A View on Design: with Marcelo Novaes, UX Lead at Google

Can you tell us a bit about how you found your UX / Design path?

I fell in love with technology first – I was fascinated by video games and computers as they became more popular and ubiquitous. For that reason, I always believed I'd end up being an engineer, so I started my journey trying to become one. However, when I got to university for computer science, I quickly realized that it didn't match my expectations of what 'making things on a computer' was like; I wanted to create awesome things.

I found design by accident, at a time when UX Design was barely getting started, and interaction design was experimental. Flash used to be what most sites were made on.

At the time, my options were either to go back and pursue industrial design or obtain very specific certifications.

Fortunately, there was an experimental course in Brazil at the time that combined the best of engineering and design, with a focus on multimedia and interactivity.

I started my career in design agencies, creating interactive digital experiences and online annual reports. However, I always wanted to work at Globo.com, where I thought the best designers were. I learned a ton about aesthetics and what good design was. I've had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing designers, creatives, and self-starters along the way, surpassing all expectations I had; the people made the magic.

My next step was to start transitioning into product design, and I led digital products at Osklen (a Brazilian fashion brand) before joining Yahoo! Brazil to help create international products for large audiences.

At Yahoo! Brazil, I learned the importance of being agile, team dynamics, and what truly excellent and focused products looked like. My team received two superstar awards, and we eventually got invited to join Yahoo! US, where I continued to lead core mobile products such as the Yahoo! App and the Yahoo! Mail App, to name a couple.

From there, I spent one year at Helix a startup, where I helped them launch their first DNA product, their e-commerce and Kit Registration flows.

Finally in 2017 I joined Google where I would lead a variety of products, the latest one being Google Play Games for PC – which I'm incredibly proud of.

Each step of my career, I was following my intuition and curiosity with a passion for excellence.

What's your understanding of Design?

Design is constantly changing and evolving, we didn’t have as many disciplines as we have today when I was getting started. 

But Design has a core role in people’s lives, so much so that it becomes a responsibility.

To oversimplify, Design is about intention. Is about making things better, easier, aesthetically pleasing, inclusive, honest and joyful.

A good design is founded in good principles.

What would you recommend for someone interested in getting started with Design?

I'd say this to myself if I were starting in design today:

Be prepared to be genuinely curious and follow your curiosity. Have empathy for other people who will use the things you'll create. Never before has design been so closely linked to human psychology as it is today.

Strive to be truly excellent, but take one step at a time – like anything, it takes practice.

Focus on clarity. Make sure your idea is crisp. Ensure it tells a story, is cohesive, and is rooted in sound reasoning.

Only say what you believe is true.

Be patient and kind to yourself.

Join Marcelo Novaes to learn how to strategize UX, scale your abilities through discussions, and engage in practical exercises.