Nobody needs rectangle makers

The post-ZIRP era has been rough for designers. Just when design thought it had proven its value, it’s being reevaluated again.

But this is a good thing. Designers got too caught up in tooling and componentizing rectangles. And companies are rightly questioning the value of rectangle makers – with the proliferation of UI kits and pattern sites like Mobbin, why spend time on solved problems?

We don’t need another sign up flow. We need a reset.

And that's why I'm excited about design's future. Yes, expanding our product management skills is valuable, but I'm more energized about returning to craft: obsessing over how products flow and unfold, diving into code, and sweating the details that make experiences feel magical.

There's still a messaging gap though. Companies value design but aren't inspired by rectangles anymore. Here's the thing: investing in design isn't about creating pretty interfaces—it's about creating strategic advantages.

When companies skip design, they're not saving money; they're accumulating debt.

Think of it like playing Tetris: when you’re in a bad position, you’re anxiously waiting for the right piece to clear the board. When you’re in a good position, it doesn’t matter what comes next.

Good design puts both designers and companies in a strong position.

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P.S. These two quotes have been on my mind recently and sum up the current state of design. We need to get back to basics: craft.