UX Pathways

In this episode of UX Pathways, Marc speaks with Jennifer Homintoski, founder of Lakeside Accessibility, about the intersection of assistive technology and user experience design.Jennifer shares how her career evolved from IT support and industrial design into accessibility consulting and UX evaluation. Her journey was shaped by both professional curiosity and personal experience supporting a family member with vision loss.The conversation explores how accessibility is not an add-on but a core part of UX, how real-world assistive technology is used to evaluate digital products, and why inclusive design benefits all users not just those with disabilities. She also discusses the impact of AI, the challenges UX practitioners face in industry, and the importance of building foundational skills before layering specialization.

Discover the unique user experience path that Deborah O'Malley, Founder & Product Strategy Lead at GuessTheTest, followed in this sixth episode of Season 4.Some key takeaways:• UX and CRO are two sides of the same coin• Qualitative research helps explain the “why” behind user behavior• A/B testing and experimentation are becoming more mainstream across industries• Continuous learning and adaptability are critical as AI changes the digital landscape• Treating life like an experiment can help you grow through challenges and change• The future will still need human oversight, strategy, and critical thinking

Discover the unique user experience path that Dan Berlin, Founder at Watch City Research, followed in this fifth episode of Season 4.Some key takeaways:• UX is about aligning user needs with business goals• Great UX professionals learn to speak the language of business• There is no substitute for talking to real users and understanding human behavior• UX job markets go through cycles, but organizations will always need great experiences• Researchers should showcase their process, not just polished designs, in portfolios• Volunteering with nonprofits is a great way to build experience and create impact• Networking and getting involved in the UX community can open career opportunities

Discover the unique user experience path that Rachel E. Blackburn, Senior Learning & Enablement Consultant at User Testing, followed in this fourth episode of Season 4.Main points:1. UX is every interaction, not just screens 2. There is no single path into UX - diverse backgrounds are valuable3. Your past experience equals transferable skills 4. Research reduces uncertainty to learn just enough to move forward5. Small UX changes can have real-world impact6. Don’t assume and always test 7. Stop pigeonholing yourself, and you’re more than your job title8. AI is a tool, not a replacement for human creativity and judgment9. Great UX is rooted in empathy and understanding people10. Thoughtfulness matters, and consider emotional and edge-case scenarios11. Imposter syndrome is normal, and you’re likely more qualified than you think

Discover the unique user experience path that Jon Yablonski, Senior Product Designer at Mixpanel, followed in this third episode of Season 4.In this episode, Jon Yablonski shares how understanding human behavior and psychology can help UX designers create more meaningful, effective products. He also explores how curiosity, continuous learning, and embracing AI as a partner can help designers adapt and grow in a rapidly changing field.

Discover the unique user experience path that Lou Rosenfeld, Founder, Publisher & CEO, Rosenfeld Media, followed in this second episode of Season 4.Key TakeawaysUX has always been a synthetic field, bringing together diverse disciplines to solve complex digital problems.The real challenge in UX is often creating a shared language and framework so different experts can collaborate effectively.AI will change how UX work is done, but it will likely increase the need for human-centered thinking, not eliminate it.Early-career professionals should look beyond the interface and focus on systems, services, and strategy.UX may evolve from being just a profession into a toolkit of skills used across many industries.

Discover the unique user experience path that Todd Bertsch, Owner / President at Evolve Marketing Team, followed in this first episode of Season 4.In this kickoff episode of UX Pathways Season 4, join host Marc Majers as he sits down with Todd Bertsch, founder of Evolve Marketing, keynote speaker, and mental fitness coach, to discuss adapting to change in the UX and technology world. He began his career as a graphic designer, discovered usability testing, and then launched his own digital consulting firm. He believes in Steve Krug's philosophy of Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) and explains how he applies it to design. He discusses the importance of embracing change, avoiding falling for hype, and finding meaningful work that aligns with your passions. He will leave you inspired. Join this episode if you are navigating a career change and looking for insights on how to create better experiences.https://www.toddbertsch.com/

Remember the story of Goldilocks? Does your prototype align with your user research goals? Discover why it's important to choose a level of fidelity that is not too little and not too much, but appropriate for what you’re trying to learn

Discover the unique user experience path that Branden Schossler, Co-Founder / Producer at World Crafters, followed in this twelfth episode of Season 3.In this episode of UX Pathways, Branden Schossler shares his journey from performing at kids’ birthday parties to co-founding World Crafters, a company that creates large-scale immersive events blending education and entertainment. Drawing from his background in customer experience at Hyland Software and KeyBank, Branden applies UX tools like journey mapping and persona development to design meaningful, multi-sensory guest experiences. He emphasizes the importance of balancing big-picture thinking with small, sensory details, avoiding “default” experiences, and truly understanding the end user’s perspective. Branden recommends resources such as The Power of Moments and organizations like the Customer Experience Professionals Association for those entering the field. His advice centers on combining a passion for the product with intentional experience design and ongoing professional engagement.

Discover the unique user experience path that Ana Sofia Gonzalez, Principal Product Designer at Microsoft, followed in this eleventh episode of Season 3.Ana Sofia Gonzalez, Principal Designer at Microsoft, leads design efforts for Copilot Studio, focusing on using AI to create intelligent agents. She shared her nontraditional journey from being a math Olympian to studying industrial and interaction design, eventually landing in UX. Starting in consulting gave her a broad skill set before moving into corporate roles, where she now focuses on enterprise design which is an area she enjoys for its complexity and measurable impact. Anna emphasized the importance of working strategically with business teams, using the tools you design, and advocating for user needs by mapping real-life scenarios. She encourages designers to embrace AI as a tool to enhance productivity and creativity, not as a threat. Her advice for those entering UX or AI is to empathize with users, experiment with tools, and dedicate time each week to continuous learning. She champions community engagement and sees UX as a way to make everyday systems better.

Discover the unique user experience path that Kate Moran, Vice President, Nielsen Norman Group, followed in this tenth episode of Season 3.In this episode of UX Pathways, host Marc Majers interviews Kate Moran, Vice President of Research and Content at Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g), about the evolving UX landscape, the role of AI, and building a career in the field. Kate shares insights on NN/g’s mission to provide accessible, research-backed resources and stresses a balanced approach to AI while valuing its usefulness but cautioning against over-reliance. Reflecting on her own career path from front-end development to UX leadership, Kate highlights the value of flexibility, persistence, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. She addresses the current challenges of entering the UX field, advising newcomers to stay patient, realistic, and open to non-linear paths. Kate also underscores the importance of empathy, business understanding, and breaking down silos between roles to create meaningful user experiences. She encourages listeners to explore NN/g’s free articles, training, and weekly newsletter to stay informed and inspired.

Discover the unique user experience path that Joe Pulizzi, Founder, The Tilt, followed in this ninth episode of Season 3.

Discover the unique user experience path that Susan Weinschenk, CEO, The Team W, followed in this eighth episode of Season 3.In this podcast, Marc interviews Susan Weinschenk, CEO and Chief Behavioral Scientist at The Team W. Susan discusses her career journey, which blends user experience (UX) and behavioral design, drawing on her background in psychology. She emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior to design technology that works for users. Susan also reflects on her extensive experience writing books, particularly her well-known title 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People, and shares insights into why designing positive user experiences is challenging. She attributes this difficulty to flaws in the software development process, short-sightedness in design, and a general lack of awareness or care for user-centered design. Susan stresses the importance of passion, continual learning, and the diversity of roles in the UX field, offering advice for everyone interested in the profession. She encourages aspiring professionals to stay committed, highlighting that while it requires dedication and expertise, it's a fulfilling field with many opportunities for specialization.

Discover the unique user experience path that Thorsten Jonas, SUX Founder, followed in this seventh episode of Season 3. Find out how Sustainable User Experience (SUX) integrates sustainability principles into user experience (UX) design, reducing environmental impact. https://sustainableuxnetwork.com/

Discover the unique user experience path that Kuldeep Kelkar, Partner, User Research at UXReactor, followed in this sixth episode of Season 3.

Discover a conversation with Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf), and her insightful message about the importance of taking extra time to consider the needs of a wider spectrum in design.

Discover the unique user experience path that Donna Spencer, Principle Product Designer at MakerX, followed in this third episode of Season 3.

Discover the unique user experience path that Zack Naylor, CEO at Aurelius, followed in this third episode of Season 3.

Discover the unique user experience path that Cory Lebson, Principal UX Researcher at Lebsontech, followed in this second episode of Season 3.

Discover the unique user experience path that Jeff Johnson, Principal Consultant at UI Wizards, followed in this first episode of Season 3.

Discover the unique user experience path that Peter Horvath, UX & Design Lead at Whitespace, Co-Founder of 24 Hours of UX, and Lecturer at Lucerne University, followed in this twelfth episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Indi Young, Independent Qualitative Data Scientist & Problem Space Researcher, Consultant, Author, and Trainer, followed in this eleventh episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Luis Berumen, Director at Calgary UX, Director at IncluCity, and Sr. UX Designer at Technology + Innovation Lab at Enbridge, followed in this tenth episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Andy Vitale, Executive Vice President, Design, Rocket Companies, followed in this ninth episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Grace G. Lau, Information Architect,  Co-founder at DIA Design Guild, and Co-president at World IA Association, followed in this eigth episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Haunani Pao,  Managing Community Organiser at UX Auckland, followed in this seventh episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Jesse James Garrett, Design Leadership Coach, Author, and Speaker, followed in this sixth episode of Season 2. He created the book "Elements of User Experience" which truly solidified my understanding of the subject matter. Find out in this conversation with Jesse how he developed his book concept and where he sees the future of UX going.

Discover the unique user experience path that Sophia V Prater, Founder of Rewired & the OOUX Strategist Certification Program, followed in this fifth episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Craig Kistler, Director of Personalization & Experimentation at Signet Jewelers followed in this third episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Ben Woods, Owner of Covalent, followed in this third episode of Season 2. https://workwithcovalent.com/

Discover the unique user experience path that Elizabeth Rosenzweig, Principal Product Designer at Omnicell, Founder & Director at World Usability Day, followed in this second episode of Season 2. https://worldusabilityday.org/

Discover the unique user experience path that Ryan Leffel, Head Of Design at Priceline, followed in this first episode of Season 2.

Discover the unique user experience path that Apala Lahiri, Derek Featherstone, John Yunker, Molly E. Holzschlag, Jared Spool, Keith Instone, Carol Smith, Debbie Levitt, Darren Hood, Felesia McDonald, Jeff Sauro, and Everett McKay, followed in this Season 1 recap.

Discover the unique user experience path that Everett McKay,  Principal at UX Design Edge, followed in this twelfth episode.

Discover the unique user experience path that Jeff Sauro, Principal at MeasuringU, followed in this eleventh episode.

Discover the unique user experience path that Felesia McDonald, User Experience Manager at Sherwin-Williams & Adjunct Professor at Kent State University, followed in this tenth episode.

Discover the unique user experience path that Darren Hood, Principal Product Designer - Omnicell & Adjunct Professor, followed in this ninth episode. Check out his podcast, The World of UX with Darren Hood, on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1mIMWf10xo2aOeO88lvOVD

Discover the unique user experience path that  Debbie Levitt, Founder / Principal - DeltaCX, followed in this eighth episode.

Discover the unique user experience path that Carol Smith, Sr. Research Scientist - Carnegie Mellon University, followed in this seventh episode.

Discover the user experience path that Jared Spool, Maker of Awesomeness at Center Centre-UIE, traveled in this sixth episode. Find out how to make a living creating things that improve people's lives.

Discover the user experience path that Keith Instone, Founder of Dexterity User Experience, traveled in this fifth episode.

Discover the user experience path that Molly E. Holzschlag, web design and developer author, writer, and speaker, traveled in this fourth episode.

Discover the user experience path that John Yunker, Web Globalization Expert & Co-Founder at Byte Level Research, traveled in this third episode.

Discover the user experience path that Derek Featherstone, Chief eXperience Officer at Level Access, traveled in this second episode.

Discover the user experience path that Apala Lahiri, Co-Founder of HFI APAC, traveled in this first episode.