LinkedIn Top Voices 2020: Design

Reported by Cassidy Jackson, Editorial Fellow at LinkedIn News

LinkedIn News is debuting our 6th annual Top Voices list, a collection of hundreds of experts driving today’s professional conversation. As COVID-19 continues to upend our lives, these members are using their voice to help us parse today’s changing world of work, navigate our industries and find balance through it all.

To compile the list, we used a combination of qualitative and quantitative signals — including engagement (reactions, comments and shares across each member’s content); posting cadence; and follower growth. You can learn more about the methodology at the bottom of this article and can check out all of this year’s Top Voices around the world here. 

Below you’ll find this year’s standout voices in the design industry, just 10 of the hundreds of Top Voices highlighted around the world. The design industry is wide reaching, and we wanted this inaugural list to convey that breadth. You’ll find a workplace designer, a graphic designer, an architect, UX designers and more, all sharing within their various areas of expertise. No matter their design niche, each honoree is dedicated to educating the up-and-coming class, whether it's through free masterclasses or a newsletter on workplace design.      

Check out this year’s #LinkedInTopVoices in Design — and follow them to stay plugged into the conversation.

What he talks about: Ten months ago, Ntim posted a “passionate rant” on LinkedIn about competitive analysis. The post, to his surprise, garnered almost 50 reactions and birthed his signature series “Random UX tips.” Since then, the designer has shared advice on everything from balance to pushing back against criticism. Ntim also recently published a book, 101 Random UX Tips, which builds off his LinkedIn series.

Follow William Ntim

What she talks about: With many people working from home, workplace design has a “chance to start anew,” says Burow. She’s focused on reimagining office space with inclusion, social distancing, authenticity and parity in mind. Through her “Serendipity in Quarantine” newsletter, Burow shares research on how to build a supportive work experience and how to attract workers back to the office. 

Follow Liz Burow

What she talks about: Mallon has launched inclusive design initiatives at Open Style Lab, Wunderman Thompson and Inclusively. But the designer and disability activist also leverages her social media accounts to spark change. Whether it’s sharing an article on accessible fashion or posting about intersectionality, she’s always looking to engage her network around inclusivity.

Follow Christina Mallon

What he talks about: The designer turned entrepreneur launched Blush, a tool to create digital illustrations, during the pandemic. Through his company, Youtube channel, podcast and social media accounts, Stanley helps designers turn their ideas into reality. He’s also opened up discussions on language in design and limiting beliefs.

Follow Pablo Stanley

What he talks about: Maruffi has worked in digital product design, user research and project management for over a decade now. The consultant eagerly shares what he’s learned along the way in his signature quote posts. In one to two sentences, Maruffi gives his take on design-related topics and has sparked conversations around teamwork, design iteration, feedback and empathy.

Follow Mario Maruffi

What he talks about: Borson shares the ins and outs of the architecture industry through his brand “Life of an Architect.” Under the name, he runs a successful podcast and blog, while also using social media platforms to spread his ideas. On LinkedIn, Borson has debunked architectural stereotypes, deconstructed “the perfect portfolio” and talked about work-life balance.

Follow Bob Borson

What she talks about: In November 2019, Ademola-Adenle put on her “big girl pants” and started training UX designers. With close to a decade’s worth of tech experience, she’s made it a point to pass on advice and tips to her peers. From sharing infographics on the definition of “UX design” to hosting free masterclasses, Ademola-Adenle has a clear passion for teaching and making the industry as accessible as possible.

Follow Grace Ademola-Adenle

What she talks about: Gibbons wears multiple hats at Nielsen Norman Group; she’s a manager, speaker, strategist, designer as well as a researcher. On the platform, Gibbons shares her findings in hopes of informing other designers’ work. Her roadmaps on human-centered design thinking, facilitation and empathy, all went viral, amassing hundreds of reactions.

Follow Sarah Gibbons

What he talks about: The 3D sportswear designer often pairs his futuristic drawings with a word of advice to inspire other designers, including how sparks of creativity often come when you're beyond your comfort zone. Touching on the importance of clarity, Sne wrote “You have to know why you do what you do,” and featured a video of his project “Synthetic Human.” 

Follow Janis Sne

What she talks about: In September, Kastenbaum celebrated her one-year anniversary in the UX industry after pivoting careers. Over the past 14 months, the UX designer and recent graduate has built up her skillset and made it a point to share her journey on LinkedIn. Kastenbaum has reviewed applications’ design, unpacked what it really means to be a “UX designer” and given tips on burnout. 

Follow Frankie Kastenbaum

You’ve read about the Top Voices in Design this year. Now, check out the #LinkedInTopVoices in Marketing & Advertising, Technology, Entrepreneurship and more.

How we compiled the Top Voices list

To compile the list, we use a combination of quantitative and qualitative signals. This includes engagement (including reactions, comments and shares across each member’s content); posting cadence; and follower growth. But engagement is just a start. Our next filter is qualitative. LinkedIn News editors refine and curate the list by looking at an eligible member’s body of work: Are the contributions insightful, conversational and timely? Do they seek to give and get help vs. being self-promotional? Finally, does this list reflect the world we work and live in today? 

All sharing activity measured took place over a 12-month period, from October 1, 2019 through September, 30 2020. As with all LinkedIn Lists, we excluded current LinkedIn and Microsoft employees from consideration, as well as any members who are being or have been paid by LinkedIn to participate in brand campaigns or courses.