Figma is not the source of truth | Ryan Lucas (VP of Design, Rippling)

The discussion centers on defining the role and success metrics of a design function within a software company. Ryan Lucas, design leader at Rippling, argues that design, like engineering, is fundamentally about problem-solving, drawing from humanities, social sciences, and arts. He emphasizes that design's job is to create products that are useful, usable, desirable, and ultimately used, contributing directly to a company's business objectives. Lucas advocates for a shared responsibility model where design overlaps with product management, engineering, and marketing, and highlights the importance of designers understanding the broader business context. He also shares his approach to building a design team, measuring quality, and the importance of hands-on leadership.