by Ricardo Medina

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At Format-3, we’ve learned that traditional tools like checklists, SMART goals, and Kanban boards only go so far in driving real growth. What truly matters is creating an environment where each team member can thrive in their own way. Growth, for us, isn’t about hitting arbitrary milestones—it's about depth, intention, and care. This philosophy has become the backbone of how we work and, more importantly, how we grow as individuals and as a team.

As a Partner and Design Director at Format-3, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our designers, from guiding our interns like MJ Park to collaborating with senior team members like Arthur Avila and Dominik Nowakowski. Each of their stories highlights how we’ve embraced three core pillars—Transparency & Openness, Time & Attention, and what we call Zones of Friction—to create space for growth and development.

Transparency & Openness: Honest Conversations Drive Real Learning

One thing we’ve found essential is transparency—open, honest conversations about the work we do and the challenges we face. Growth isn’t always smooth, and you can’t always turn every challenge into an opportunity right away. Being upfront about those moments has been critical for our team.

For MJ, a product design intern, this openness was key to her development. “When I started working on the DailyWire+ app, I quickly learned how vital it is to maintain a consistent design system,” she shares. MJ initially struggled with keeping her designs aligned with the existing framework, but through transparent feedback and support, she found her footing. “Arthur and Ricardo were instrumental in helping me adjust my approach, which made my designs not only more cohesive but also accessible.”

That feedback loop of open dialogue, where even mistakes are valuable learning opportunities, has helped MJ and the rest of the team evolve. It’s about making sure we’re all on the same page, not just about the work itself, but also about how we’re growing within it.

Time & Attention: Tailored Mentorship for Each Team Member’s Journey

Growth is not a one-size-fits-all process. At Format-3, we dedicate time and attention to understanding where each team member is on their journey and what they need to grow. For some, it's technical mentorship; for others, it’s a nudge to think more strategically.

Arthur, our product designer, highlights how this personalized approach has impacted his work: “I’ve grown so much since joining Format-3, especially in how I approach design strategically. Ricardo’s way of framing project challenges has helped me shift from thinking about individual features to considering the bigger picture—the product, the client’s needs, and the user experience. It’s changed how I work entirely.”

That strategic thinking didn’t develop overnight. It required consistent feedback and a focus on long-term growth rather than immediate results. The time we invest in each team member allows us to focus on what’s important: helping them grow not just in their design skills, but in their ability to think critically and adapt.

Zones of Friction: Growing Outside the Comfort Zone

The biggest growth comes from being pushed beyond your comfort zone. At Format-3, we create what we call Zones of Friction—intentionally challenging, time-bound projects designed to stretch our team’s capabilities. These zones force us to tackle unfamiliar problems, test new approaches, and adapt quickly.

For Dominik, our senior product designer, these zones have been instrumental. “There have been moments where deadlines were tight, ideas weren’t flowing, and I felt stuck,” Dominik admits. “But it’s in those moments that I’ve grown the most. I’ve learned to embrace the discomfort and trust that, after every twilight, the sun comes out.”

This philosophy—welcoming friction—means we approach challenges as opportunities for development. It’s not about pushing people to the edge but rather giving them the space to explore new territories with the right support behind them. As Dominik put it, “The more you deal with these tough moments, the better you get at handling them. The support I’ve received from the team has made all the difference.”

Creating an Environment for Growth

Our approach at Format-3 is about creating the right conditions for growth, not just setting goals. Whether it’s giving our interns a chance to work on live projects, pushing our designers to think more strategically, or encouraging our senior team members to thrive in Zones of Friction, we focus on creating an environment that is conducive to long-term, sustainable growth.

MJ, reflecting on her experience, said, “Working on the Election Hub project was a game-changer. Even though not all my designs were implemented, seeing my work live was an incredible experience. It showed me that every step in the design process matters, even the parts that don’t make it to the final product.”

Arthur highlighted the impact of team culture: “The global nature of Format-3 has been incredible for my development. Learning from people in different parts of the world has opened up my perspective. And the way we treat each other like friends? That’s been just as important as any technical skill I’ve learned.”

Dominik summarized his experience simply: “I’ve never been in an environment where growth felt so natural and yet so challenging. The balance we strike between pushing limits and supporting each other has made all the difference in my career.”

Growth at Format-3: Depth Over Speed

Growth isn’t a race—it’s a continuous process of learning, refining, and sometimes stumbling along the way.

At Format-3, we’ve committed to nurturing each team member through Transparency & Openness, Time & Attention, and Zones of Friction. This approach has allowed our team to not only grow individually but also deliver thoughtful, strategic work that impacts our clients and their users.

We’ll continue refining our approach, but it’s important to pause, reflect, and celebrate the milestones along the way.

Onward.

By Ricardo Medina

Partner, Design Director

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