It's essential for founders to engage deeply with design candidates, especially if they have spent significant time solving related problems themselves.

Founders should prioritize hiring talented designers early on to enhance their company's design capabilities.

Creating a culture of high-quality design from the early days of a startup is vital, and founders must exemplify this commitment to design.

Founders must be hands-on, embodying roles such as product designer and ethnographer, to effectively communicate and demonstrate their solutions to potential clients.

Ensure one of your co-founders is design-minded. If you're a technical founder, find a designer who can make your product appealing and user-friendly.

Designers coming from larger tech companies may find it intimidating to join a small startup with a limited design team, as they are used to collaborating with other design professionals. It's crucial to have a diversified team to create a positive work environment and clearly define roles within that team.

Encouraging more designers to become founders is essential, as developing a design mindset will be crucial for building the next generation of companies.

When interviewing designers, prioritize their communication skills and ability to articulate their design decisions and trade-offs.

Founders are increasingly recognizing the importance of design, understanding its value beyond just functionality.