVID, designing dialogues, and lessons as a first-time design founder.