Can I Have It In Blue?

Bridging Design & Development: Communication, Context, and Collaboration

Subvisual — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:51:00 +0000

In the third episode of Season 2, Maria Grilo (Designer) and Davide Silva (Developer at Subvisual) explore how designers and developers can collaborate to make projects happen as frictionlessly as possible.

They dive into:

The architect vs. construction worker problem: Why disconnected teams lead to friction, missed expectations, and compromised results, and how to avoid it.
Opening vs. funneling: How designers explore possibilities while developers converge on realistic solutions, and why both perspectives need to inform each other early.
Getting developers involved in design: The value of bringing developers into research, design sprints, and ideation to align on feasibility and avoid surprise roadblocks.
AI tools changing prototyping: How AI enables faster iteration, but why you still need experienced designers and developers to guide decisions and deliver production-ready systems.
Communication strategies that work: Balancing synchronous meetings with asynchronous updates in remote teams and adapting to project timelines and team needs.
The handoff shouldn't be a surprise: Why progressive collaboration beats the "ceremony moment" where designs are handed off to developers, and the importance of ongoing communication during implementation.
Managing disagreements and finding middle ground: How to handle friction between design vision and development constraints while ensuring everyone feels heard.
Context is everything: Why shared understanding across the entire team prevents misaligned priorities and ensures everyone is working toward the same goals.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro: The architect vs. construction worker problem
(00:03:02) - Opening vs. Funneling: How designers and developers approach problems differently
(00:06:46) - AI tools changing prototyping (and their limitations)
(00:11:16) - Communication strategies for remote collaboration
(00:18:47) - Why the handoff shouldn't be a surprise
(00:31:20) - Key takeaways and final advice

The Evolving PM Role: From Translator to Builder

Subvisual — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:02:59 +0000

In the second episode of Season 2 — exploring collaboration across product, design, and technology —Álvaro Bezerra (Product Manager at Subvisual) and Tadeu Ferreira (Product Manager at Builders Camp) in an honest conversation about the evolving product management role and what it really takes to collaborate effectively in 2025.

They discuss how the PM role is shifting from "translator" to "builder", especially as AI tools democratize technical skills and enable faster prototyping. Tadeu shares his journey as a "chaotic generalist" and connector, while Álvaro reflects on his experience as a psychology-trained PM navigating engineering discussions.

Both emphasize the power of empathy in collaboration, exploring strategies like over-communicating intentions upfront, protecting team focus time, and being "Robin to everyone's Batman." They dive into navigating uncertainty without trying to eliminate it, learning to assess where you are, iterate constantly, and adapt processes to your context rather than the other way around.

The conversation touches on the difference between "going fast" and being assertive in product work, with Álvaro stressing that speed means laser focus on the right problem, not doing more things faster. They also share experiences working 0-to-1 with founders, the importance of questioning assumptions, and why understanding human nature and yourself is the foundation of quality collaboration and product work.

Perfect for product managers, founders, designers, developers, and anyone building products in cross-functional teams.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:00:33) - Builders Camp: Shifting from PM to Builder mindset in 2025
(00:05:35) - Translator vs. Connector: The power of being a generalist
(00:09:12) - Collaboration strategies: Empathy, communication, and embracing uncertainty
(00:25:31) - The PM as "Robin": Maximizing your team's talent and focus
(00:43:04) - Going fast vs. being assertive: What speed really means in product
(00:50:49) - Why understanding psychology is key to quality product work

Bridging Branding & Digital Product Design with Onda & Subvisual

Subvisual — Wed, 21 May 2025 07:54:34 +0000

Join Joana Gomes (Designer at Subvisual) and Lisandra Gabriel (Designer at Onda) in this insightful conversation about the intersection of branding, digital product design, and technology. They dive into:

How Onda crafts brand narratives that go beyond visuals, blending strategy with emotion.
The collaborative process between branding studios (Onda) and product teams (Subvisual) to create cohesive experiences.
Case studies like Orki (a playful yet serious DeFi stablecoin) and Alchemy Conference (dynamic, tech-driven signage).
Why branding is more than logos/colors—it’s about research, adaptability, and user connection.

Perfect for designers, founders, and teams looking to integrate branding and product design effectively.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro: Meet Joana (Subvisual) and Lisandra (Onda).
(00:01:02) - Onda’s approach: Branding as business strategy, not just visuals
(00:04:32) - Web3 branding: Does it differ? Spoiler: Audience matters, not the process.
(00:07:38) - Flexibility in design processes—how clients shape collaboration
(00:11:18) - Crafting brand narratives: Touchpoints, tone, and real-world applications
(00:15:36) - Case Study: Orki – Balancing fun (social/mascots) with seriousness (DeFi product).
(00:23:39) - The future of branding: Dynamic tools, motion, and "unknown" exploration
(00:25:18) - Advice: Communication between teams/clients is key to standout brands

Unveiling the Power of User Research in Product Design (Part 3)

Subvisual — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:20:05 +0000

In this episode of Can I Have It in Blue, Subvisual's Alvaro Bezerra and Maria Grilo dive into the world of user research, sharing insights and lessons from their experiences. They discuss:

The importance of user research: Breaking assumptions, reducing bias, and creating better products.
Key research methods: Generative interviews, user testing, and surveys, along with the challenges of each.
Real-world examples:
- Uncovering incorrect assumptions about user workflows.
- Dealing with biases in Web3 projects where tokenomics overshadow product needs.
Tips and advice:
- For designers: Overcoming nerves and handling interviews confidently.
- For PMs: Collaborating with designers to prioritize user needs.
Practical challenges: Selecting the right participants, avoiding bias in user testing, and adapting research methods to different contexts.

Alvaro and Maria also share personal anecdotes about research in Web3, the importance of tailoring interviews, and how even small adjustments can uncover valuable insights. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of preparation and continuous learning to refine research practices.

Unveiling the Power of User Research in Product Design (Part 2)

Subvisual — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:31:32 +0000

In this episode of 'Can I Have It In Blue,' Joana Gomes and João Ferreira from Subvisual delve into the intricacies of planning and presenting user research. They discuss their approaches to creating research plans and conducting interviews without over-relying on scripts, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and adaptability. João highlights his intuitive method of using structured yet flexible conversation guides, while Joana shares a more systematic approach informed by specific articles and frameworks. Both underscore the value of conducting interviews, the challenges of avoiding bias, and the necessity of presenting research findings effectively. They also touch on the unique difficulties of conducting research in the Web3 space and the importance of engaging with community feedback while being wary of inherent biases. Concluding with practical advice for newcomers, Joana and João stress the importance of practice and genuine curiosity in making user research insightful and impactful.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 Starting the User Research Discussion

00:40 Planning User Research

01:43 Executing User Research Interviews

05:38 Structuring the Research Process

09:01 Adapting and Personalizing Interviews

14:29 Challenges in User Research

21:05 Recruiting Participants for Research

22:24 Filtering and Evaluating Profiles

22:51 Insights from User Interviews

23:23 Case Study: Renting Project in Boston

24:14 Challenges in Web3 Projects

25:59 Importance of Community in Web3

28:57 Presenting Research Findings

33:36 Tips for Effective User Research

38:46 The Value of Interviews in Early-Stage Projects

42:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

Links:

People Nerds article: Not Sure Which User Research Methodology To Use? Start Here
Books:
- Rocket Surgery Made Easy by Steve Krug
- Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug

Unveiling the Power of User Research in Product Design (Part 1)

Subvisual — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode of "Can I Have It in Blue?", Joana Gomes, João Ferreira, and Filipa Ribeiro explore the essential role of user research in shaping effective product design. The conversation begins with personal reflections on how user research became integral to their design processes, overcoming initial challenges and evolving their techniques. They underscore the importance of initiating user testing early, even with basic prototypes, to gather valuable insights. The hosts also discuss the collaborative nature of design, the need for openness to feedback, and the value of iterative testing. They share real-world experiences and advice for beginners, stressing that curiosity and honest feedback are key to successful user research.

Timestamped Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:44 - João's Journey into User Research
03:27 - Practical User Research Techniques
07:26 - Advice for Beginners in User Research
10:16 - The Importance of Early Testing
15:54 - Team Collaboration and Feedback
16:58 - Real-World User Research Experiences
21:41 - The Value of Honest User Feedback
27:04 - Conclusion and Future Topics

From Fine Arts to Game Design: Mar's Journey

Subvisual — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:45:17 +0000

In this episode of 'Can I Have it in Blue?', join Álvaro Bezerra, João Ferreira, and Mar as they dive deep into the gaming industry through the lens of UX design.
Mar, new product designer at Subvisual, shares her tumultuous journey from fine arts to becoming a UX designer in the gaming world. Discover the unique challenges of designing for kids, the importance of behaviour and patterns in user experience, and the fascinating intricacies of making games engaging and scary. This in-depth discussion blends creativity, technology, and user-centred design!

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:30 Mar's Journey into the Gaming Industry
02:58 Challenges and Adaptations in UX Design
07:17 Working with Roblox and Its Unique Challenges
10:17 User Behavior and Game Design
23:33 The Role of Rewards in Gaming
35:20 Insights from User Testing with Kids
44:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Growing as a Designer – Stories and Strategies

Subvisual — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of 'Can I Have It In Blue,' Filipa is joined by Joana and Joao to discuss Joao’s new role as CPO at Subvisual.

They delve into the responsibilities and challenges of his new leadership position, including process implementation, team mentorship, and maintaining personal growth. The discussion extends to imposter syndrome, with each sharing their experiences and strategies for overcoming self-doubt, such as 'faking it till you make it' and embracing discomfort. The conversation also touches on design principles, the distinction between design and art, and the importance of aligning design with user experience.

00:00 Introduction and New Roles
00:41 Understanding the CPO Role
02:49 Transitioning to Leadership
04:40 Designing Beyond the Screen
11:23 Imposter Syndrome in Design
15:20 Learning and Growing in Design
31:45 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
31:58 The New Designer by Manuel Lima
32:22 Embrace Discomfort
32:34 Sharing Work and Getting Feedback
33:20 Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome
38:29 Fake It Till You Make It
47:00 Design as a Learnable Skill
49:48 Art vs. Design Debate
57:41 Advice for Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
59:35 Conclusion and Future Topics

The Dual Journey: Mentoring and Learning at Subvisual

Subvisual — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:36:44 +0000

In this episode of 'Can I Have It In Blue? Álvaro Bezerra, Product Manager at Subvisual, and Joana Gomes, Designer at Subvisual, delve into the importance of mentoring and teaching in design and product management.

They discuss Subvisual's academy programs for kickstarting careers, the personal and cultural motivations behind mentoring, and the mutual benefits it brings. Álvaro and Joana share their experiences as career changers and emphasize the value of practical learning, continual improvement, and adapting theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. They also touch on the importance of staying current with technological trends and how mentoring contributes to their own professional growth.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:23 The Importance of Mentoring
00:56 Personal Experiences in Mentoring
02:45 Challenges and Strategies in Mentoring
04:59 The Role of Product Management
08:16 Practical Tips for Effective Mentoring
17:55 Learning Through Teaching
21:35 Keeping Up with Design Trends
30:39 Conclusion

Product Processes in Practice

Subvisual — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 08:53:07 +0000

We discussed the challenges of maintaining processes in Web3, especially with early-stage and inexperienced teams.
How a clear product vision influences success and the crucial roles of designers and product managers.
Practical tips for ensuring clarity, consistency, and collaboration in your team.

Changing careers in your 30s

Subvisual — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 18:05:30 +0000

In this episode, we invite Anna Trofimenko, a product manager at Finiam, to talk about changing careers in her 30s. Something that Joana Gomes also experienced a couple of years ago.

Social media:

Founding a design studio

Subvisual — Wed, 24 May 2023 11:37:19 +0000

In this episode, we invite Francisco Baila, a designer and now "a facilitator or someone that improves the environment for others to shine" to talk about his path and what led him to found Onda Studio, a Web3 design studio.

Social media:

Collaboration between Product Managers and Designers

Subvisual — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:30:20 +0000

In this episode, we invite Álvaro Bezerra and Margarida Mendes da Maia, both product managers at Subvisual, to talk about the collaboration between product managers and designers.

Social media:

Álvaro Bezerra

Margarida Mendes da Maia

Our journeys into product design

Subvisual — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:01:37 +0000

Social media:
Joana Gomes
João Ferreira
Filipa Ribeiro