Better After a Nap

Better After a Nap is a Substack focused on product strategy and design, offering insights and personal reflections on the design industry, technology, workspace dynamics, and the importance of adaptability and humor. It covers the challenges and intricacies of product development, logo design critiques, workplace relationships, and the ever-evolving role of designers.

Product Strategy Design Industry Trends Workplace Dynamics Technology and Innovation User Experience Design Professional Development Creative Process

The hottest Substack posts of Better After a Nap

And their main takeaways

Stepping on the cat

78 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
  1. The author reflects on starting the new year with small mishaps that set the tone for the year.
  2. Despite challenges, finding humor and optimism in everyday situations is important.
  3. 2024 will have its ups and downs, but it's all about how you approach and adapt to the circumstances.

I don’t know anyone using InVision Studio, and that’s too bad

19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Product Design User Experience Software Tools Product Strategy Competition
  1. An MVP needs to offer a key differentiator or a promise of one soon to make an impact in a competitive market.
  2. Meet the specific needs of your core user base swiftly and effectively to stay ahead of the competition.
  3. Maintain a laser focus on your core business, listen to user feedback, and avoid overhyping your product to build trust and loyalty.

The most valuable MVP

19 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Product Development User Experience Tech industry Research
  1. The initial product or feature is not static; teams always have plans to iterate and improve after launch.
  2. User contexts, expectations, and external factors like technology evolution, legislation, and resource constraints require continuous refinement of products.
  3. The true MVP in product development is the customer, who expects fully formed, functional products, not works in progress.
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All work is personal

1 HN point • 20 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Life Work Friendship Humanity
  1. 9/11 taught that work can become deeply personal during shared experiences.
  2. Building relationships at work can lead to lasting friendships and strong connections.
  3. Despite the challenges, remote work during the pandemic has shown that human interactions can make work personal.

Shhh. Don’t tell the new designers.

0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 22
  1. It's a lot of rectangles.
  2. 32% of your time will be spent labeling buttons.
  3. All the research in the world is no match for your CEO's opinion.

Coming soon

0 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
  1. Michael McWatters is launching a newsletter about Product design and more.
  2. The newsletter is called 'Better After a Nap'.
  3. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch on mmcwatters.substack.com.

Fig Jammed

0 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
  1. Adobe acquiring Figma for $20 billion is a significant move in the design industry.
  2. Figma is praised for its focus on what designers want and need most, with open collaboration and simple pricing.
  3. There is hope that Adobe can learn and grow from the acquisition of Figma, rather than just dominating the market.

🧠 Friday Design Thoughts

0 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🪑 Design Rituals Ideas Creative Culture Quotes
  1. Sharing thoughts regularly can build a shared culture and connectedness in a team.
  2. Creating rituals can help in personal growth and learning by making positive actions habitual.
  3. Finding and sharing interesting and meaningful ideas can be beneficial for both oneself and others.

No MoonPies for gatekeepers

0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🪑 Design UX Criticism Experience
  1. Gatekeeping in the UX field can be harmful, especially when directed at newcomers.
  2. Experienced professionals should mentor and support new designers, not intimidate them.
  3. The UX industry should strive to be welcoming, collaborative, and free of jerks or gatekeepers.

How Twitter’s layoffs affect us all

0 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
  1. Professionals in product development and design are a closely connected community.
  2. Layoffs in one company can impact professionals across the industry.
  3. There is a shared responsibility to prioritize the users' needs and well-being in product development.