DX Perspective: Product Market Fit Collapse, Redesigning Retail, and The Time Of Big Leaps
Hi all!
Here’s your weekly dose of DX Perspective, a list of what I’m exploring and thinking about. Feel free to forward this along to friends.
kw picks
Product Market Fit Collapse: The AI Tipping Point
Historically, product market fit was once viewed as a milestone to achieve that evolved gradually over time. We're now witnessing something unprecedented: established products with seemingly strong product market fit experiencing sudden collapses in their core growth models. From Chegg's 87.5% valuation drop to Stack Overflow's traffic decline, these disruptions are what I call “Product Market Fit Collapse.”
What I'm reading
The chief designers of BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi agree that strong brands can afford to make big leaps. With new design concepts, a great deal of courage and a clear commitment to reduction and clarity, they want to successfully defend the pioneering role of German automotive design in the future. And they intend to do so offensively rather than defensively.
The Hidden Costs of OKRs: When goal-setting becomes a burden
I’ve spent tens of thousands of words not to mention hours of my time promoting, teaching and helping others implement goals this way. And yet, like any framework, OKRs are not a silver bullet. When applied as one without careful consideration to the unique needs of every aspect of your organization, you may find yourself in a situation where OKRs aren’t an asset at all, but rather a burden for your teams to create and implement.
Redesigning retail for the next generation
Community is the future of brand-building. Participation is the future of retail.
What I'm watching + listening to
267. Julian Bleecker | Scratching the Surface
In this conversation, Jarrett and Julian talk about the origins of design fiction, how he applies it with corporate clients, and how we can get design students to rediscover imagination.
Emerging Tech
Archetype AI is like ChatGPT for the real world
Bellevue, Washington, is the home of thousands of Microsoft employees. Its AI-powered traffic monitoring system lives up to such expectations. Using existing traffic cameras capable of reading signs and lights, it tracks not just crashes but also near misses. And it suggests solutions to managers, like rethinking a turn lane or moving a stop line.
A New Future for AI: Eight Shifts to Enable Regenerative and Distributive Transformation
Tools and Resources
My recent articles
Are You Actually Making Progress? How I Rewired My Weekly Reflection to Drive Real Impact
Strategic Design Leadership: Essential Questions for Design Executives
Fueling Innovation: How Design Leaders Drive Product Transformation
Moving Beyond Execution — The Evolution to Strategic Design Leadership
Decoding The Future: The Evolution Of Intelligent Interfaces
🔈 Design Leadership at Scale — Shape The Future of Business
DLS courses are built for design leaders ready to sharpen their strategy, expand their influence, and lead at the highest level. Whether you‘re mapping your next career move, strengthening design operations, or stepping into executive leadership, these programs give you the frameworks and insights to drive real impact.
DLS: Career Strategy (May 17—18)
Your career journey deserves intention and strategy. This weekend immersive is designed for design leaders who are ready to map out their path, elevate their impact, and align their leadership trajectory with long-term goals. Whether refining your current role or preparing for new opportunities, you’ll gain actionable frameworks to craft a career that stands out in a competitive market.
DLS: Operations
Scaling a design organization without compromising quality or culture is a challenge every design leader faces. This course equips senior and emerging design operations leaders with the tools to build robust infrastructure, optimize processes, and drive operational excellence. From talent development to systems that support rapid growth, this program is crafted for leaders ready to take their teams to the next level.
DLS: Executive
This advanced course is tailored for senior design leaders—Senior Directors, VPs, SVPs, and CDOs — who are ready to lead at the intersection of design, business strategy, and emerging technology. Dive deep into aligning design with business objectives, fostering product culture transformation, and building scalable operations that support innovation and growth.
Learn more and join the waitlist.
DLS: Director+
Built for experienced design leaders ready to step up to executive roles, Director+ focuses on leading in complex, matrixed organizations, scaling your influence, and making high-impact decisions. This course will empower you to lead with clarity and confidence, bridging design with broader business goals to drive value across the organization.
And please give me feedback. Which bullet above is your favorite? What do you want more or less of? Other suggestions? Please let me know.
Have a great weekend.
— Rachel