Andy Layman

How I lead

The best design teams run on systems, not heroics.

I’ve spent 10 years leading designers at companies like Blue Nile, Shift, and AutoNation. These are the four principles I bring to every team, and the evidence behind them.

Operating rhythm

Team meeting
1:1s
Design critique
Client reviews
System sync
Retro

Team meeting

Weekly · Mon

Set priorities, unblock work, and share what's shipping across every client team.

  1. 01

    Systems over heroics

    Great teams don't rely on one person's taste. I build design systems and rituals that make good work the default.

    Blue Nile · Fair · AutoNation · Midwestern

    • Worked on 10+ design systems, and built four from the ground up: Blue Nile, Fair, AutoNation (DRVN), and Midwestern.
    • Evolved Shift's Gearbox system through the Design System Guild after the acquisition.
    • Treat tokens, components, and process as one system with owners and a roadmap.

  2. 02

    AI in the work, not on the slide

    I bring AI into the products we ship and the way we ship them, and measure whether it actually helps.

    AutoNation · Midwestern

    • Launched AutoNation's first AI-based dealer tool: +5% completed deals, −19% misaligned offerings.
    • Build AI-ready design systems that designers, engineers, and agents can all consume.
    • Roll out AI tools to design teams with clear guardrails and before/after measures.

  3. 03

    Cadence creates quality

    Predictable rhythm beats heroic sprints. I install processes that raise throughput without burning people out.

    Blue Nile · Shift · AutoNation · Midwestern

    • Run weekly critiques and team meetings for my remote team at Midwestern.
    • Ran weekly WIP reviews and executive pitches at Blue Nile.
    • Introduced a design sprint process at Shift, then again at AutoNation, to increase team throughput.
    • Partner with product owners on roadmaps; built Blue Nile's first product roadmap.

  4. 04

    Grow people, not just pixels

    I've grown from UI designer to design manager myself, so I invest in clear paths for the people I lead.

    10 years leading teams

    • Currently lead a fully remote team of 3 full-time designers and 5 contractors at Midwestern.
    • Built Blue Nile's design team end to end: interviewing, hiring, and, when it was right, letting people go.
    • Seven years at Blue Nile, growing from UI Designer to Senior Manager, UX, with direct reports since 2015.
    • Hire for range and curiosity; onboard with real ownership in the first 30 days.
    • Use explicit career frameworks and regular growth conversations, not annual surprises.