E28: Scaling Startups with Design: Insights from Vytas Butkevicius' Journey

In this episode of Perception Paradox, Zivile sits down with Vytas to explore his transformative journey from studying chemistry to becoming a renowned product designer.

Vytas is the owner and principal designer at Outframe.co, an independent studio practice helping B2B companies grow with product design. During the last 8 years, he worked on 50+ software projects as a sole or lead designer and co-founded a few startups himself.

Vytas dives into often misunderstood distinctions between UX and UI design, highlighting the critical role of copywriting in web design. Also shares his wisdom on prioritizing functionality and user experience over mere aesthetics, especially in the B2B startup arena.

Listen as Vytas discusses:

• The vital balance between design and business goals


• His insights on effective communication with clients and setting clear expectations


• Two impactful case studies showcasing the power of product design


• Strategies for maintaining work-life balance and focus during the design process


• The journey of founding his own design studio and navigating the startup landscape

Vytas also offers practical advice on implementing effective UX/UI design on a budget, the importance of cultural understanding in design, and embracing automation and AI to stay competitive in the industry.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of design and startups with Vytas, and discover how to scale your startup through thoughtful design.

Follow Vytas:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vytasbu/

Website: https://www.outframe.co/

Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zivile Einikyte⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.perceptionparadox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zivileeinikyte/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music credits: Luca Nioi

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.lucanioi.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:02 Vytas' Journey from Chemistry to Product Design

08:08 Finding Balance and Changing Perspectives

13:00 Discovering Design and Craftsmanship

14:53 Misconceptions Between UX and UI Design

21:27 Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics in Design

22:53 The Role of Design in B2B Startups

23:39 The Role of Copywriting in Web Design

24:32 Case Studies: Impact of Product Design on Project Outcomes

29:07 Effective Communication and Setting Expectations with Clients

30:43 Work-Life Balance and Maintaining Focus in Design

37:24 Reflections on Startups and Starting a Design Studio

46:16 Finding the Right Problem to Solve

48:20 Implementing Effective UX/UI Design on a Tight Budget

57:16 The Role of Cultural Understanding in Design

01:03:13 The Impact of Automation and AI in the Design Industry

01:06:10 Embracing Automation and Designing Faster for Success