Behind the Scenes

Aug 1, 2025

By Melisa Battal

I recently moved to a quiet Mediterranean seacoast, and it’s reshaping how I approach design. Between windsurfing, rock climbing, and exploring hidden bays, I’m rediscovering movement and time itself—both in nature and in my creative process. I used to feel stuck in fast-paced cycles, always chasing the next deliverable. But now, with more space to breathe, I find myself thinking more clearly, spotting patterns I’d miss before, and bringing a calmer, more intuitive energy into my work.

Better Images of AI project

What I’m Exploring

Better Images of AI project
I’m exploring how we visually represent AI—moving beyond the cliché robot heads and neon brains toward imagery that builds trust and clarity. Inspired by the Better Images of AI project, I’ve been generating more artistic, product-relevant visuals that feel both intentional and human. In fact, every image on my Now page is AI-generated as part of this ongoing exploration. Images by AIxDESIGN



What I'm Learning

  • Diving deeper into AI engineering, especially evals through Hamel Hussain and Shreya Shankar's incredible AI evals course

  • Scratching the surface of Machine Learning and Deep Learning, starting with shoring up my foundations in linear algebra and design

  • Slow productivity: how do I do less, but better? How do I work at a natural pace?


What I'm Thinking

  • I was listening to a podcast by John Maeda when he perfectly captured something I’ve always tried to explain: first, develop taste before relying on data; and second, the “fail fast, learn fast” mindset can actually harm how others perceive design—it’s more effective to focus on recovering well and learning thoughtfully.

  • Every human problem is a design problem.

  • Also, the word Design cannot describe itself. Clearly, it needs design. 


What I'm Listening

Here’s what’s been looping in the background while I work, my go-to playlist for focus and flow.