As the lead product designer atWhatsApp, Charlie Deets makes decisions that affect over 1.5 billion users each month.
That means solving some unusual challenges, like building a chat interface that even illiterate users can navigate.
It also means distinguishing WhatsApps visual stories feature from similar features in Snapchat and Instagram.
Previously, Deets worked at Facebook on projects like Privacy Checkup and the custom gender field.
Hes also the creator of the beautiful and popularMOON app.
Like many successful tech professionals, Deetss workflow is built around focusing on one task at a time.
My first real job was at my dads printing company where I did maintenance on computers in the pre-press.
I got exposed to a ton of graphic design through that experience and it stuck with me.
As a young adult, I played music in a band and eventually got an MFA in photography.
I loved the product work I was doing and came to learn what user experience design is.
I then moved toElectric Pulpto work on responsive websites.
We take a stab at properly form our thoughts before we ask a question.
Take us through a recent workday.
I wake up at about 7 a.m. and make my way to work fairly slowly.
I like to start the day slow so I dont end up feeling rushed or burnt out later on.
Some days I go for a run before work.
I eat breakfast at work by 9 a.m. and go to my desk.
I have headphones on and Im designing or prototyping.
Im usually working on projects that are ongoing so I generally know what I need to do.
We have minimal meetings at WhatsApp.
In fact, we venture to follow a no-meeting culture as much as possible.
Instead, we message in real time to raise questions, issues or provide status reports on projects.
I go home and take a walk with my wife.
In the evening, I play video games with friends to unwind.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
I keep my laptop in the center of my desk.
I put them away every night so when I get to the desk in the morning it is clear.
I hide the dock and the menu bar.
Whats your best shortcut or life hack?
Using applications full-screen is really important to my work, as it reminds me what Im doing.
I am easily distracted and I take precautions so that I stay on task.
If I do find myself getting distracted I just go with it.
If I take a stab at fight it too much I often end up irritable and less productive.
I also keep my email client shut most of the day.
I check email every two hours or so.
Take us through an interesting, unusual, or finicky process you have in place at work.
I change between mobile devices very often as we are building and testing new WhatsApp features for different platforms.
My team enables me to get things done.
It is the most respectful team Ive ever been a part of.
We have a go at not bother each other when we are in our zones.
We venture to properly form our thoughts before we ask a question.
It helps everyone say focused and take care of their tasks.
We are patient with each other and there is rarely excessive pressure to get something done now.
We take a stab at create the space to check that the work gets done right.
It helps keep everyone in a good frame of mind to do their best work.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I useUlyssesto track my tasks, writing, and general organization of anything that is text.
I keep two main lists favorited: To Do and Work To Do.
Whats your least favorite thing to do, and how do you deal with it?
I get very nervous when I feel the pressure of a lot of people listening to me at once.
I usually deal with it by over-preparing.
It doesnt really help, it still makes me insanely nervous.
I always assume that one day I will get over it, but that day has not yet come.
How do you recharge or take a break from work?
For fun I like to play video games, take photographs, and make music.
Sometimes writing CSS is truly pleasurable for me as well.
Its weird, I know.
Whats your favorite side project?
A few years ago, I wanted to learn how to write Objective-C.
So I started making an iOS app to view the current phase of the moon.
It turned out pretty well and I got more serious about theproject.
I add new features as Apple introduces new APIs.
I also ended up building it for Android, MacOS, and Apple TV.
The app recently hit 1M users, which felt like a pretty big accomplishment for a side project.
What are you currently reading, or whats something youd recommend?
I just finished readingSoonish, which is a playful take on emerging technologies.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see _________ answer these same questions.
Id like to see whatDaemon Hatfieldof IGN has to say.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
I asked a product manager I worked with once, What is it like working with designers?
They paused for a minute and then said, They are emotional.
Designers are often passionate about their work and therefore their emotions are entwined with the work they do.
I venture to be as open to new possibilities as possible through the whole development process.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
I write onMediumand you’ve got the option to follow me onTwitter.
This interview has been lightly edited, and some links have been added.
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