PODCAST · arts
The UX Voyager
by Mubarak Babajide
Steering the course of a UX designer's journey, with a blend of insights and humor.
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40
S2E16 - Product Requirement Documents
In this episode of The UX Voyager, I’m discussing something that’s both necessary and annoying in tech: Product Requirements Documents (PRDs).We’ve all seen those PRDs that are either too vague, too long, or too confusing to read. Some look like they were written for robots, not humans. I’ve been there too.So today, we’re breaking it all down: What PRDs should be, why designers and engineers need to contribute, if AI-generated PRDs are helpful or harmful, and how we can stop confusing busyness for clarity.If you’ve ever said, “I thought we were building A” midway through a project, yeah, this one’s for you. Let’s make PRDs better, together.
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S2E15 - UX Authenticity Crisis
I love AI and use it every day, but I'm worried about how people are using it to replace real human connection. From AI birthday messages to fake reviews everywhere, we're losing trust in what's real online. In this episode, I talk about why perfect AI content might be making us miss the beauty of human mistakes, and how this affects user experience design. Are we trading efficiency for authenticity? Let's talk about it.#UXDesign, #AI, #UserExperience, #Authenticity, #TechTalks, #DesignThinking, #HumanConnection,
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S2E14 - Fiction to Functional Personas
You have been creating personas that read like Tinder profiles? 🤦🏾♂️In this episode of UX Voyager, I break down why most personas are complete rubbish and share a real framework for creating personas that actually help you design better products.What You'll Learn:• Why "Michael, 42, loves gym and organic tea" personas are useless• The 5 biggest persona mistakes I made (so you don't have to)• My simple framework for research-based personas• Why copying American personas doesn't work in Nigeria• How to create personas for Nigeria's diverse 250+ ethnic groups
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S2E13 - Work And Hirability in UX
On this voyage, we're discussing why being skilled doesn't automatically make you hireable. I share stories of two designers with completely different job hunting outcomes and reveal what actually matters to hiring managers (hint: it's not just your Figma skills). Get practical advice on how to position yourself beyond technical abilities and stand out in the job market. No more falling into the tech rabbit hole!
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S2E12 - UX Nightmare
In this episode, I share some of my personal UX nightmare stories that will have you both laughing and cringing in recognition. From accidentally sending private messages to group chats to battling impossible unsubscribe processes, these experiences highlight our frustrations with technology.Is it the heartbreak of losing work to a power outage? or the confusion of navigating a phone with unfamiliar language settings, these stories remind us that behind every frustrating user experience is a human struggling to make technology work for them.Leave a comment sharing your own UX nightmare! As I say, "Ajegbodo mi wa eni kunra" - Misery loves company!
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S2E11 - Our Digital Double Life
Understand how Nigerians masterfully switch between cutting-edge apps and traditional methods daily, creating a unique technological identity that blends convenience, trust, and practicality.
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S2E10 - When Making Things Harder Creates Better UX
Ever accidentally made a costly mistake because a digital process was TOO smooth? In this episode, I share my personal horror story of recharging ₦20,000 airtime by mistake, and talk about why sometimes adding intentional friction to UX creates better, more meaningful experiences. We'll look into the psychology behind the IKEA effect, how friction builds trust in financial transactions, and why the most memorable digital journeys aren't always the easiest ones. Join me as we challenge conventional UX wisdom and understand when making things harder actually creates better results.#UXDesign #UserExperience #ConstructiveFriction #DigitalProducts #DesignPrinciples #UXPsychology #ProductDesign
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S2E09 - Design Gambling
What happens when clients expect mind-reading instead of research? I tackled the common challenge of designing without proper research time. Through the story of Shalewa's failed jollof rice business, learn why "design gambling" leads to imaginary solutions and endless revisions. This episode offers practical survival strategies for impossible timelines, from quick guerrilla methods to documenting assumptions, plus guidance on when to compromise and when to stand your ground as a designer.
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S2E08 - Why Culture Drives Design
Why do Nigerians splurge on salary day while Westerners calculate interest rates? I explored how our cultural values shape our relationship with products, from music streaming services to financial apps. Understand the cultural context behind user behaviors and learn how designers can create products that truly connect with African users.From communal support systems to status symbols as investments, this episode examines the unspoken cultural patterns that determine which features succeed or fail.
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S2E07 - 3 Seconds to Make or Break
You have three seconds to capture a user’s attention or lose them forever. In this episode of UX Voyager, we explore the psychological and cultural dynamics that shape how users interact with apps in African markets. From several fails to genius simplicity, we unravel real-world stories and actionable UX principles that drive retention, trust, and growth. Learn how clarity, context, and emotional design can make or break your product instantly.Whether you're building for Lagos, Accra, or Joburg, this is your blueprint for creating digital experiences that click fast and stick even faster.
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S2E06 - UX for all or just for few?
In this eye-opening episode, we explore how Nigeria's informal transportation system unintentionally excludes those with different abilities, following a deaf mother's struggle to navigate rush hour traffic. We witness firsthand how everyday systems can create invisible barriers for many users.Join us for a case study where we break down this accessibility challenge and propose practical, low-tech solutions that could transform transportation for everyone. Discover how thoughtful, inclusive design can create systems that work regardless of ability, literacy level, or economic status.#UXDesign #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #TransportationSolutions #NigerianTransit
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S2E05 - Why Redesign When Nobody Asked?
One day your favorite app works perfectly, the next it's unrecognizable. Join me as I explore why companies keep redesigning apps nobody complained about, how it impacts users globally, and what designers should actually focus on instead of just making things look different.
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S2E04 - Why Won’t Nigerians Just Subscribe?
One Netflix account, ten users. Digital survival or smart hustle? Join me as we break down why Nigerians turn subscriptions into a community party - and what tech designers can learn from our creativity.
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S2E03 - Data, Dopamine and Design: Are UX Designers Part of the Problem?
Ever wonder why you can't stop scrolling through your phone even when your data is running low? In this episode, we chat about how Nigerian UX designers create apps we just can't put down. We'll look at the clever design tricks behind your favorite apps, ask if keeping users glued to screens is really good design, and talk about what Nigerian designers can do differently. If you've ever felt like your apps own you (instead of the other way around), this one's for you!
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S2E02 - Everyone Is Watching You
Do you know what happens to your data once it is collected?
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S2E01 - AI Won't Be the End of You
Are you worried about AI taking over UX design? Don’t be.In this episode, I discussed how AI can improve your workflow, spark creativity, and simplify your job, not replace it.Let’s see how UX designers can leverage AI as a tool, not see it as a threat.
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Season 2 - Kickoff
Season 2 ofThe UX Voyager is finally here! We're back with fresh insights, engaging conversations, and all the fun stuff happening in the UX world.Stay tuned; it's going to be a good one!
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S1E23 The Portfolio Palava When Will You Finally Complete It?
Let’s tackle the struggle of building that perfect UX portfolio, job hunting, full-time gigs, or life’s chaos included.
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S1E22 Solo vs Teamwork Finding Your Design Sweet Spot
Exploring whether flying solo or collaborating drives better results for you.
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S1E21 Tools Overload Do You Need Them All to Succeed?
Why mastering every tool isn’t the key to becoming a great designer.
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S1E20 Onboarding Starts Way Before Sign-Up
Rethinking onboarding, it’s not just a form, it’s the entire first impression.
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S1E19 Passwordless Authentication Is It the Future of Security?
Why juggling too many passwords isn’t safe, but neither is relying on just one.
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S1E18 User Testing They’ll Always Surprise You
How users find creative (and unexpected) ways to interact with your designs.
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S1E17 Sketching and Wireframes Waste of Time or Design Essentials?
Why starting low-fi might save you headaches when it’s time to prototype.
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S1E16 Don’t Marry Your First Idea
Why exploring multiple solutions leads to better designs (and fewer regrets).
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S1E15 Be Clear, Not Confusing. Define
Why nailing down specifics in the define phase sets the tone for successful design.
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S1E14 Empathy in Design Are We Really Getting It Right?
Exploring whether we’re truly walking in users’ shoes or just feeling sorry for them.
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S1E13 The Design Process Is Not a Straight Line
Unpacking the twists, turns, and loops that make up every creative journey.
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S1E12 Startup Life The Hustle, the Chaos, and the Payoff
A peek into the fast-paced world of startups and why it’s worth the ride.
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S1E11 Minimalist Design Embrace It or Is It Overrated?
Exploring if less is truly more or just a design cliché.
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S1E10 Design Systems vs UI Component Kits What’s the Difference?
Clearing up the confusion between the big picture and the building blocks.
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S1E09 Mobile First or Desktop First, Why It Matters
Deciding where to start your design journey and why it matters.
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S1E08 Designing for Inclusivity Over Impressing Others
Why true impact comes from designs that include everyone, not just the “wow” factor.
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S1E07 Should UX Designers Code or Stick to Designing?
Exploring why coding can help but shouldn’t eclipse your design superpowers.
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S1E06 You Are Not the User So Do the Research
Why great design starts with understanding others not just your own preferences.
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S1E05 UX Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All (Or Boring)
From research to design, UX is packed with specialties, so let’s bust the myth that it’s all wireframes and no fun.
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S1E04 What do you even do Product Design, UX Design, or UI Design?
Untangling the titles because sometimes even we’re not sure who’s doing what.
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S1E03 Document or Die (Save yourself from chaos)
How solid documentation can save your design process—and your client relationships—from chaos.
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S1E02 Designed for Users or Investors?
When pleasing the boss takes center stage, where do the users fit in? Let’s unpack this tug-of-priorities.
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S1E01 What I Designed vs. What Was Developed
Why great user experiences need more than just designers in the game.
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