# Welcome

<figure><img src="/files/zySk3O7YWfLa0WVluSNO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

[DesignReference.xyz](/home.md) is a product design knowledge base covering [UX Methods](/ux-methods/overview.md), [Cognitive Tools](/cognitive-tools/overview.md), and [Leadership](/leadership/overview.md) offering insights to equip both designers and managers with the tools needed to navigate challenges and achieve success.

{% hint style="success" %}
[DesignReference.xyz](https://www.designreference.xyz/) now has GitBook's [AI Agent](https://www.gitbook.com/features/ai/gitbook-agent). Hit the "Ask" button on any page to chat with AI about the content on that page.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Sponsored by [GitBook](https://www.gitbook.com/) and built by [Tony O'Donohoe](https://www.tonyodonohoe.com/), [DesignReference.xyz](/home.md) comprises over 160,000 words spanning over 320 pages as well as countless resource links and videos. With close on 3,000 monthly visits, it is referenced by leading Silicon Valley firms, open source communities, education institutes and major AI platforms.
{% endhint %}

### **The Collection**

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="image">Cover image</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h4>UX Methods</h4></td><td>Find the right UX methods for any stage of the product design process. Methods and activities are grouped into three sections: Discovery, Ideation, and Testing, based on an eight-phase process.</td><td><a href="/pages/SwpgiPQlXNHSvAmwxlbx">/pages/SwpgiPQlXNHSvAmwxlbx</a></td><td><a href="/files/EGzUPJcsU1bdTL95q5Vr">/files/EGzUPJcsU1bdTL95q5Vr</a></td></tr><tr><td><h4>Cognitive Tools</h4></td><td>Great minds across all professions have dedicated time to formulating theories, laws, and frameworks to assist others. This area serves as an access point to that expertise relating to product design.</td><td><a href="/pages/aUwXfsEY9cZzjkoff2LX">/pages/aUwXfsEY9cZzjkoff2LX</a></td><td><a href="/files/902R5yLqdh3h17K8uBDx">/files/902R5yLqdh3h17K8uBDx</a></td></tr><tr><td><h4>Leadership</h4></td><td>The Leadership section offers insights and materials tailored to equip both new and seasoned design managers and leaders with the tools needed to navigate the specific challenges of design leadership.</td><td><a href="/pages/KdpgHhGUmtIPI7jjjFYO">/pages/KdpgHhGUmtIPI7jjjFYO</a></td><td><a href="/files/pLGSvD1huurdKiC9eVtz">/files/pLGSvD1huurdKiC9eVtz</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Featured Content

**UX Methods**

{% content-ref url="/pages/mzwOE7Fk9BGj6HN2n0Vu" %}
[5 Whys](/ux-methods/discovery/5-whys.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/UhfqRQEpXjb1zS29rI86" %}
[Customer Journey Mapping](/ux-methods/discovery/customer-journey-mapping.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/TuxQdZBdGfhoUe80mIdK" %}
[Usability Testing](/ux-methods/testing/usability-testing.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/k0Jcg94vAoZuinV9Vy11" %}
[Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA)](/ux-methods/testing/design-failure-mode-and-effects-analysis-dfmea.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

**Cognitive Tools**

{% content-ref url="/pages/iWPwP1DUIbaV8CbzlZOm" %}
[Jakob's Law](/cognitive-tools/ux-laws-principles/behaviour/jakobs-law.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/oyI5d2sD8uiA9ms46LnC" %}
[Peak-End Rule](/cognitive-tools/ux-laws-principles/behaviour/peak-end-rule.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/QrpmsFHkERmwimpmFHHe" %}
[Prioritisation Matrix](/cognitive-tools/universal/prioritisation/prioritisation-matrix.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/1nlIdlAfXOj3XA65I0f3" %}
[First Principles Thinking](/cognitive-tools/universal/problem-solving/first-principles-thinking.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

**Leadership**

{% content-ref url="/pages/PL1oazSbf56bkgSX2KQ4" %}
[Good Managers](/leadership/leadership-foundations/good-managers.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/rlHKRrJSdhYbzi1bYlLU" %}
[Bad Managers](/leadership/leadership-foundations/bad-managers.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/N3fDJXWirkWW2779HaRh" %}
[Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI)](/leadership/process/responsible-accountable-consulted-informed-raci.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/9opYVsRfKfwyTsQjuAgs" %}
[Performance Management](/leadership/managing-people/performance-management.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

*DesignReference.xyz by* [*Tony O'Donohoe*](https://www.tonyodonohoe.com/)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://www.designreference.xyz/home.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.