**Yann-Edern’s Website → **https://yannglt.com/

Episode SummaryYann-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 CoveredDesign System Changes — Insights on Linear’s recent design update, focusing on a more cohesive, timeless, neutral aestheticInspirations and Admired Products — Brands and products that influence Linear’s design philosophyLinear’s Impact — How Linear has become a trendsetter in the design communityYann-Edern’s Experiments and Projects — His journey, contributions, and design decisionsSmall Team Dynamics — The benefits of small, focused teams in design-centric companiesDesign Systems and Specify — The importance of robust design systemsTool Building — Yann-Edern’s approach to creating tools and plugins that streamline design workflowsCore Design Philosophy — His philosophical approach to design and creativityAI in Design — The hype vs. reality of AI in the design spaceAI Design Tools — Comparing sketch-based AI tools to prompt-based onesAdmired Tools — Tools that inspire Yann-Edern and others at LinearYann’s Main Quest — His personal 'North Star'Yann-Edern’s Side Quests — Personal projects and ongoing experimentationWork with Framer & Raycast — Current work developing plugins and exploring possibilitiesUsing Copilot — How he integrates GitHub Copilot into his workflowPhysicality and Tactility — Incorporating physical elements into digital environmentsRoutines and Habits — Daily practices that support creativityStarting with Passion Projects — Beginning the day with fun or exploratory workPersonal Workspace — Designing a productive, inspiring environmentAward-Winning Website — His personal site as a creative playground, and its recognitionCreativity and Constraints — How limitations fuel creative thinkingAnimation Tools — Using Rive, Cinema 4D, After Effects, and moreYann-Edern’s (Expanded) Design InspirationsAfter our chat, Yann-Edern shared a longer list of people and things that inspire him:

Design Legends: Massimo & Lella Vignelli, Dieter Rams, Jonathan IveModern Designers & Engineers: Rasmus Andersson, Brian Lovin, Karri Saarinen, Daniel Eden, Benjamin WilkinsCreative 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 AllenCompanies & Studios: Not Boring Software, Ustwo, The New York Times, Linear, Vercel, Apple, Land & SeaFilmmakers & 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 symbolsYann-Edern’s Working Routines & HabitsHe also shared a few personal notes on how he structures his day and sustains creative energy:

Morning: Focused time for complex workEarly Afternoon: Inbox time in Linear + quick explorations (aligned with the US team's availability)Late Afternoon: Another block of high-focus workEvening:50% of evenings go to personal creative exploration, writing, talks, tutorialsThe rest are for social time, gaming, and relaxing

Daily Rituals & Productivity Tips

Tidy the desk, set up accessories, music on headphonesReset senses: breathe, hydrate, rest wellWake up around 8:00–8:30 AMWater, shower, breakfast, coffeeReview previous day’s creationsStart with fun explorations, then shift to focused workWeekends: similar structure, but all work is personal and afternoons/evenings are for funWorkout 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)‍