Author | Lightnews

Itamar Medeiros

@designative.bsky.social

48 followers 35 following 110 posts

Husband. Dad. Born in #Brazil, living in #Germany. VP of #DesignStrategy at #SAP SuccessFactors (Opinions are my own) #UX #Designer #Photographer #Speaker #BassPlayer #Capoeira. You can find me at https://www.designative.info/

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Dec 9

Concept Design: Transforming Product Discovery Insights into User Experience

Concept design during product discovery shapes user experiences and drives innovation. It guides teams to develop solutions that resonate with users.

Concept Design: Transforming Product Discovery Insights into User Experience

Concept design during product discovery shapes user experiences and drives innovation. It guides teams to develop solutions that resonate with users.

www.designative.info

Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · 25d

As agents grow smarter, what remains distinctly human in the act of creation? This piece explores how to use Human-Agent Centered Design (HACD) principles to protect authorship, craft, and the flow that makes #creativity meaningful. #ArtificialIntelligence #AgenticAI #HACD

Reimagining Creativity When Agents Do the Doing

Exploring how Human–Agent Centered Design (H-ACD) can preserve meaning, mastery, and creative flow of experiences in the age of AI.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · 26d

Designers are trained to deliver, but how often do we pause to reflect? Reflection isn’t a luxury—it’s how we grow. How do you make space for reflection in your practice? #ReflectivePractice #Mindfulness #Retrospective #ReflectionInAction #ReflectionOnAction

Becoming a Reflective Practitioner: A Field Manual for Designers and Strategists

How becoming a Reflective Practitioner helps designers and strategists develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and foster team learning cultures.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Sep 24

In an age of autonomous AI agents, are traditional human-centered methods of understanding user needs sufficient? In this article, I make an argument that Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) can help create intention-based designs deliver Human-Agent Centered Experiences.

Jobs-to-Be-Done and Intention Mapping: Translating Human Needs into Agent Actions

Jobs-to-Be-Done uncovers what people need, but in an agent-mediated world, we must translate those needs into actionable intentions.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Sep 22

AI is everywhere—in our feeds, tools, and workflows. But does design need a new paradigm to keep up? From User-Centered Design to Human–Agent Centered Design, let’s debate how agents change the way we design for (and with) humans. #HACD #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AgenticAI #UX

Human–Agent Centered Design: Why Our Profession Must Evolve with AI

Artificial intelligence transforms design, and Human–Agent Centered Design (H-ACD) keeps humans central while involving agents as trusted mediators.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Sep 16

Jobs-to-be-Done isn’t just theory—it’s a toolkit for influence. Elevate your Design and Research practice by uncovering user outcomes, creating strategic clarity, and win buy-in so your research shapes real product decisions.

Using Jobs To Be Done to Elevate your Design and Research Practice

Elevate your design and research practice: use JTBD to uncover user outcomes, win buy-in, and guide product strategy with clarity.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Sep 16

At Hatch Conference 2025, I led a workshop on #JobsToBeDone, joined debates on #designprocesses, listened to the chatter on #AI and found a rare sense of community in #Berlin. Here are my reflections.

“Using Jobs to be Done to Elevate your Design and Research Practice” workshop at Hatch 2025

Reflections on Hatch Conference 2025: from JTBD insights to debates on process and the surprising sense of community in Berlin.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Aug 26

From universal coverage in Brazil to efficiency in Germany and rapid expansion in China—what 20 years abroad taught me about #healthcare access and public health priorities. #AIDS #Cancer #Obesity #Hospitals #Geriatrics

What I’ve learned living 20 years overseas: Healthcare

Lessons from 20 years overseas on how Brazil, China, and Germany shape public health and access to care.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Aug 13

Great strategy isn’t just built—it’s told. Made to Stick teaches you how to make your ideas clear, memorable, and persuasive. #DesignStrategy #Storytelling #DesignManagement

Book Review: “Made to Stick” by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

"Made to Stick" is a playbook for turning complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives. A must-read for design strategists and product leaders.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Aug 11

“Understanding isn’t in your head — it’s in the room.” “Understanding isn’t in your head — it’s in the room.” Steven’s talk gives you a glimpse into problem-solving through visual thinking and what good facilitation looks like. #VisualThinking #Collaboration #Facilitation

Stephen P. Anderson on Getting from Information to Understanding

Giving form to ideas, shaping them together, turns information into understanding and extends our cognitive reach.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Aug 8

"The idea of a fixed job has gone away," says Josh Bersin. To unlock potential, focus on skills and flexible work, not static roles. This aligns with my future of work research on #AI and creativity. #FutureOfWork #CareerDevelopment #AgileWork

Watch Josh Bersin’s “How to tell if your job is limiting your potential” talk on Big Think

Josh Bersin urges us to rethink rigid jobs. Growth happens when work evolves with skills, not titles. Flexibility drives potential.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Aug 5

What does good #UX look like when your interface is powered by AI? "Human + Machine" is a guide to designing for the "missing middle"—where people and algorithms collaborate. #AIUX #DesignStrategy #FutureOfWork

Book Review: “Human + Machine” by Paul R. Daugherty & H. James Wilson

"Human + Machine" reframes AI not as a replacement, but as a creative partner. Essential reading for Design leaders designing intelligent systems.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 31

From distance learning booms in Brazil to China’s intense academic scale and Germany’s rigid but free system, I’ve seen how education evolves. Here’s how global trends—and creativity—are reshaping what and how we learn. #EducationSystem #China #Germany #Brazil

What I’ve learned living 20 years overseas: Education & Learning

Education systems shape careers and societies. Here’s what living 20 years overseas taught me about Brazil, China, Germany, and creativity in learning.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 30

Germany’s dual education system keeps youth unemployment low and builds a skilled workforce. How does it compare to Brazil, China, and the U.S., and what lessons can they learn?

Living in Germany: “Dual System” of Education

Germany’s dual education system blends classroom learning with paid apprenticeships, offering lessons for Brazil, China, and the U.S.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 29

Over 60 global companies, including SAP, Siemens, and Deutsche Bank, pledged €631B to jumpstart Germany’s economy and drive digital innovation. Learn why “Made for Germany” is a bold bet on AI, infrastructure, and the country’s industrial future.

#ArtificialIntelligence #Economic

Economy in Germany: CEOs Unite to Boost Private Investment

Germany’s top companies pledge €631B for innovation, AI, and growth under the “Made for Germany” initiative.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 28

Collaboration isn’t consensus. "Mastering Collaboration" shows how to guide teams through complexity with purpose, not politeness. #DesignStrategy #TeamFacilitation #Collaboration #DesignManagement

Book Review: “Mastering Collaboration” by Gretchen Anderson

Mastering Collaboration is a smart, actionable guide to getting things done across silos. Perfect for anyone running strategy sprints or discovery work.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 25

#Germany’s surprise suspension of its debt brake marks a historic fiscal shift. Decades of austerity gave way to urgent calls for investment in #infrastructure, #greenenergy, and #digitaltransformation—reshaping not just Germany but #Europe ’s economic future.

#EconomicIndicators #TrendWatchin

Germany’s Debt Brake Pivot: A Historic Shift in Fiscal Philosophy

Germany suspends its “debt brake,” shifting from austerity to investment as infrastructure and future industries demand urgent funding.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 24

From Shanghai’s Maglev to Germany’s citizen-driven planning and Brazil’s grassroots resilience, see how infrastructure and urban design shape daily life and opportunity across cultures. #UrbanPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #Infrastructure #China #Germany #Brazil

What I’ve Learned Living 20 Years Overseas: Urbanization & Infrastructure

How urban planning, transport, and architecture shape life in Brazil, China, and Germany — and what they reveal about culture and equity.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 22

How do you know if you made a good decision? "Decision Quality" breaks down the six elements of great decision-making beyond just outcomes. Here's why it matters for UX and product leaders. #DecisionMaking #DesignStrategy #ProductLeadership #DesignManagement

Book Review: “Decision Quality” by Carl Spetzler, Hannah Winter & Jennifer Meyer

"Decision Quality" is a clear, actionable guide to making better decisions—especially when the stakes are high and alignment is tough

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 21

Preta Gil didn't just face cancer—she transformed it into art. In her final project, she gave us a powerful message of love and resilience. Read our tribute to her life and legacy, and the story behind "Tudo Vai Passar". #RIP #Music #Inspiration

For Inspiration: “Tudo Vai Passar” by Preta Gil

A tribute to Preta Gil, who turned her battle with cancer into art—and left us with a song full of love, light, and meaning: Tudo Vai Passar.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 15

Less theory, more traction. Making Things Happen is full of hard-won lessons on leading cross-functional teams through the messy middle of execution. #DesignManagement #ProjectManagement #DesignStrategy #Prioritization

Book Review: “Making Things Happen” by Scott Berkun

"Making Things Happen" is a refreshingly honest guide to leading projects in the real world. A must-read for design leads managing complex work.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 15

Glaser likely avoids being called a legend, as he still works daily. But what else can describe the man behind iconic 20th-century brand marks and pop culture designs? In this episode of the "A Conversation with..." series, Debbie Millman interviews graphic design legend Milton Glaser.

Watch “A Conversation with Milton Glaser” talk

In this episode of the "A Conversation with..." series, Debbie Millman interviews graphic design legend Milton Glaser.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 14

From São Paulo malls to Shanghai’s luxury boom, and the understated wealth of Germany — I reflect on how consumerism reveals class, culture, and contradictions after 20 years living overseas. #ConsumerBehavior #NouveauRiche #Wealth #Inequality

What I’ve learned living 20 years overseas: Consumerism & Class Mobility

What I’ve learned from 20 years abroad: consumption reflects hope, identity, and inequality — but it doesn’t always lead to mobility.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 9

Looking for a better way to think through complexity? The Decision Book is a toolkit of 50 models to help you facilitate, align, and reflect. Here’s how I use it in UX strategy. #DesignStrategy #DecisionMaking #Facilitation

Book Review: “The Decision Book” by Mikael Krogerus & Roman Tschäppeler

The Decision Book is a concise guide that helps designers and strategists make clearer, more intentional decisions with a visual vocabulary.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 9

Discover Oki Sato’s playful approach to design. Learn how this top Japanese designer uses humor, nostalgia, and irony to create inspiring projects worldwide. Dive into his philosophy and achievements now.

Oki Sato on His Playful Approach to Design

GQ visits the Tokyo studio of the prolific Japanese designer and architect Oki Sato, known for his playful approach to design.

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Itamar Medeiros @designative.bsky.social · Jul 8

The stereotypical "German" actually reflects many Bavarian traditions. Apart from these historical and cultural factors, many legendary figures are associated with the southern German state.

Living in Germany: unique Bavarian culture

The stereotypical "German" actually reflects many Bavarian traditions. Apart from these historical and cultural factors, many legendary figures are associated with the southern German state [...]