Yann-Edern’s Website → https://yannglt.com/
Episode Summary
Yann-Edern is a software designer and maker based in Paris, focused on developer experience. He’s currently working at Linear and most recently contributed to the new UI of the desktop app. He previously worked at Specify, where he helped create a Design API and its design token format.
On the side, he loves building tools for designers and engineers—connecting workflows and enabling teams to speak the same language. He’s the creator of Styles to Variables in Figma, some Raycast extensions, and he teased a new plugin he’s currently working on for Framer.
We covered a wide range of topics, including his award-winning personal website and creative playground where he experiments with technologies like React and Rive.
Topics Covered
- Design System Changes — Insights on Linear’s recent design update, focusing on a more cohesive, timeless, neutral aesthetic
- Inspirations and Admired Products — Brands and products that influence Linear’s design philosophy
- Linear’s Impact — How Linear has become a trendsetter in the design community
- Yann-Edern’s Experiments and Projects — His journey, contributions, and design decisions
- Small Team Dynamics — The benefits of small, focused teams in design-centric companies
- Design Systems and Specify — The importance of robust design systems
- Tool Building — Yann-Edern’s approach to creating tools and plugins that streamline design workflows
- Core Design Philosophy — His philosophical approach to design and creativity
- AI in Design — The hype vs. reality of AI in the design space
- AI Design Tools — Comparing sketch-based AI tools to prompt-based ones
- Admired Tools — Tools that inspire Yann-Edern and others at Linear
- Yann’s Main Quest — His personal 'North Star'
- Yann-Edern’s Side Quests — Personal projects and ongoing experimentation
- Work with Framer & Raycast — Current work developing plugins and exploring possibilities
- Using Copilot — How he integrates GitHub Copilot into his workflow
- Physicality and Tactility — Incorporating physical elements into digital environments
- Routines and Habits — Daily practices that support creativity
- Starting with Passion Projects — Beginning the day with fun or exploratory work
- Personal Workspace — Designing a productive, inspiring environment
- Award-Winning Website — His personal site as a creative playground, and its recognition
- Creativity and Constraints — How limitations fuel creative thinking
- Animation Tools — Using Rive, Cinema 4D, After Effects, and more
Yann-Edern’s (Expanded) Design Inspirations
After our chat, Yann-Edern shared a longer list of people and things that inspire him:
- Design Legends: Massimo & Lella Vignelli, Dieter Rams, Jonathan Ive
- Modern Designers & Engineers: Rasmus Andersson, Brian Lovin, Karri Saarinen, Daniel Eden, Benjamin Wilkins
- Creative Thinkers: Helen Tran, Luc Chaissac, Katie Dill, Jen Yee, Yesenia Perez-Cruz, Matthew Ström, Gavin Nelson, Jordan Singer, Paco Coursey, Rauno Freiberg, Nicolás Garro, Andy Allen
- Companies & Studios: Not Boring Software, Ustwo, The New York Times, Linear, Vercel, Apple, Land & Sea
- Filmmakers & Artists: Valentin Petit (known for hip-hop collaborations), David Fincher (House of Cards, Fight Club, Seven, The Social Network)
- Abstract Influences: Electrical networks, cities, thunderstorms, glyphs, and symbols
Yann-Edern’s Working Routines & Habits
He also shared a few personal notes on how he structures his day and sustains creative energy:
- Morning: Focused time for complex work
- Early Afternoon: Inbox time in Linear + quick explorations (aligned with the US team's availability)
- Late Afternoon: Another block of high-focus work
- Evening:
- 50% of evenings go to personal creative exploration, writing, talks, tutorials
- The rest are for social time, gaming, and relaxing
Daily Rituals & Productivity Tips
- Tidy the desk, set up accessories, music on headphones
- Reset senses: breathe, hydrate, rest well
- Wake up around 8:00–8:30 AM
- Water, shower, breakfast, coffee
- Review previous day’s creations
- Start with fun explorations, then shift to focused work
- Weekends: similar structure, but all work is personal and afternoons/evenings are for fun
- Workout either after work or just before lunch (depending on the season)
- Evening: reconnect with friends or dive into solo creative time (reading, writing, exploring ideas)
