Jonathan Steingeisser: The shocking truth about UX Designers! Designers DON'T know who they are...

What this episode covers

In this conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from Australia to becoming the Head of Design for multiple organisations, discussing the evolution of UX in the Middle East and the challenges faced in research and acceptance. He emphasises the importance of shifting mindsets from execution to strategy, building trust, and the value of adaptability in design processes. The discussion also touches on work-life balance, the significance of community in design, and the future of design leadership, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary roles and the importance of storytelling in the design field. Takeaways  Jonathan's journey to Dubai was unexpected but rewarding.  The UX field in the Middle East is still evolving.  Research in UX is often misunderstood and undervalued.  Designers need to shift from execution to strategic thinking.  Building trust with stakeholders is crucial for UX success.  Adaptability in design processes is essential for success.  Work-life balance is a growing concern in the design industry.  Community plays a vital role in the growth of designers.  The future of design will require interdisciplinary skills.  Leadership in design must evolve to meet new challenges. Chapters  00:00 The Journey to Dubai: Introducing UX in an Unfamiliar Region  04:01 The Power of Usability Testing: Understanding User Behaviour  06:21 Going Beyond the Swim Lane: Understanding the Business and Product  11:20 Adapting and Evolving in a Saturated Design Industry  16:55 Focusing on Value and the Language of the Business  30:41 Defining Roles and Establishing Industry Standards  36:41 Building a Community: The Journey of HCD Meetup  49:41 Tips for Starting and Growing a Community 53:54 The Challenges and Rewards of Public Speaking  01:05:46 The Impact of the Pandemic on Events and the Shift to Online Platforms  01:08:59 The Value of Recording Talks and Building a Knowledge Library  01:10:38 Giving Opportunities to New Speakers and Fostering Growth  01:16:43 The Power of Mentorship and Tough Love  01:18:52 The Importance of Community and Networking  01:23:38 The Future of Design: Interdisciplinary Teams and Evolving Roles  01:26:16 Challenges and Importance of Design Leadership Keywords UX design, Dubai, user experience, design community, leadership, service design, design research, design processes, work-life balance, design trends

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