UX Banter

In this episode we are joined by Luis Berumen, Executive Director of Calgary UX. He brings deep experience working across enterprise platforms, government initiatives, and grassroots communities. He is passionate about shaping meaningful product direction, championing inclusive and accessible design, and mentoring the next generation of designers while actively contributing to the global design community.  Discussion Points -  Share your story, what experiences shaped you into who you are today? 2:00 How did your professional journey evolve from your early roles to where you are today? 6:26 How has growing up across different cultures and languages shaped the way you approach design? 15:02 You’ve built a strong UX community in Calgary through meetups, conferences, and mentorship. What drives you to invest in this, and what does mentorship mean to you when it comes to giving back? 25:13 What advice would you give to someone from a country under construction who wants to build an international design career? 35:51  Show notes -  If you always feel like you're fighting your environment, the means of the environment is wrong, not you. If what you love dies with you, then you never really loved it enough. You have to share it. You need to know that you can do it. As soon as you are in the room with creative people and you participate, you will be at the level. It doesn't matter where you're coming from. If you're going to migrate, you're going to experience rejection and loneliness. But that shouldn't define you. It's just one way to build resilience and keep going. Humour in UX is not just about being funny. If it's functional for the goal, like recovering from an error, then it's welcome. Otherwise it just humiliates the user when they're already down. People have three different feelings at the same time, influenced by so many things that are not just your application. You need to dig deeper into how people feel and keep understanding the human heart. Luis’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisberumen/

In this special crossover episode, we’re joined by AJ Bubb, host of the podcast Facing Disruptions, for an unscripted, high-energy conversation that flips the format. Instead of a traditional interview, this episode brings two hosts together for an authentic exchange on UX, product thinking, and the evolving role of designers. From hybrid roles and AI disruption to building high-performing teams and breaking silos, this episode dives into what it really takes to stay relevant in today’s fast-changing landscape. Discussion Points Tell us about your Journey. (AJ to Dushyant) 2:24 How do you design with empathy when you’re not at the edge, close to the user? (AJ to Dushyant) 6:42  How do you build teams that handle pressure and solve the right problems, not just deliver solutions? (Dushyant to AJ) 20:08 What does the future of high-performing teams look like? (Dushyant to AJ) 26:35 As new tech reshapes the rules, has it actually made your work better, especially on products like your podcast app? (Dushyant to AJ) 40:11 AI went from doing the work to supporting thinking. What changed, and what does that mean for the future? (Dushyant to AJ) 44:30 With AI speeding up product builds, are clients now expecting working products instead of just wireframes? (AJ to Dushyant) 59:50  Show Notes   ~ You can't just give one screen and say, can you please beautify it? You are not going to get the output. - Dushyant Kanungo  ~ You're hiring to solve the problem, not for the solution. You need people who can think about the problem. - AJ Bubb  ~ You need to give them that levy, the time to breathe, think, and do their best. — Dushyant Kanungo ~ We now get more time to think about the strategy part of UX than we ever had before. - Dushyant Kanungo  ~ If you're an engineer and you think you're being paid to code — you don't know what your job is. - AJ Bubb  ~ A dream without a plan is just wishful thinking. You are not going to win the lottery without buying the ticket. - Dushyant Kanungo   AJ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbubb/  His Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@FacingDisruption   #DesignLeadership #UXDesign #AIandUX #ProductThinking #Podcast 

In this episode, we’re joined by Bryan Dávila, Design Director at Hook Studios and a creative leader known for shaping award-winning digital experiences for global brands. With experience spanning top agencies and iconic organizations, including being one of the key designers at Apple, he brings a thoughtful perspective on design direction, branding, and creative leadership. He’s also deeply involved in industry juries and creative forums, where he continues to influence and mentor the design community. Discussion Point -  Take us through your journey from Ecuador to Silicon Valley and how you got to where you are today. 3:16 You started in print and physical design before moving to digital. How has that shaped the way you approach design compared to those who started natively in digital?  10:46 As a design leader, how do you guide your team through the constantly shifting landscape of AI and new tools?  14:15 Rapid fire round 16:14 Tell us about the Google Language Inclusion and Language Explorer projects and what drove you to work on them. 34:32 You have worked both in-house at Apple and at an agency working with Google. What is the key difference between those two worlds? 42:09 What advice would you give to someone who wants to get a job at a company like Apple? 49:23  Show notes -  Discipline counts double than talent. Talent might get you noticed early, but discipline is what compounds over time. Good design doesn't happen solo. Leading a design team is mostly about creating the right environment for smart and thoughtful work to come to life and thrive. The work I'm most proud of isn't just the work that wins awards. It's the work that actually helps someone understand, feel and act with less friction. Design used to be seen as decoration. Now it's infrastructure. It shapes how people learn, communicate and make decisions and that's a huge shift in responsibility. The medium has changed but the perception hasn't. Good design still starts with people, not platforms. It's not necessarily something that looks good, but something that truly impacts the world. That is what makes the work meaningful.  Bryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davilabryan/  Explore the Google Language Inclusion initiative: https://sites.research.google/languages/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Forister, Creative Director at Flywheel and a seasoned creative leader with deep experience across ideation, concept development, and team leadership. His work has earned multiple national awards and global recognition. Beyond client work, Kevin is passionate about mentoring creatives and shares practical insights through his book Breaking Into Art Direction and his YouTube channel, Open Door Creative.  Discussion Points  ~ How did your journey start, and what led you to become a Creative Director?  1:35 ~ What does the role of a Creative Director actually entail, and how do you manage a team of creatives? 5:16  ~ How do you balance working within brand guidelines while still pushing creative boundaries? 9:03  ~ How is AI changing the creative industry, and what is your take on the fear and imposter syndrome around it? 22:51 ~ Tell us about your YouTube channel, Open Door Creative, and what drove you to create it? 34:44  ~ Tell us about your book, Breaking Into Art Direction, and what can readers expect from it? 37:16   Show notes  ~ Design doesn’t exist only on screens or inside tools. It’s shaped by how much you pay attention to the world, the conversations you listen to, and the ideas you allow yourself to explore outside of your immediate work. ~ A lot of what I know didn’t come from formal training. It came from listening, observing, and staying curious about things that didn’t seem directly related to design at the time. ~ Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for better questions, better conversations, and letting people grow into their own strengths. ~ You never really stop learning in this field. We’re all still figuring things out, making assumptions, testing ideas, and adjusting as the world keeps changing. ~ Curiosity is one of the most underrated skills in design. The more curious you stay, the more perspectives you collect — and that always shows up in your work. ~ What excites me most is seeing people take what they’ve heard, make their own assumptions, and form their own point of view. That’s where real creative confidence begins.  Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinforister/ His YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OpenDoorCreative  

In this episode, we are joined by Justin, a designer, author, and speaker who focuses deeply on the human side of design. Justin has spent years exploring how culture, values, and craft shape the way designers build products and teams, helping creatives think beyond tools and trends to create more meaningful work. He’s also the author of Creative Culture and In Fulfillment: The Designer’s Journey, where he shares reflections on growth, humility, and lifelong learning in design.  Discussion Points -  What was your journey from deciding to become a designer to building your own studio? 2:11 Has your perspective on agency work evolved over time, or is it what you originally envisioned? 5:28 How do you balance your day job with personal creative pursuits without feeling like you’re missing out on other opportunities? 14:53 How has your workflow evolved from traditional tools to today’s AI-driven design processes? 24:18 When choosing new projects, do you prefer working with specific types of clients or project sizes? 27:53 What advice would you give your younger self, and do you think it still holds true today? 30:06 Show notes - Designers need to think beyond tools and trends if they want to create work that truly matters. People are engaging with our experiences in real, imperfect environments, and that responsibility should guide how we design. Design is a profession, but for many of us, it’s also a passion and a calling. Early success can be dangerous if you’re not prepared for it. Ego can quietly hurt the work. Leveraging humility while still respecting your expertise is one of the most important lessons in a design career. Never stop learning. Never stop being a student of your craft—this advice will always be relevant.  Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pseudoroom/  Company’s Website:  https://anomalibydesign.com His books, In Fulfillment: The Designer's Journey (https://in-fulfillment.com) and Creative Culture (https://the-culturebook.com)

In this episode, we’re joined by Feras Abdul Khayum, UX & Product Design Lead at Data D Solutions, who shares his journey from early startup work to leading UX in mission-critical U.S. healthcare insurance systems. The conversation dives deep into designing for trust, responsibility, and speed, especially when decisions can directly impact human lives.  Discussion Points: What’s your origin story—from your early life and education to becoming a design leader today? 2:09 You’re currently working in the insurance sector. Do you think this niche is receiving the attention and recognition it truly deserves? 7:22 Is this a double-edged challenge, serving end users while also enabling enterprise users to confidently make data-driven decisions? 10:43 Rapid fire round 13:00 What does it take to design AI solutions for healthcare in emergency situations, and what is your approach to it? 17:03 What advice would you give to your younger self or to the youth who want to follow in your footsteps? Anything they should watch out for? 29:01  Show notes:   In healthcare UX, you’re not designing for delight or engagement metrics — you’re designing for responsibility. Every decision has a real human impact, and that changes how seriously you approach the work. When systems influence life-critical decisions, trust isn’t built through visuals alone. It comes from clarity, transparency, and helping users understand why a decision was made. AI should never replace human accountability in healthcare. Its real value is in supporting faster, more informed decisions while keeping humans firmly in control. Speed in healthcare UX isn’t about moving fast for efficiency’s sake. It’s about reducing friction at moments where delays can affect outcomes and, sometimes, lives. Deep domain understanding is non-negotiable in complex systems. Without it, even the most beautiful interface can fail the people who depend on it. Ethical design becomes unavoidable when your work impacts real people. In healthcare, you don’t get the luxury of treating ethics as a secondary consideration.  Feras’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feras-ak-dezine-theuxguy/ 

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Miller, Associate Creative Director at Level Studios, who brings over a decade of experience designing and scaling digital products across enterprise platforms. Michael leads multidisciplinary teams focused on UI strategy, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration. With a background spanning experiential design, marketing, and product design, he shares a grounded perspective on building systems that balance structure, creativity, and real business impact. Discussion Points  ~How did your journey into creative leadership begin? (1:39) ~Do your past experiences in marketing and creative projects influence the work you do today? (4:28) ~Why is understanding the business and domain critical for enterprise-level UX and product design? (6:26) ~Rapid fire round (9:35) ~Do UX designers often take on business analyst responsibilities, from understanding requirements to envisioning how solutions will be executed? (20:14) ~How is AI changing your role today, and where do you see it taking the future of design? (27:42) ~What advice would you give your younger self 10–15 years ago? (34:13) Show Notes  ~Design isn’t just about visuals—it’s about understanding people and what makes them engage. ~The real through line in my work has always been human connection, whether it’s the user or the client. ~Strong systems thinking and organization naturally translate into great product design. ~You don’t need to be the subject matter expert, but you need to understand how the business works. ~Good design comes from working closely with experts and understanding what actually works in the real world. ~Design systems aren’t about control; they’re about creating structures that allow things to grow. ~UX isn’t just about solving the problem given; it’s about understanding what the real problem is. Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creationmod/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Watkins, Founder and Creative Director at Farewell. With over 250 websites launched, Kevin brings deep expertise in building fast, accessible, and future-ready digital experiences. We dive into his journey from WordPress to Webflow, embracing chaos in the creator world, and what it takes to design scalable, inclusive websites today.  Discussion Points -  What led you to start Farewell and your journey into web design? 2:23 What kind of clients or brands do you typically work with, and what excites you most about these projects? 5:05 What challenges did you face while building and scaling your studio? 6:09 Do designers naturally become good managers as teams grow? 8:21 Rapid fire round 9:41 How do you see AI influencing design and creativity? 16:25 What advice would you give to aspiring creative founders? 24:38 Show notes -  Embrace the chaos instead of running away from it. That has been our motto, and it reflects in everything we do. Original ideas will always win. AI is just reusing what's out there, pulling from a database of original ideas, so keep creating. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Be flexible with the things you're doing and be ready to change direction. Fail forward is one of our core values here at the agency. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; they are part of the journey. If you're jumping into the creative space right now, buckle up because it's fun, it's chaotic, it's rewarding, you'll laugh, and you'll cry. But there's no better field to be a part of. Being a tool agnostic is key right now. If another tool comes around that serves our clients better, we will switch to that without hesitation.   Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstanleywatkins/ Company’s Website: https://www.heyfarewell.com/  

In this episode, we sit down with Taylor Gurian, Director of User Experience at Nebo, to explore her journey across marketing, customer insights, and UX leadership. Taylor shares practical guidance on building a career in UX, why non-traditional backgrounds are an advantage, and how real-world experience shapes strong designers.    Discussion points - Walk us through your journey from architecture to marketing to UX and how each chapter shaped where you are today. 1:56 How do you use your marketing background in your day-to-day UX work? 10:19 Rapid fire round 13:43 Do you think defining product requirements should be part of a UX designer’s role, or should a business analyst handle that before the design process begins? 17:57 How is AI changing the way UX designers work, and what is your approach to using it responsibly? 21:16 How is your team at Nebo currently adopting AI tools, and what has the experience been like so far? 23:23 What advice would you give to someone trying to break into UX today when entry level jobs are harder to find than ever? 32:33 Show notes -  Use your past experience as a superpower. Whether you were a nurse, a marketer or anything else, you can always find your differentiator in what you did before. AI should do boring work for creative people, not creative things for boring people. Let it handle the grunt work, so you have more time and space for the creative stuff. Think of AI as your eager intern. It wants to move fast, it has a few ideas for you, but you always need to adjust and modify its work because you are the expert, not it. If you're trying to respond to human problems, try to stay away from AI. We, as humans helping other humans, must stay human no matter where efficiency takes us. The traditional UX path doesn't really exist, and it doesn't need to. What makes you unique is your differentiator, and that is what stands out when everything else looks the same. Get experience doing work with real people. Even if it never goes live, the interaction with a real human is what builds your portfolio and your instincts at the same time.   Taylor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorgurian/ Company’s website: https://www.neboagency.com/  

In this episode, we are joined by Ranjithkumar Rajarethinam, Director of Design & Strategy at Esperia Studio. With over 20 years of experience, Ranjit has worked across industries from banking to manufacturing, blending empathy, process, and AI-driven tools to shape user experiences. He is also the founder of Learner at Large, a platform that mentors UX designers at every stage of their careers. Discussion Points ~ How did your design journey begin, and what were the turning points that shaped your career?  ~ How do you see AI impacting design careers today, especially for junior designers entering the field? ~ Rapid fire round  ~ Can you walk us through your stakeholder management framework and why stakeholder buy-in is critical in enterprise UX?  ~ How do you adapt your design approach across diverse industries like banking, manufacturing, and energy?  ~ What’s one key piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out?  Show Notes ~ Everything I learned so far has come full circle with AI—today I can scale my skills in ways I couldn’t before. ~ When you build a portfolio, make sure it carries your stamp—don’t try to be another designer in the market. ~ Resources are the same for juniors and seniors now; the difference lies in vision and the willingness to iterate. ~ In enterprise UX, you’re not just designing screens—you’re designing alliances. ~Time is money. To succeed, you must understand the customer’s business context, not just their users. ~ The three skills that will define careers in the next decade are creative problem-solving, analytical thinking, and lifelong learning. Ranjith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learneratlarge/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Aysha Samrin, UX Design Architect at McAfee. Aysha’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. From illustrating children’s books and building brands to leading UX strategy in global tech, her path has been shaped by cultural influences spanning India, Abu Dhabi, the UK, and Canada. Alongside her industry roles, she also mentors the next generation of designers as a Senior UX Instructor at the Vancouver Institute of Media Arts. Discussion Points - ~ What was your journey like from illustration and branding to becoming a UX leader? 1:47 ~ What is PropTech? 12:58 ~ How have cultural influences from India, Abu Dhabi, the UK, and Canada shaped your design approach? 13:45 ~ Rapid Fire Round 20:48 ~ How are you experimenting with AI tools, and what opportunities or challenges do you see for designers? 26:54 ~ What has your experience been like teaching UX at VanArts and mentoring the next generation of designers? 29:57 ~ What advice do you have for young designers who are just beginning their careers in this field? 35:34 Show notes - ~ A lot of cultural influences show up in my design without me consciously putting them in—it’s what I’ve grown up with and observed. ~ Illustration taught me storytelling, and that skill has been invaluable in UX. ~  Understanding cultural context, like payment methods, colors, or patterns, can make or break a user experience. ~ Exploring AI tools has been eye-opening, not to replace designers, but to see how they can support creativity. ~ Teaching reminds me that design fundamentals never go out of style. ~ Formal design education matters; it gives you a foundation to build a long-term career instead of realizing too late that you’re in the wrong field. ~ Living and working across different countries taught me that even simple design choices, like colors or payment methods, carry deep cultural meaning. Aysha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-samrin/   

In this episode, we are joined by Ryan Brink, Senior Product Designer at Michigan Software Labs. With a background that spans business, sports, and marketing, Ryan’s journey into UX is anything but traditional. His experience coaching soccer shaped his collaborative, people-first design mindset, while his early work in marketing and analytics honed his ability to combine creativity with data. Today, Ryan designs enterprise platforms, compliance tools, and AI-powered workflows—all with a focus on clarity, collaboration, and user-centered thinking. Discussion Points ~ How did your journey into UX design begin? 2:15  ~Since sports are data-heavy, do you see a connection between that and digital design dashboards? 6:36 ~ Do you think people from non-design backgrounds challenge or enrich your perspective in UX? 8:40 ~ Rapid Fire Round 10:16 ~ What unique challenges do you face when designing for enterprise software and compliance-heavy products? 15:25 ~ How are you leveraging AI in your design process, and what opportunities or risks does it bring? 20:31 ~ What inspired your book, Phony Confessions of a Designer, and how does humor play a role in your approach to design? 24:54 ~ What advice do you have for young designers starting their careers today? 26:57 Show notes  ~ UX is all about creating alignment; it’s not about who has the best idea, but about what’s best for the end user. ~ Coaching soccer taught me leadership and teamwork—skills I bring into every design project. ~ Metrics bridge the gap between creativity and strategy; they tell us what’s working and where we need to improve. ~ AI can’t replace the UX process. If you put in garbage, garbage will come out. ~ Creativity was the missing piece in my career. Once I found design, tinkering with problems stopped feeling like work. ~ Enterprise UX isn’t just about usability; it’s about navigating red tape, earning stakeholder buy-in, and still keeping the user at the center. ~ Humor helps us stay honest about our flaws as designers; sometimes laughing at our “confessions” makes us better at what we do. Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-brink/ Ryan’s Website: https://brinkryan.com/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Paige Maguire, Director of UX & Research at Fueled. With a background in philosophy and law, Paige’s journey into UX has been shaped by her deep curiosity about human behavior and communication. Over the years, she has blended strategic thinking with user empathy to design digital products that are both intuitive and impactful. Her leadership brings clarity to complexity, helping teams create smarter, human-centered solutions. Discussion Points ~ How did your journey evolve from studying philosophy and law to becoming a UX leader? 1:34 ~ How do you apply advocacy and negotiation skills from your legal background to UX practice? 3:19 ~ Rapid fire round 8:35 ~ How is your team navigating the rise of AI in tools and user experience design? 12:10 ~ How do you keep your team creatively inspired while experimenting with new tools and technologies? 19:50 ~ What advice do you have for young designers who are just beginning their careers in this field? 21:24 Show Notes ~ We do a little bit of advocacy every day, balancing technical feasibility, stakeholder needs, and usability while fighting for our users. ~ Data can tell us what happened in the past, but we must always leave space for the irrationality of human behavior. ~ Start slow, but start now. That’s our mantra at Fueled when integrating AI into design processes. ~ We put our foot down - at Fueled, we do not use synthetic users for research. Nothing replaces talking to real people. ~ Design is more than putting pixels together; it's about leaving space for the creative act, the magic that brings ideas to life. ~ Don’t be afraid of AI replacing you. Let it assist your creative act, not inhibit it. Paige’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigemaguire/

In this episode, we are joined by Cathy Davenport Lee, Principal Creative Director of Product Design & Marketing at Eluvio. With over 15 years of experience blending product design, brand storytelling, and emerging tech, Cathy has led award-winning projects across industries. Formerly VP of Interaction Design at HBO, she has shaped iconic campaigns for series such as Game of Thrones and Westworld, while continually pushing the boundaries of digital experiences. Discussion Points ~ Can you take us through your journey from studying digital design to leading creative roles at HBO and Eluvio, and what it was like working on household names like Game of Thrones and Westworld? 1:33 ~ Can you tell us about your current role at Eluvio and the direction you’re headed in your career? 12:00 ~ Rapid fire round 13:00 ~ How do you feel about the creative industry's emphasis on awards and recognition? 16:23 ~ How are you using AI in your day-to-day work right now? 35:09 ~ Can you tell us about your podcast? 35:44 ~ What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to follow in your footsteps? 37:10 Show notes ~ Back then, nobody knew what a digital designer was. We were inventing the role while still trying to explain what the internet could even do. ~ I spent years dreaming of working at HBO. When the call finally came, it felt surreal, like a moment I had manifested years before. ~ Awards are great, but they depend a lot on access. If your company can't afford to submit, your work might never get seen. ~ AI isn’t just something happening to creatives. If we want to influence where it's going, we have to engage with it now, not later. ~ Tools and technologies are shifting so fast that by the time you plan a project, the platform you started with may already be outdated. ~ Sometimes the most powerful thing a creative can do is pause, to protect their imagination, recharge, and create from a place of clarity. Links: Cathy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathydavenportlee/ Cathy’s Podcast: https://podcast.thecreativeleadworkshop.com/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Hernan Ibanez, Head of Art at Ogilvy New York. With over two decades of experience in advertising and design, Hernan has led creative work for prominent brands such as PlayStation, Oreo, and Toyota. His global journey and passion for storytelling continue to shape impactful campaigns and inspire creative teams worldwide. Discussion Points - ~ Tell us about your journey — how did you go from Rosario, Argentina, to leading creative work in New York? 1:32 ~ How did moving across cultures and cities from Argentina to LA, Miami, and then New York shape you professionally? 3:24 ~ Rapid fire round 12:45 ~ With AI-generated artwork becoming part of creative workflows, how do you see it reshaping the design process? 14:55 ~ In the age of AI and evolving creative workflows, how do you see the role of design leadership adapting? 20:34 ~ At Ogilvy, what key qualities are prioritized when bringing new talent on board? 23:27 Show notes - ~ You’re the only person that needs to coexist with yourself for your entire life, so don’t try to become someone else. ~ I can help people grow, but I can’t teach them passion. That has to come from within. ~ New York allows you to be part of different cultures while still being yourself—that’s what I love about it. ~ We’re still trying to insert AI into our old workflow, but the real shift will come when AI helps shape the workflow itself. ~ The most important part of creative leadership is making sure everyone feels like they own the work—it’s everybody’s puppy. ~ Some of the most rewarding moments aren’t about awards, they’re about seeing your work in the places that once inspired you.   Hernan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernanibanez/  

In this episode, we are joined by Larry Marine, a pioneer in UX research with over three decades of experience and more than 250 successful projects. He's elevated product leadership for companies like ProFlowers and FedEx Print Services and is the author of Disruptive Research. He currently serves as the Director of Research and Design at LSA Digital. Discussion Points: ~ How was the journey for you, starting back in the 90s—how do you see the changes in UX from then to now? 1:57 ~ How different is the workload you're managing now, and what are the key differences compared to the early years of UX? 4:44 ~ Does your life experience—military discipline, moving across the country—reflect in the way you approach design? 8:00   ~ How can applying AI to large-scale research repositories help identify and bridge user knowledge gaps more effectively than traditional personas? 13:57 ~ What is advanced UX, and how does it differ from traditional UX methods? 16:39 ~ What advice do you have for senior UX professionals who are at a crossroads—either learning AI or moving into management? 26:38 Show notes:  ~ Excellent design tries to address that knowledge gap by embedding what you know about the product into the design. ~ Personas are far too vague. They don't describe anything that will affect your design. ~ I didn’t like the whole management track. I’m an individual contributor, and I do hands-on work because that’s where I add the most value. ~ Observations are far better than interviews. People often say one thing and do another. ~ If 100 people are doing the same thing 100 different ways, it means nobody knows how to do it right. Let’s design to guide them to the best practice. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrymarine/ https://lsadigital.com  

In this episode, we are joined by Derek Boman, Director of Product Design, Liminal. With a strong background in brand design, digital experiences, and UX leadership, Derek is building transformative tools at the intersection of AI, design, and finance. He’s passionate about mentoring future designers and solving complex problems through creativity and empathy. Discussion Points ~ Can you tell us about your career journey—from growing up in a tech-savvy environment to leading at Socrates AI? 1:28 ~ What is your leadership style and how do you empower your teams in today’s fast-evolving tech space? 3:50 ~ Are you navigating the rapid changes in AI technology, and how often do you need to adapt your tools? 7:30 ~ What inspired the creation of Socrates AI, especially coming from a UX background into FinTech? 9:25 ~ Rapid Fire 15:02 ~ How do you ensure the use of AI in your product is meaningful and not just trendy? 17:52 ~ As a mentor and educator, what advice do you give to young designers and job seekers in tech? 24:24 Show notes  ~ Good leadership means removing roadblocks, not controlling outcomes. Give your team space, context, and trust—then get out of their way. ~ AI should solve real user pain, not just be sprinkled in for novelty. Ask: What becomes possible now that wasn’t before? ~ Design can drive adoption and understanding in even the driest industries—finance included. That’s where real impact lives. ~ If you're a junior designer, this is your moment. Learn AI now—because everyone is learning it together, and you can lead the charge. ~ Don’t aim to replace humans with AI. Use it to free them from the grind so they can focus on strategic, high-value work. ~ Hiring isn’t about who’s perfect today—it’s about who’s growing fastest. Coachability and curiosity beat static skills every time. Derek's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bomanderek/

In this episode, we are joined by Ruwan Fernando, a seasoned UX leader with expertise in AAA games, SaaS, and gamification. With experience across five countries, he brings a unique perspective on design, storytelling, and user engagement. Tune in as we explore his journey, industry insights, and the evolving role of UX in gaming. Discussion points: ~ How did your journey into UX and game design begin? 1:45 ~ How did your expectations of the gaming industry change over time? 7:20 ~ Do you need to be a gamer to succeed in the industry? 12:50 ~ Rapid fire round 17:55 ~ What are you looking forward to at GDC, and how can people connect with you? 22:59 ~ Which of your work/accomplishments are you most proud of? 23:23 ~ What’s your top advice for aspiring game designers and UX professionals? 29:33 Show notes: ~ UX is a job of communication. Design just happens along the way. UX is all about communicating your vision as someone making a product to the expectations of a user who's expecting to use it. It's shortening the distance between the two. ~ Technology is experienced through the interface. If you don't build the interface, then you've built a technology that will never be experienced. ~ The longer we leave people out of the discussion, the more the product itself fails to connect with its audience. ~ We use things like pressure, time, scarcity, and tension to ramp up or down the emotional connection to a story. If a game isn’t emotionally engaging, it’s not an engaging story. ~ If you only ever observe other people's solutions, what you're observing is a list of compromises that you have never seen. So you take that solution and all the compromises with it without understanding what they were. Then you build something based on compromises on which you further compromise. ~ The minute you say ‘I prefer it this way,’ you take what is a wide-angle perspective and narrow it to one. But we need to appeal to millions of people, not just ourselves. ~ Instead of going wide, I recommend you narrow focus, become incredible at it, and then graduate to the next. Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruwan-f/  https://adplist.org/mentors/ruwan-fernando

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Feenstra Kuiper, a senior UX researcher at King. With a background in AI and human-computer interaction, she has led impactful research at companies like Spotify and GoodNotes. Passionate about storytelling and mentorship, she empowers teams to create user-centered, meaningful designs. Discussion points - ~ Tell us about your journey into UX research. 1:51 ~ Do you think the key difference between these worlds is the focus on logic versus human impact? 6:22 ~ How did you land roles at major companies like Spotify, King, and GoodNotes? 8:13 ~Do you think a strong portfolio matters more, or is it all about how you handle the interview? 10:53 ~ Rapid fire round 15:51 ~ How does working on widely used products, like Candy Crush or Spotify, impact the research process? 26:48 Show notes - ~ I never had a big goal of working at a major company. I just kept building my skills, taking opportunities as they came, and growing my network. ~ Foundational research helps teams shape new products, validate ideas, and inspire innovation—it's about asking 'why' before jumping to 'what' and 'how'. ~ A good UX research portfolio isn’t just about showcasing work; it’s about communicating impact in a way that both recruiters and hiring managers understand. ~ Working on a widely used product means every research decision carries weight—you're not just solving for one group, but for millions of diverse users. ~ The hardest part about breaking into UX research isn’t just skill—it’s networking, being in the right place, and finding people who can open doors for you. ~ I love seeing messy sketches and raw research notes in portfolios—real work isn’t polished, and that’s what makes it authentic and valuable. Links - www.linkedin.com/in/kimfeenstrakuiper www.careers.king.com

In this episode, we are joined by Wayne Pelletier, Founder and CEO of Resonant Pixel Company. With extensive experience in web design and digital strategy, Wayne is transforming the industry with a subscription-based model that simplifies website management for businesses. A Squarespace expert, he’s passionate about delivering scalable, high-value web solutions that empower brands to grow effortlessly. Discussion points - ~ How did you start your career? 1:17 ~ What differentiates low-code and no-code platforms from traditional coding, and how has your experience in web development shaped your perspective on them?  4:16 ~Every business is essentially in the business of content creation. Can you elaborate on that concept and its importance for website success? 6:23 ~Do you think we are moving toward a 'post-website world,' and what role do social media and AI-driven feeds play in this shift? 8:21 ~ Rapid fire round 17:23 ~Your business operates on a subscription-based web design model. What makes this approach successful, and how does it benefit small businesses? 20:01 ~ How do you ensure a strong user experience for websites focused solely on information rather than business outcomes? 24:00 ~What advice would you give to young professionals or designers looking to build a long-term career in web design and digital strategy? 27:55 Show notes - ~ Understanding how things are built goes a long way to building better things, no matter your platform. ~ When you have a website, you have a shack in the woods—without content and marketing, there's no traffic and no one around. ~ The idea behind productizing services is to level out revenue so that it's mostly only ever-growing instead of dealing with the feast-or-famine cycle. ~ Hiring you is a ton of work, and hiring someone else is also a ton of work—so clients don’t just leave as easily as people fear. ~ From a UX standpoint, I’ve made hundreds of websites over the years, and I have a deep understanding of how user behavior differs across industries. ~ Going to lunch and getting to know the people you work with now pays dividends—because one day, they’ll be decision-makers who need what you do. ~ Social platforms sell fast, but the problem is when you make sales on another platform, those customers are not yours—you can’t contact them, and u don’t own that relationship. Links - www.linkedin.com/in/waynepelletier/ www.resonantpixel.co  

In this episode, we are joined by Santhosh Ragalpavi Balasubramaniam, a seasoned UX leader, design thinking facilitator, and founder of UX Ahead. With experience leading digital transformations for global brands like BP, HSBC, and SAP, he shares insights on inclusive design, UX leadership, and the evolving role of individual contributors in enterprise environments. Discussion points: ~ What was your journey like when you decided to become a designer? Who inspired you, and how did you get here? 3:51 ~ Is a formal degree essential for a UX career, especially in regions like India, where company policies may require it? 18:33 ~ Rapid fire round 24:44 ~ Whenever the discussion arises about being an in-house designer versus an agency designer, it often gets framed as working at a startup or freelancing—how do you see this distinction, and do you think it's that simple? 31:01 ~ Being on the strategy side, are you ever tempted to pursue a role like Director of UX, Chief Design Officer, or Design Principal?40:10 ~ What advice would you give to aspiring UX professionals on choosing the right career path? 42:16 Show notes: ~ As an individual contributor, you may not have decision-making authority, but you still need to influence decisions and drive collaboration across teams. ~ Design is not just about making things look good; it’s about solving real problems for users and businesses alike. ~ Early on, businesses didn’t understand why they needed UX. They just wanted a website or a brochure without considering the actual user needs. ~ A designer’s job isn’t just to take requirements and create something in isolation—it’s about understanding the business, the users, and bridging that gap. ~ The biggest challenge for UX professionals is not just mastering tools, but developing the ability to collaborate, influence, and educate stakeholders. ~ Chasing job titles won’t make you a better designer. Focus on what you can learn and how you can apply your skills in real-world scenarios.  ~ Mindset is key in design. You have to detach from your work, accept feedback, and always remember that design is about the user, not the designer. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santhoshrb/ www.uxahead.com/  

In this episode, we are joined by Jonas Bröms, a globally recognized senior product designer and mentor with years of expertise in UX and user-centered design. Named among the top product designers worldwide, Jonas combines creative brilliance with technical acumen to craft impactful digital solutions for innovative startups. From overcoming personal and professional challenges to shaping the future of UX through mentorship, Jonas shares valuable insights that inspire and empower the next generation of designers. Discussion Points: ~ How does it feel to be recognized as the top authority in your field and at the top of your game? 1:30 ~ You’ve been deeply involved in mentorship; what inspired you to start mentoring, and how has it impacted your own growth? 8:28 ~ How has traveling and working across Sweden, UAE, Cyprus, and other places shaped you as an individual and professional? 12:16 ~ What advice would you give to your younger self or to those who want to follow in your footsteps? 26:38 ~ As technology evolves, what are your thoughts on the future of UX design, especially with AI and voice interfaces changing user interactions? 30:50 Show notes: ~ I haven’t sunk it in yet, but I try not to feed my impostor syndrome. Instead, I focus on being proud of what I’ve achieved and the people I’ve helped along the way. ~ Mentorship has been a journey where I not only help others but also gain perspective on myself and my work. It’s a transfer of knowledge and experiences that challenges and inspires me. ~ When everything fell apart last year, I remembered a friend's advice: 'Do something for somebody else.' It changed my perspective and gave me purpose during difficult times. ~ The way we interact with technology is going to change drastically. It’s no longer just about screens; it’s about creating experiences through voice, augmented reality, and more natural interactions. ~ Be inspired by what others create instead of feeling afraid or envious of it. Use it to fuel your own journey and creativity. ~ The accumulation of small, meaningful questions over time leads to deeper understanding and better collaboration. Links: www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-broms/ www.odduse.com

In this episode, we are joined by Olivier Cottin, an experienced product design leader with 18 years in venture building and human-centered design. Olivier has worked with top companies like Careem, Uber, and Shell, helping startups achieve product-market fit through innovative design strategies. Currently an advisor and product design leader at Nyla Bank, he brings invaluable insights into transforming customer needs into successful digital products. Discussion points - ~ Can you share your journey with us and what it has been like so far? 1:46 ~ How has your multicultural and diverse background influenced your approach to work? 7:28 ~ Rapid fire round 10:45 ~ How has your background in human-computer interaction shaped your approach to fintech design and understanding user psychology? 16:54 ~ How does designing for Middle Eastern and Asian markets differ from working in Europe or the West? 20:28 ~ Now that you’re on the other side as a venture capitalist, how has that perspective shifted your approach to design and innovation? 28:59 ~ What common mistakes do you see in startup pitches, and what advice would you offer to entrepreneurs to stand out. 30:16 Show notes - ~ I’ve realized there’s a whole part of the world that does things differently. It’s not that it’s the wrong way; it’s just different, and it takes time to adapt and relearn. ~ In emerging markets, it’s not always about the quality of execution; it’s about being first to market, locking in your distribution, and eliminating competition early. ~ Founders often get so obsessed with their product that they skip validation, pouring time and money into something without knowing who will buy it or how to distribute it. ~ Having a mixed heritage and career across different regions has taught me to approach problems with multiple perspectives and adapt to unique ways of doing things. ~ Accounting taught me the value of structure, but I also realized that creativity within such rigid frameworks often leads to undesirable consequences. ~ Business is all about people. To create value, you need to deeply understand your customers—their behaviors, demographics, and what problems you’re solving for them. Links - www.linkedin.com/in/oliviercottin www.nylabank.com   

In this episode, we’re joined by Tyler King, Senior UX Researcher at SAP, with over 10 years of expertise in human-centered design, product strategy, and driving UX maturity in enterprises. Tyler discusses her journey of transforming customer insights into successful digital products, the complexities of designing for large-scale systems, and why storytelling is a vital skill for UX professionals. Discussion Points - ~ How does it feel to be a design leader, and what has your journey been like in spreading ideas at the enterprise level, especially in complex industries? 1:47 ~ When you're dealing with a large product-based company with multiple product managers and owners, how do you prioritize tasks?  8:06 ~ How do you quantify data from diverse users, especially when they aren't software professionals? 10:31 ~ Rapid fire round 12:31 ~ Do you miss working in the B2C market? 16:50 ~ Is there any technology that you are really excited about, specifically regarding AI or quantum computing? 21:25 ~ Do you have any upcoming conferences you're attending? 22:57 ~ What advice do you have for people who want to follow your footsteps in UX, especially for junior UX professionals? 24:02 Show notes - ~B2B has really, really complex systems. And it's a really interesting space if you're into problem-solving. ~ Enterprise UX is often the most neglected side of design because people think that users are getting paid to use the software, so functionality takes priority over experience. ~ Being in the enterprise space, it's less obvious, but the challenges are always complex, and solving them is immensely rewarding. ~ I think the most important skill for junior UX designers is storytelling. It's what gets your stakeholders on board and helps them understand your work. ~ In enterprise, the interfaces may not be as sexy as Netflix, but if you're excited by solving complex problems, you'll never be bored. ~ When you're working on mission-critical applications, the impact is significant—it's not just about making something look good; it’s about making sure it works for the people who rely on it. Links:  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-nicole-king/ Website: www.sap.com   

In this episode, we’re joined by Begga Hauksdottir, User Experience Director at TrusTrace, with over 12 years of expertise in product design, digital innovation, and user experience. Begga discusses her passion for creating impactful solutions, guiding teams through user-centric methodologies like design thinking, and driving meaningful change through design. Discussion Point: What was your professional journey like and what shaped you as a design professional? 2:56 Did you notice any cultural shifts when the smaller design studio you worked at was acquired by the larger organization? 5:57 How do you think the cultural experiences from living in Iceland, Italy, and Sweden have influenced your approach to design and the work you do now?  8:57 Rapid fire round 15:15 What are the key challenges you face in managing your remote team in India while working in a B2B structure, and how do you address those challenges? 20:17 As a design leader, what key qualities do you want your team to develop, and what measures are you taking to foster those qualities within your team? 26:03 What advice would you give to young designers aspiring to follow in your footsteps? 27:13 Show notes: As creative professionals, it becomes our responsibility to stay foolish, stay curious, keep discovering things, and keep knowing what is new to come. Even though we have the repository, we always want to recheck the data with a smaller sample to validate what information we already have, because every year or so, a new product comes into the market, and people's perceptions might change. We have to design very quickly, working with certain knowledge and biases, but it’s crucial to constantly check: Am I still on the right track? Are there knowledge gaps that have come up? Expose yourself to a lot of things early on. Don’t just go for the first comfortable position. Test out what resonates with you, because being unhappy at work for 40 years won’t make good products—or you—happy. It’s not about having a sleek, beautiful portfolio for me—it’s about solving meaningful problems. Find what resonates with you, not what looks good on paper. Keep networking, engaging, listening to podcasts, and reading books. That’s the journey for any career, but especially for a designer. Links - Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/berglindhauksdottir/ Company’s Website - http://www.trustrace.com

In this episode, we are joined by Mario Van der Meulen, the founder of MVDM Designs. Mario is a human-focused, insights-driven experience design leader and innovation strategist, with nearly 30 years of experience in the design industry. He has been instrumental in helping organizations around the world and serves as a mentor at ADP List. Discussion points: ~ Can you briefly share your journey from starting in Europe to ending up in Singapore over the past 30 years? 1:53 ~ Many designers face challenges when entering the market, especially when it comes to language barriers. What advice do you have for navigating these situations? 7:48 ~ Do research methods or insights change when moving between different countries or regions? 9:31 ~ Rapid fire round 11:21 ~ How do you handle vague, non-actionable feedback based on gut feelings, especially when there are no clear, constructive points to work with? 18:47 ~ Do you see a significant visual difference in web design between content-heavy styles in some countries and the minimalistic approaches in others? How do these contrasting styles affect global designers in choosing a direction? 26:22 ~ Where will you be speaking at conferences in the coming days, and how can people meet you in person to learn more? 35:40 Show notes: ~ The primary goal of design should always be to serve the user. Understanding their needs and behaviors is essential for creating impactful experiences. ~ Criticism should be seen as an opportunity, not a setback. It brings diverse perspectives that can elevate our work. ~ Design does not exist in a vacuum; it's influenced by cultural contexts. What resonates in one culture might not in another. ~ While designs should look good, they must also be practical and intuitive. The balance between beauty and function is key. ~ Decisions in design should be backed by data and user research. Validating our choices ensures they truly meet user needs. ~ Clear communication about design decisions builds trust with stakeholders and ensures alignment with business goals. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariovdm/ Website: https://www.mvdm.me  

In this episode, we are joined by Stacey Seronick, the Senior Design Program Manager at IBM. With a wealth of experience in developing educational programs for designers and researchers, Stacey is passionate about service design, employee experience, and generative research. Join us as we explore her journey in the design industry, the importance of ethical design, and her insights on mentorship and collaboration in building impactful user experiences. Discussion point: Can you share your journey and how you got to where you are today? 1:39 When did you move to California? 16:10 Do you feel that your overall experiences have contributed significantly to your journey? 22:13 Rapid fire questions 24:17 At IBM, you've mentioned working with IBM India and traveling frequently. What are the main focuses of your initiatives there? 31:20 Show notes: The path to a better place was not to come barreling in and say, ‘I have all the answers'. I needed to work with women to empower them to realize they can and need to be the future they want to be a part of. It’s so unhealthy and cruel to think that because you had a bad experience, everyone else should go through it too. True innovation happens when you stop trying to control every aspect and embrace the unknown. The most impactful designs come from listening deeply and creating with empathy at the core. Leadership is about making space for others to shine, not just being the brightest in the room. The future of design is in diversity—not just of gender or background, but diversity of thought and experience. Links: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-seronick/ Company website: www.ibm.com

In this episode, we are joined by Amina ElShazly, CTO and Co-founder of UXIT, an accomplished user experience leader with over 11 years of expertise spanning UX strategy, user research, and front-end development. Amina has been instrumental in shaping successful projects across diverse industries while mentoring aspiring designers on ADPList. Discussion points: ~ Can you share how your journey as a design professional began? 1:43 ~ Was your switch from front-end development to UX a conscious decision, or was it something you were pushed into? 5:58 ~ What differences have you noticed between working as an individual and now as a design leader since becoming an entrepreneur? 7:54 ~ Rapid fire round 9:57 ~ As a design leader, do you miss the hands-on practices from earlier in your career, and have you encountered new challenges that surprise you now in a leadership role? 12:53 ~ How do you integrate new technologies, like AI and blockchain, into your practices and what approach do you take when adopting these changes? 16:19 ~ What are some common discussion points you address with young women design leads from the Middle East in your mentorship? 17:40 ~ What advice would you give to your younger self as you were starting your career? 19:36 Show notes: ~ We thought of creating this company because of our love for UX and to do what we want to do in the best shape. ~ When I opened my company, I started to teach other people about what I love, and I focused more on the strategy and the user experience. ~ As an individual, there are a lot of rules and regulations... but in our company, we make it in the best shape because everyone has their role in the team. ~ Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek mentorship. Learning from others can accelerate your growth. ~ I was just a graduate, and I was interested in the new challenges. So I accepted the offer in user-centered design. ~ The more you practice, the more you learn. And learning never stops, so try to learn every day. ~ Build a strong network of professionals in your field. Collaboration can lead to incredible opportunities and insights Links: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amina-elshazly86/  Company website: https://ux-it.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Aadit Patel and Macarena Zañartu, from NotCo. Aadit is a leader in Applied Machine Learning with over 13 years of experience, while Macarena is an exceptional designer who translates complex solutions for everyday users. Aadit has developed autonomous systems in aerospace, online advertising, FinTech, and biotechnology. Together, they are creating sustainable plant-based foods using advanced AI. Discussion Points:  Can you share your individual journeys that led you to where you are today? 1:56 What restrictions exist for AI in the EU and other regions, and do legal processes make it harder to implement? 8:36 What are the biggest challenges you face when dealing with people who are hesitant to embrace technology? 13:12 How similar was the experience of designing this application to your work on other applications, like banking? What similarities can you point out? 30:11 Rapid Fire Round 35:22 How do you think scientists can currently leverage AI tools and techniques in their research, and what potential do you see for the future? 45:39 What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs looking to follow a similar model of creating innovative solutions with technology, and what challenges should they be aware of? 53:05 Show notes: From a core technology perspective, we figured out how to efficiently solve a common problem. Any formula, whether it’s toothpaste or a burger, is a combination of ingredients that undergo a process. - Aadit Patel The A I can do the hard stuff, you know, it can do the hard stuff like the constraints and thinking, and like all these high dimensions, it can be a great assistant for creativity. - Aadit Patel The way that we work together collaboratively with the machine learning engineers, there’s this whole validation process we do when we’re in that stage that first of all, are we actually solving a relevant problem that is important with that? - Macarena Zañartu Making people trust that way of working. It's like adapting. The way that they are interacting with this new interface is also a thing about processes, users are going to have to build things that they probably think are not going to work to let the system know what a better recommendation will be. - Macarena Zañartu The future of food needs to be not just nutritious but it needs to have some functionality that is, is helpful and backed up by potential claims. - Aadit Patel Don't fall in love with the thing that you're designing, like put it out there, test it iterate on it, and accept feedback, and don't wait until something is done in front of your eyes. - Macarena Zañartu Links - Aadit Patel’s LinkedIn: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaditpatel/ Macarena Zañartu's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macazeta/ Company website: https://www.notco.com/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Ben Shown, Head of Design at Blink UX. With over a decade of creative leadership experience, Ben has led design teams to collaborate with top-tier brands like Amazon, eBay, Microsoft, and NASA. We dive into his journey, his expertise in human-centered design, and how he approaches creating seamless digital experiences. Discussion points: How has your journey been? What steps would you recommend for those who want to follow in your footsteps? 1:41 Do you feel there is a difference in the design approach when working with heavily funded organizations compared to corporate giants like Amazon? 4:19 As a kid, you probably dreamed of working with your nation's space agency (NASA). Do you feel that satisfaction was somewhat achieved? 6:00 How do you define design leadership in your current studio or agency setup, and what processes do you implement to ensure your team's success? 7:12 As a design leader, how do you juggle the diverse responsibilities that come your way? 8:38 Rapid fire round 12:54 Do you think there's a secret to building a sustainable team, tracking progress, and setting a North Star for leadership? 17:26 On BlinkUX.com, there’s information about UX workshop ideas and how to conduct them. Can you tell us more about that? 19:07 Any advice for young followers or those just starting out or looking into a studio practice? 22:46 Show notes: I remember very distinctly getting into the high school yearbook and getting my hands on digital publishing tools from Adobe, like PageMaker and Photoshop, and just loving that process. Our job was to untangle that knot—find commonalities through UX research around which stories were the most effective that NASA was telling—and ultimately consolidate those 3,000 websites into one. Understanding how to create great UX at the government level is a different challenge compared to working with tech clients that have had design embedded in their culture for a long time. If I could have next-level time management, that would be ideal. I feel like I’ve gotten better at it, but that would definitely be a superpower. Making sure your design activities are really set up for the end goal is crucial. You need to get people talking, have them take their guard down, and position the activities to help us read between the lines and understand the project's big ambitious goals. Throughout the course of a project, our clients take a journey in learning user-centered design. We often teach our clients how to run workshops and how to progress in a design project Links: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/benkshown/  Company’s Website: www.blinkux.com  

In this episode, we’re joined by Matt Belge, Senior Product Designer at Imprivata. With extensive experience in UX design, Matt specializes in creating user-centered solutions that enhance satisfaction and usability. He has a deep background in human-centered innovation, design thinking, and usability research, making him a key voice in crafting effective user experiences. Discussion points: With over 25 years in the industry, can you share your journey and some major momentum shifts you've witnessed during this time? 1:13 Given your experience with mission-critical UX, from medical emergencies to identity management, do you think our reliance on these systems has put us in a vulnerable position? 7:37 Considering your work on medical information systems, how do you integrate these systems with security and identity management? 12:39 Rapid fire questions 17:46 Having witnessed the tech evolution from the late seventies to now, what do you think the landscape will look like in 15 to 20 years? 22:23 What career advice would you give to those starting out in the field?? 26:14 Show notes: When I started, a career in UX did not exist. The closest thing might have been something like human factors, which I didn't even know existed back then. You don't really notice good user interfaces, you only notice bad ones. It is the responsibility of UX people to prevent human error. We need to anticipate and prepare for it, even though we can't eliminate it completely. With regard to artificial intelligence, I feel scared a little bit when I think about it because it has the power to do things that will replace humans or make decisions that humans are used to making. What I work on is actually the identity management part. It's about making it easy for clinicians to access the systems they need quickly and efficiently. Thinking through what would happen in catastrophic situations and making sure you have a good contingency plan is part of the user experience. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-belge-634194/ Company’s Websites: www.imprivata.com  Matt’s Company Website: www.visionlogic.com

In this episode, we are joined by Ben Callahan, founder of Sparkbox and a leading figure in UX strategy with over 13 years of experience. Ben's expertise in creating impactful user experiences and fostering collaboration has earned him great respect in the design community. As a speaker, author, and design system coach, he continues to drive industry innovation. Discussion Points : Can you walk us through your career journey and share some insights? 1:29 How do you go about educating others on the benefits of a design system? 5:05 How do you recommend implementing a design system? Is an independent code base, a Figma file, or a tool that hosts the design system the best approach? 8:11 Rapid fire round 13:58 Can you share your journey from your early experiences and childhood to your current role at Sparkbox, and how these experiences have shaped your career? 18:09 How do you convince engineering teams to invest in design systems, given that many see it as just a design responsibility? 24:29 Show notes I quickly fell in love with design and user experience. I kind of left that role and jumped out on my own to explore that opportunity a little bit more. We spend a lot of time with them thinking about education, helping everybody inside the organization understand what a system is, why it's important, and what it means for them. We've done some interesting studies to show, just from an efficiency standpoint, how much of an impact a system can have when it's built well and is being used. The numbers are quite staggering. I think of design systems not as a product, but as a program that has to exist inside an organization. When they're done well, they really become the way we build digital interfaces. Two-thirds of the effort is in writing really good documentation and training people to understand that's where they go to get the answers they need. I've got so many insights from people who are out there in the trenches doing this work on a daily basis. If you have questions or ideas on how this work can be done, or if you just need a community of people who can help support you through difficult times, that's really what this is becoming. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencallahan/  Company’s Website: https://sparkbox.com/  Personal Website: https://bencallahan.com/ The Question: https://bencallahan.com/the-question -

In this episode, we are joined by Adam Spaulding, Head of Product at Wicket, who brings extensive experience in product management, with a strong emphasis on customer-centric solutions. His expertise spans strategic initiatives, leadership in software development, and pioneering strategies for customer-led growth, enhancing user experiences at live events and facilities. Discussion Points  Could you share with us the journey that led you to become the accomplished designer and professional you are today? 1:32 How do you foresee the future of privacy evolving over the next 25 years amidst advancing AI technologies? 3:24 How will the convergence of AI, quantum computing, and service design shape the future? 5:42 How do you think privacy will evolve over the next 25 years? 7:16 Do you think we're moving towards a future where technology takes precedence over human priorities? 11:18 Rapid fire round 13:13 What does educational learning mean to you, and how do you see it impacting professionals across different cities? 17:45 Show notes - Every deployment, every feature we deploy, you have to really be sure that it's going to produce the right result that you're looking for. My objective personally is to make sure the user is served by the tool rather than the user serving the tool If you're not open and willing to change or to adopt new technologies, it's going to be a real tough road for you. Always have the growth mindset, always be open in conversation. If you're not growing, you're dying. The future is bright, tech access is everywhere. There's still a billion people on the planet yet to come online. Learning how to learn is critical because you don't have all the answers, and that's the reason you're there. Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamspaulding/ Company website: http://wicketsoft.com Personal website: https://spauldi.com/ 

In this episode, we're joined by Zac Halbert, Head of Design at Cortex, a seasoned design leader recognized for his impactful contributions to product and experience design. Zac shares his journey and expertise, offering insights into driving innovation and providing valuable perspectives on achieving design excellence and effective team leadership. Discussion points - Can you describe your journey leading teams across various organizations, navigating challenges, and driving innovation in product management? 1:21 Do you find it challenging to ensure user advocacy and align product development with cross-functional team cultures, particularly in terms of securing your seat at the decision-making table? 2:58 How has your experience living and working in different places along the West Coast, from California to Portland, shaped your perspective on professional and personal growth? 5:09 Rapid Fire Round 10:26 How essential do you believe technical knowledge or upgrading skills are for individual contributors when working with new AI-based or big data visualization libraries? 15:34 Could you share some insights or common questions you encounter from your mentorship at ADP List? 20:41 What advice would you like to share with those who are just starting out in their careers? 25:32 Show notes -  Shifting from a focus solely on design to understanding broader business goals and collaborating effectively across departments has been pivotal in my career growth. Technology and remote work have homogenized cultural differences, enabling global collaboration with teams seamlessly. Letting go of control and trusting team members to execute designs is a significant cultural shift for designers moving into leadership roles AI enhances efficiency but doesn't replace human creativity. Focus on user empathy and problem-solving skills remains crucial. Design is crucial in understanding what users want. It's about marrying solutions to real problems and ensuring users feel empowered and satisfied. Focus on learning and adapting. In 2024, staying updated with design systems and UI kits is essential, but honing problem-solving skills and user empathy is paramount. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachalbert/ Company website: https://www.cortex.io/ ADP List: https://adplist.org/mentors/zac-halbert

In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Boag, the Founding Partner of Boagworks and a digital expert with 27 years of experience. Paul’s expertise spans customer experience consulting, conversion optimization, and UX prototyping. As the author of six books and the creator of the pioneering podcast on web design, Paul has made a profound impact on the industry. Discussion Points -  Could you describe your journey in the field of UX? Starting at a time when UX wasn't even a term, how was life and the journey back then?  2:21 How can one effectively communicate the value of UX to individuals or organizations that may not be familiar with it? What strategies have proven successful? 14:38 How should one document and present their approach to selling UX on platforms such as their website? 18:22 Rapid fire round 25:09 What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is just starting out in their career? 32:25 Can you talk more about conversion optimization and its relation to UX? How do you balance creating urgency with maintaining user trust? 35:56 Show notes - ~ There are also things like cognitive load, and there's loads of psychological ways that you could help somebody have a good experience and make a purchase without resorting to manipulative techniques that ultimately just alienate them. ~ Understanding and working with human psychology, rather than against it, can create more positive experiences and outcomes. ~ Effective strategies can help people follow through on their intentions by making the decision process smoother and less fraught with immediate resistance. ~  It's important to consider the ethical implications of how we design experiences to support positive behavior without causing alienation. ~  By planning for future actions, like donating after a pay rise, we can bypass the immediate resistance from our survival instincts. ~ Creating opportunities for future commitments allows people to align their actions with their values without triggering loss aversion. ~  Our psychology at the point of action is often dominated by immediate concerns and instincts that can prevent us from acting on our longer-term intentions. Links- Paul’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulboag/ Company website: https://boagworld.com/ Email: [email protected] Podcast: https://boagworld.com/show/

In this episode, we are joined by Christopher Miller, Principal UX Designer at OneTrust with over a decade of experience. Christopher is a master in design thinking, product design, and service design. He excels in creating seamless user experiences, mentoring UX teams, and collaborating across functions to solve complex user challenges. Discussion points - How did you start your journey in UX design? 1:27 How does team culture differ in freelancing, agencies, startups, and larger teams, and how does it impact the design process? 3:45 How do you perceive the pressure and mental health challenges that designers often face in their roles? 8:36 Rapid fire round 18:13 Could you tell us more about your experience with teaching and mentoring in your career? 23:22 How can people reach out to you for one-on-one design sessions and mentorship in UX design? 27:26 Do you think it's easy to go out and network, and do you participate in any networking activities in your area? 28:53 What advice would you give your younger self entering UX 10 years ago, and what tips do you have for new professionals today? 34:08 Show notes - Working at an agency provides more variety of clients, challenges your comfort zone, and pushes you to take on more responsibilities compared to freelancing or working at a larger organization. Establishing good relationships with product managers and developers is important to collaborate on projects and set constraints effectively. Learning to say no and establish boundaries is important for mental health when working on multiple projects simultaneously. Creating design sprints that are separate but aligned with development sprints helps provide clarity on timelines and capacity. Teaching and mentoring allow you to be the kind of support you wish you had when starting out and help you remember the basics of UX design. The pandemic has allowed an experiment of teaching based on user experience design, creating an opportunity for virtual one-on-one connections and supporting individuals Running podcasts is a fun way to connect with other designers and blow off steam by discussing movies and pop culture from a design perspective. Links - Christopher’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uxchrism/ Company’s Website: www.onetrust.com Podcasts: www.youtube.com/@whathefux https://popcornandplotholes.transistor.fm/   

In this episode, we’re joined by Verne Lindner, VP of UX and Design at Roost. With extensive experience in UX design and a strong commitment to accessibility, Verne offers valuable insights into her career journey and the evolution of design systems. She also provides practical advice for aspiring design leaders, sharing how to navigate enterprise and startup environments effectively. Discussion Points:  Could you share insights into your journey in the design field, including your educational background, involvement in design academies, and the path that led to your current role as a design leader? 3:00 How do your childhood, parental background, educational journey, and personal influences shape your UX design work, particularly for startups and various ecosystems? 8:24 Rapid Fire Round 11:46 You have experience working with both enterprises and startups. What is your preference between these two environments, and why? 17:32 How critical is implementing a design system for startups, and do you believe it's essential to establish it early in the process? 23:38 What advice would you offer to the younger generation aspiring to become successful design leaders, based on your journey and experiences? 39:00 Show notes: I love learning. My favorite thing is following something that seems interesting, and taking the time to explore the path until most, if not all, of my questions are answered. I believe the most significant aspect, which I've found true for other designers and UX professionals, is the level of self-reliance. Relying on your curiosity, work ethic, and resourcefulness paves a path for personal growth and improvement in life. The larger the organization, the longer the timelines, allowing for more in-depth research. In startups, decisions are made quickly, and research is conducted on the fly. There's going to be some sort of interim UI. So, your first job is just trying to make things a little more consistent, eliminating illogical patterns. You aim to bring in something that feels simple, still in the language of the existing UI, creating a cohesive end-to-end experience that aligns with the brand after thoughtful consideration. In terms of the design system, I believe it's critical for several reasons. Firstly, having a UI built from components that you and the development team maintain and update aligns with your goals. If this isn't the focus, and you're just patching bits of UI without a cohesive system, it could potentially slow you down in the long run.  The business case for accessibility lies in not excluding a portion of your market by disallowing certain individuals from accessing your app. Additionally, it contributes to creating a better overall user experience.  When it comes to applications, game design, or social media content creation and consumption, I believe younger designers should take the lead. Their understanding of the basic physical relationship to devices provides an advantage that might be challenging for those who don't already possess it. Links - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernelindner/ Company’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinroost/ Company website - https://joinroost.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Sylvia Hernandez, Director and Head of Design & UX at Ledn. Sylvia is a design enthusiast with over 16 years of expertise in crafting seamless digital experiences across various industries. From pioneering startups to public sector collaborations and diverse portfolio games, she plays a vital role in ideation sessions, operational tool development, and hands-on digital product creation.    Discussion Points -  What inspired your journey in the design industry across multiple countries, and how did your professional path shape you into the expert you are today? 1:59 What differences do you notice working in finance for a startup versus an enterprise? Any distinct challenges or opportunities in each?  2:57 Rapid fire round 10:12 As a design leader, how do you balance diversity, inclusivity, and functionality in your team? 23:21 How do you shape the future of a startup when your passionate team is targeting a user base with a short attention span or limited understanding of the situation's gravity? What strategies ensure success in such a challenging scenario? 26:57 You host the Spanish-language podcast ‘Entre Diseñoras’ . What common themes do you see in your episodes, and how do they shape the show’s focus? 29:56 For young professionals starting their careers in various regions, what advice would you give them for building a brighter future in the industry?  34:11 Could you share more about your role as a mentor and the impact it has on your professional journey? 36:26 Show notes -  When you begin your career as a designer, you initially focus on the craft of design. However, in certain corporations, it evolves into managing stakeholders and dealing with the aspects behind the design itself. It's truly fascinating to observe this shift. In big companies, you have more resources, but in startups—where I am currently—I enjoy the ease of shipping things quickly. Unlike larger organizations, where processes and legacy systems can make innovation challenging, startups allow for rapid development and implementation. In the crypto space, diversity is not widespread. When building my team to bring crypto to everyone, I emphasized the importance of diversity, especially with the underrepresentation of women in the sector. To appeal to a broader audience, it's crucial to have varied perspectives on the team. I'm extremely cautious about team additions. I'd rather take my time hiring than rush and have to let someone go. It's crucial for me to bring in individuals who bring something unique to the team without disrupting our existing dynamic. My friend Deanna and I, come together to interview guests from various fields, dedicating each episode to a year of experience in front of us. Our mission is to amplify the voices of those often overlooked, individuals doing remarkable work who may not always have the spotlight. In a podcast landscape dominated by familiar voices, we aim to introduce fresh perspectives and showcase the diversity of impactful contributions. If you're a designer, there are two essential aspects to consider. Firstly, you have to care about people and understand their behaviors. Secondly, you cannot forget about the craft. I believe it's a failure on our part as designers when we apply for roles by emphasizing our past achievements. Instead, the focus should be on showcasing our capabilities and what we can bring to the company. What do you see as the next step in this approach? Links - Silvia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviahdez Company’s website: https://www.ledn.io Silvia’s Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/entredisenoras/ 

In today's episode, we are joined by Grayson West, Design Manager at Michigan Software Labs. He is forward-thinking leader in the realm of design, advocating for human-centric experiences. Demonstrating his leadership style, he seamlessly combines visual design and human-centered principles to create efficient systems. Discussion points: Can you share your creative background and the key experiences that have shaped you into the design leader you are today? 1:27 Did you feel any pressure as a designer at The Omni Group to adopt tools like OmniGraffle when they were gaining traction in the design community, especially considering the presence of motion graphics in your work? 6:09 How have your life experiences, diverse travels, work across different domains, and the creative influences from your childhood impacted your approach to user experience design? 9:19 Rapid Fire Round 11:24 How do you navigate the challenges between adhering to UX principles driven by data while seeking creatively satisfying outputs in a field? 16:07 Does active engagement and cross-functional communication among UX, developers, and business analysts significantly impact product ownership and success from start to finish? 21:34 If you have to give young designers coming into the industry any advice what would that be? 27:50 Show notes -  Before the iPhone, software was designed to be very capable for many users. However, with the iPhone's introduction, there was a shift toward a user experience focused on excelling in one or two key aspects within a software experience. Traveling across Europe and Asia exposed me to diverse cultures, fostering an inherent empathy that influences my approach to solving user experience problems. It taught me the importance of simplicity, ease of use, and catering to diverse needs. We need to take small incremental steps forward in our craft, whether it's in Figma, the way we approach design problems, or a wide variety of other aspects. Every day, we can strive to push ourselves forward, continuously improving and owning our craft. The more designers acquire technical knowledge and language, the more likely they are to bring truly creative ideas to the world and users.  The one thing I've learned in nearly 20 years in this industry is that software development is a massive collaboration. It doesn't rely on one or two individuals but rather a team of people coming together to build a product. The more you collaborate, engage in open conversations, and show vulnerability within your team, the better the product will be. Two pieces of advice: Get up to speed with technical documentation - focus on iOS and Android documentation, familiarize yourself with Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and Android's Material Design Guidelines, and expose yourself to popular web frameworks. Secondly, remember the visual aspect of our job - we need to consider and follow design principles. Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graysongwest/ Company website: https://michiganlabs.com/  

In this episode, we're joined by Zachary Newton, the talented UX Director of CreateApe. With a background blending design leadership and tech prowess, he's a driving force behind creative endeavors in Brand, Product, UI/UX, Video, and Marketing. Zachary's passion lies in crafting experiences that harmonize business objectives and user satisfaction, going beyond pixels to shape digital innovation.  Discussion points -  What path did you follow to become the designer and creative professional you are today? 1:26 Do your past experiences significantly influence your current role and approach? 3:37 Do you believe that achieving a high level of discipline is crucial when self-learning to establish a career compared to pursuing formal education? 6:36 Rapid fire round 7:49 How do no-code and low-code platforms impact the user experience when compared to custom-built solutions, and what are your thoughts on their significance in UX design?11:13 How do you and your team stay up-to-date with evolving technologies and trends to ensure you remain competitive in delivering products and services? 16:43 Tell us about the podcasts you host. 23:48 What advice would you give to individuals who are just starting their careers and aspire to reach the level of expertise you have achieved? 27:05 Show notes -  I started with development and later shifted to design to work on products I found enjoyable. It allowed me to influence their appearance, functionality, and perception, primarily focusing on design, with some development involvement.  I often advise people, even during user or stakeholder interviews, to ask 'why' multiple times. You might have heard of this technique, but it's essential to approach a question from various angles to uncover the true answer. Everything I've done up to today, including video editing, design, and development, has been self-taught. I haven't received a traditional education in these fields. You've always got to have that hunger and drive to educate yourself, to understand what you don't know and learn from it. I'm personally a fan of low-code and no-code solutions. I believe they are excellent for rapid development, iteration, and testing. However, there may come a point where a custom solution is necessary. Two of my favorite low-code and no-code platforms are Webflow and FlutterFlow, which allow you to build websites and applications. I believe that as creatives or agencies, we need to embrace AI tools rather than fear them and figure out how to incorporate them. In the future, it will be about orchestrating the synergy between these tools and technologies. In the Soapbox Business Show podcast, my co-host Mario and I interview various business professionals, mainly those who own or run their businesses. We firmly believe that regardless of their industry, these conversations offer valuable insights and information. There have been instances where I've found that what is taught in classrooms is outdated or no longer relevant. To stay ahead, it's essential to stay hungry, continue learning independently, and be hands-on. These factors combined will contribute to your success. Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyrnewton/ Company website: https://www.createape.com/ Portfolio/ website: https://zacharynewton.me/ Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/story-archives https://soapbox.house/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Jonelle Chandler - Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Qualified Digital.  A dynamic design leader dedicated to empowering diverse design thinkers and bridging the gender and ethnic gap in tech. She actively mentors through programs like Built By Girls, ADPList, Women in Wireless, Blacks Who Design, and the Invision Design Leadership Forum, excelling in crafting innovative digital experiences by harmonizing business objectives, technology, data, and creativity. Discussion points -  What influenced your career choice, and how did you become the professional you are today? 1:50 Can you outline the connections and distinctions between your shift from architecture to UX design, along with the transferable insights between these domains? 2:51 What key distinction do you see between designing for Enterprise UX and designing for the typical user experience of consumer products? 6:15 Please share your insights regarding the return on investment (ROI) of Enterprise UX. 8:23 Rapid fire round 9:30 How do you ensure diversity and inclusion within your design team to promote diverse design thinkers and innovative digital experiences? 16:32 Could you share your experience with ADPList and the mentoring you've provided in general? What common themes do you often address in these contexts? 28:54 For internal mentorship and nurturing talent towards management roles, how do you ensure continuous growth and opportunities within your team? 31:24 How can interested individuals best reach out to you or your company regarding the positions you're currently hiring for? 35:15 Show notes -  Employed at an architecture firm, I discovered it wasn't my passion, gaining insights into the business. I found myself drawn to graphic design, and that's what initiated my career journey. What's truly advantageous in UX is its digital nature; you can create a wireframe or design concept, observing and editing it in real time—an experience not easily replicated in architecture. When designing for B2C or consumer contexts, it's about 95-100% focused on the user. In contrast, with enterprise design, you're navigating a balance and juggling various requirements while striving to create a robust product. Many of our clients primarily measure their return on investment through product sales and the leads they generate, including lead qualification. Additionally, we're observing a shift towards more people-centric communication and experiences in our approach. At times, it's challenging to directly quantify these aspects with a traditional return on investment framework. What I've found to be effective is having a project manager and representatives from different areas like tech, design, UX, and data analytics. We involve everyone right from the start, and although the project manager leads, each of us voices our team's perspective on what we believe should be done. You need to regroup; having a single person dictating won't work. Firstly, nobody would want to collaborate with that team or individual. Secondly, the outcome would be a product tailored solely for that person, lacking input from others. I think mentorship plays a vital role; I've gained valuable insights from my team, and we've learned collectively. It contributes to our professional growth, work-life balance, and personal development beyond the workplace. Links-  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonellechandler   Company website: https://qualifiedigital.com/  Personal website: https://www.jonellechandler.com/

In this episode, we are joined by Hans Forsman, an award-winning Creative Director known for his "can do" attitude and strategic brand expertise. With a remarkable track record, he's transformed goals into unforgettable results, crafting brand stories and cutting-edge campaigns. From Reebok to HBO Now, Hans has left his creative mark across diverse industries.  Discussion points -  How is the creative industry in LA, the epicenter of international creativity with Hollywood and major game studios, faring amid co-branding, collaborations, and bustling activity? 2:06 When discussing your experience in LA, could you share your journey? Did you start your career there, and how did you transition into becoming the creative professional you are today? 3:38 In the realm of UX and CX, including customer experience, how crucial is effective storytelling? 15:57 Rapid fire round 22:15 Could you talk about your experiences with AR during the early days of the technology? 35:03 What is the future trajectory of AI and machine learning in the context of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), also known as ACD, and how do you envision its impact on our current direction? 44:46 On the education side, can you talk to us about the courses you teach? 50:58 What advice would you offer to aspiring designers looking to follow your path? What key do's and don'ts would you suggest? 55:54 Show notes -  I look at my past and how I've reached my current position. It has always been about seizing the moment, recognizing opportunities, and confidently stepping forward without fear. As a creative director, I enjoy involving my teams in that story, fostering their passion and excitement for the product. If you fast forward now, in terms of the use of AI, consider how that experience can evolve to create a much more immersive interaction. It brings order to the chaos and helps people delve deeper into interactive experiences. The best and the easiest way that has always worked with storytelling is to get into the mindset and put yourself in the shoes of the people who would be in the story. We executed some projects, such as the Barbie Dream Closet where people could see themselves wearing Barbie clothes. One significant project was during New York Fashion Week, where we utilized our product, the webcam social shopper. The more time I spent on various studies and working on UI/UX to understand how people interact with it, I quickly realized that I don't believe it will fully evolve until mixed reality becomes feasible. Mixed reality is where there are no inhibitions, like wearing glasses that seamlessly blend our realities. I use AI daily as an integral part of my work routine. It provides advice, writing tips, ideation, and data analysis support, enabling me to enhance my productivity and creativity. What's truly wonderful is that it demands our input, making it a collaborative tool for unleashing innovation. Understanding UI/UX as a crucial part of our future interactions, and how we engage with it, will impact society and shape our world. As everything evolves, from user experience to customer experience, comprehensive understanding implies greater societal progress. Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansforsman/  Portfolio/ website: https://hansforsman.com/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Mr. Praveen Nambupitchai, the Design Lead at Galaxy Weblinks Inc. A self-taught design expert with 6.5 years of experience, Praveen specializes in UI and product design. His profound knowledge of UI design has honed his ability to craft intuitive and visually striking interfaces that deliver an enhanced user experience. Beyond his expertise, Praveen mentors aspiring designers, guiding them in skill development and career advancement. Discussion points -  Could you share the journey that led you to become a design extraordinaire and educator? 2:08 Did the self-taught learning journey, including discipline and reliance on online resources, ever lead to self-doubt or uncertainty about your ability to succeed as a designer?  4:11 Apart from talent, what key factors do you consider pivotal in shaping you into the accomplished designer you are today? 5:18 When facing intermediaries like managers or client representatives who filter design feedback, how do these challenges influence your design attitude and motivation? 6:59 Transitioning from solo work to collaborating with teams on multiple projects, what key differences have you observed in your design approach and overall experience? 9:48 Rapid fire round 11:19 Shifting from a designer to mentor and course creator, how challenging was it to adapt your focus, develop a curriculum, and bridge design approach gaps? 20:03 With Figma introducing new features like variables, multilingual support, data sets, and AI capabilities, what's your perspective on these changes? 22:59 Regarding generative AI tools in the creative industry, do you see them as a threat or a benefit? Will they reshape your design approach, or have a more positive impact? 25:47 Could the integration of advanced features like generative AI in tools like Figma result in a steeper learning curve for designers and the need for specialized professionals in prototyping and interactivity? 29:04 What advice would you give to aspiring designers who admire portfolios like yours and dream of becoming accomplished designers themselves? 30:31 Show notes - I didn't attend any school to learn design, and during that time, there weren't any online platforms available for learning either. The only source I had was YouTube. I absorbed all the videos that people had recorded and posted. This was also a period when the design was undergoing significant evolution. I don't closely follow design trends, as they change constantly. Instead, I focus on maintaining consistency through practice and frequent iterations. I don't settle with just one design; I keep iterating until I'm truly satisfied. I gather various inputs to determine what will work well visually and experientially. While some might believe visuals alone suffice for a product, the experience also plays a significant role. When working alone, your decisions rely solely on your own judgment and experience. However, collaborating with a team introduces new perspectives and surprising possibilities that you might not have considered on your own. Teaching is something I aspire to do beyond this industry, given my personal journey through challenges. Recently, I've observed individuals enthusiastically taking online courses in various fields, including UX. However, there remains a significant gap in teaching the art of crafting quality designs. This gap is what I aim to address through my mentorship. Figma's recent foray into AI is quite intriguing, particularly the demo they showcased. There have been concerns that AI might take over jobs, but as seen in the demo, these tools aren't actually performing design tasks. As a designer, you are understanding how engineering functions is essential, as your role extends beyond creating a design. Designing is just the beginning; you're involved in the entire process, from building the design to development, leading to a sense of satisfaction once the product is complete. When starting your career, gather references from established professionals, especially those focused on consistent enterprise and real product design, rather than chasing trends that are ever-changing. Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveen-n-964560151/   Company website: https://www.galaxyweblinks.com/  Portfolio/ website: https://www.behance.net/pravinrj27 

In this episode, we are joined by Jarek Kucharczyk, the Design Lead at DIFF—a true polymath, spanning art, education, and innovation. From teaching design to rocking out with his metal band and crafting captivating oil paintings, his creativity knows no limits. With over 22 years of experience, he effortlessly melds user-centered design and Shopify brands for exceptional experiences. His commitment to innovation has led to partnerships with Nestle, Samsung, and Discovery Channel.  Discussion points -  With your various roles and being a family man, how do you manage such a diverse set of responsibilities effectively? 1:52 How did you begin your career and how did you arrive at your current position? 3:14 How has your experience of bridging the cultural context between Europe and North America influenced your approach to user experience design and product development? 6:23 What's the connection between art and UX design, given your background transition, and how does problem-solving and design thinking fit into this relationship? 9:16 Rapid fire round 12:07 Why do you believe networking is crucial for designers, and why is it important to ensure that conversations within your network remain relevant and valuable? 18:08 Do you think remote work for designers is less productive than office work, and how does it impact creativity, considering your company's remote setup? 19:46 Could you provide more details about the online courses you teach and the subjects you cover in your courses? 24:03 What advice would you give to those entering the design field about navigating their career journey over the next decade or so? 26:58 Show notes - Balancing life and work is often easier said than done and it greatly depends on your personal circumstances. For instance, having small children can make it more challenging. As far as I remember, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I recall as a child, I would look at other people's works and try to replicate them. I always knew I was going to be an artist. When I came to Canada, it was the biggest surprise for me. I was expecting advanced technologies, and while they do exist here, their implementation is not as intense as it is in Europe. I would always advise every designer to go big with your ideas. There is no such thing as a bad idea, especially in the ideation phase. Every idea, even if initially considered not suitable, could lead to another idea that inspires better solutions. Collaborating with other people is in my blood; it's something I feel is the most effective way to achieve incredible things by drawing inspiration from one another and creating something together. A lot in terms of creativity depends on how ideas are bounced off each other. The facilitator of the conversation plays a crucial role, whether it's in a digital environment or a physical meeting room. They set the foundation for productive and creative discussions. I teach three courses. One is called "Visualizations," which covers the fundamentals of visual design. The other one is "Information Design," focusing on data collection, interpretation, visualization, and drawing conclusions from it. The third one is "Physical Interfaces," which is particularly intriguing as it involves blending the digital and physical worlds. When I observe my students and the industry, people often kill ideas too quickly before exploring their potential variations. Being brave is crucial; it's the key to success. Be bold with your ideas, think of the impossible, and then consider how to make it a reality. Links - LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarekkucharczyk/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarek_designer/  Company website: https://www.diffagency.com/  Portfolio/ website: http://www.jarekdesigner.com/ 

In this episode, we are joined by Mindy League, the UX Director at Elevated Third. A true master of design thinking, research, and UX expertise, she has the remarkable ability to align business objectives with user needs, making her a valuable asset to enterprise stakeholders. With a unique blend of empathy, design thinking, and research expertise, she crafts exceptional product experiences for top global brands like HP, Emerson, and IBM.  Discussion Points -  Can you share your journey and what led you to choose a career in UX design, ultimately reaching the position of UX Director at Elevated Third? 1:35 How was the transition from living in Texas to moving to New York and working as a product designer there? 5:23 Do you believe that experiencing the humane side of New York city contributed to your empathic approach to user experience design? 7:03 What were the similarities and major differences you experienced during your transition from physical product design to software product design, and how do you find both roles? 10:36 Do you believe having a variety of experiences in their career is crucial for designers aiming to become design leaders and make a bigger impact?  16:13 Rapid fire round 18:12 How does UX connect with marketing, considering that marketing revolves around business goals and financial outcomes? 26:53 What are some leadership challenges that you think you learned the hard way? 32:18 What is the advice you would give to green designers? 33:35 Show notes -  It was interaction design when I started; UX hadn't been defined. The people at IBM had backgrounds in human factors and engineering human interactions. I had been doing it for a long time. And so as we were stepping out, we were saying, "We do UX, user experience design."  Vulnerability is something that people are sometimes shy to show, but once you do, you can really connect with other people, including your clients and users, and bring that through the whole process. Comparing physical and digital product design reveals similarities and differences. Physical products offer tangible satisfaction and visibility, while digital products provide flexibility for adjustments like fixing typos. However, rectifying errors in shipped physical products can be more complex. Design thinking really helps when you have a brief. It's abstract, and you don't know exactly what they have in mind. With design thinking, you can tease out more information, explore it, and dissect it like a prism. Continually learning, evolving, and being open to keeping up with technology while relying on mentors to help with transitions are extremely important, even if the mentor is not in your field, as they have the background to guide you and apply proven learnings to your work, ushering you into those transitions. The type of work we do at Elevated Third involves working with B2B SaaS companies, where our focus is on creating websites that generate customers for them, rather than directly working on the SaaS product itself. A lot of the companies we work with are collaborating with branding agencies. These agencies bring us new brand elements for which we design new websites, reflecting the invigorated and youthful nature of the brand. However, their old products don't resemble this new brand in any way. We are really focused on website marketing, particularly for selling products, occasionally dipping into product design. However, we prioritize hiring designers with marketing backgrounds and individuals who are open to business objectives. I have continued to use mentors today, even though I might be the director of the organization, for accountability purposes. Luckily, my organization sees the value of mentors and brings in consultants and people for us to work with, even though we are on the leadership team. Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyleague/   Company website: https://www.elevatedthird.com/  Portfolio/ website: https://www.behance.net/mindyleague 

Join us in this episode with Bruno Serge, Sr. Manager of Product Design at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. With over two decades of cross-disciplinary design, writing, and technology leadership experience, Bruno is a true creative mastermind. From renowned brands like Guitar Hero, Blizzard, and Bungie to contributing to Call of Duty: Black Ops 4's success, he solves complex human problems with boundless creativity, leaving a lasting impact on the design industry. Discussion points - What inspired you to choose a career in design, and how do you see the intersection of engineering and design in your professional journey? 1:26 Engineering & Design - How do these two worlds meet in your opinion? 4:52 How did your background in different cultures and countries impact you as a professional? 8:35 Rapid fire round 18:43 What are your thoughts on the widespread adoption of the new vision pro and its potential impact on culture and society? How will designers and individuals cope with its addictive nature and the influence of the reward economy? 31:19 With the convergence of various technologies like AI techniques, voice interfaces, and advancements in AI, what role do you think it will play in the field of 3D design? 34:11 What advice would you give to young professionals who are just starting out in this field? What actions should they take, and what should they avoid? What's the mantra for success in their career? 39:04 Show notes -  Throughout my life, I've always been eager to build things. And it was kind of a divide between an artistic form of building things and engineering problem-solving.  As a generalist, I was never able to really focus on one thing, I always wanted to learn more and more in terms of what I like, to broaden my horizons, and learn multiple skills in order to adapt and combine them.  We were applying research and best practices to make the games more addictive , which was a great problem-solving approach from a business perspective. It allowed us to sell more games, and indeed, we achieved that. However, I also had moments of reflection where I questioned the social and cultural implications that might arise from this. It led me to reconsider the ethics of what I was doing. There's nothing that a human being can create, be it problem-solving, or a machine, anything that doesn't have a little touch of artistry to it.  When you build a website, it's not exactly like painting, you have to consider the limitations of technology, you have to consider how users will perceive it, and how they will interact with it. So there's a lot of best practices, a lot of rules that go into that. Throughout my career, I've encountered this situation numerous times: while trying to solve a human problem, I get interrupted by a business problem that I haven't quite cracked. These two issues are not exactly the same thing. There is inertia toward having more visual interfaces, and I believe the Vision Pro is a symptom of that. It will undoubtedly steer things further in that direction in the coming years. I believe a technology like (AI/VR) will always have a little bit of an osmosis effect, influencing the development of anything related to 3D, due to the heightened awareness that customers will have. Designers should be more selfish, particularly when considering their portfolios. The nature of a designer is iterative, focusing on solving problems and creating better experiences for humans, which is great. However, in our current system, designers also need to consider how their work will look in their portfolio in the long term. A while back, I switched from Dribbble to Behance. And I'm much happier in the way that I can showcase my portfolio.    Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theartist/  Twitter:https://twitter.com/sergesfeed  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunosthings/  Company’s website:https://brunoserge.com/  Portfolio/website: https://www.behance.net/brunoserge

Our guest today is Ana Bel Campos, the Director of User Experience Design at Exygy. With 17 years of experience, Ana is a powerhouse in design and product management. She embraces fundamentals, explores new ideas, and puts the user at the heart of the design process. Known for her expertise in storytelling, product strategy, and growth, Ana combines creative freedom with a strong product management background to create impactful user experiences.  Discussion point -  How has the journey been so far? What are the things that you have experienced and how has the path been for you? 1:23 How did you get into this field? 4:09 What is the difference between human behavior economics and human behavior psychology? 5:35 Rapid fire round 12:07 What is the difference while you're designing for social impact versus when you're designing for profit? 19:40 Can you elaborate on the terms - equity-centered design and community-centered design? 24:34 At Exergy, what kinds of projects are generally undertaken? What is the clientele? 28:16 What would be your advice to young professionals starting their careers in design? 30:28   Show notes -  I always like to say that even as a product manager, I was actually a UX designer. Because even as a product manager, my main focus was always making sure that we are crafting experiences that are intuitive, simple, accessible, and delightful.  I was always passionate about understanding humans and how they think and why they make the decisions that they do.  I think empathy is a really big thing in UX and human-centered design. And I think it's one of our core values.  Designer needs to have this ability to sometimes forget about themselves, and what the solution is, just listen to the user's needs and let the solution come naturally. When you're designing for social impact, the designer is far removed from the lived experience of the user.  When you're designing for social impact, you need to go above and beyond. You need to actually close that gap between the designer and the user, which means really bringing the user to the design process. I think that idea of inclusivity, and equity is way more important when you're talking about designing for social impact.  I see a disconnect between the tech world and the social impact world. And, what we're trying to do at Exergy is bridge those two worlds.  I don't think that AI will be able to understand humans in the way we understand humans.  If I could give people advice, focus on the human aspects of user experience. Links -  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anabelcampos/  Company website: https://www.exygy.com/  Medium: https://medium.com/@anabelcampos 

Joining us today is Tiago Estrada, a multitalented guest and the Director of Experience Design at Kenvue. With an impressive track record of nearly 25 years in product design for renowned brands like Citibank, Amex, and Ferrari, Tiago brings extensive expertise in AI Conversational Interfaces and global e-commerce. As a design ninja, he excels in Omni & multi-channel retail, and his fluency in Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, and English adds to his diverse skill set.   Discussion Points -   What are the key moments in your career, and where are you right now? How has the journey been for you? 2:38 Let's talk about the entrepreneurial parts of product design, and how you see it with the current scenarios. 2:56 Can you elaborate on the significance of conversational interfaces or conversational UI? 4:27 One of the clients that you worked for one of the companies that you've been associated with was Ferrari. So can you tell us anything about your experience working with a brand, which is globally renowned for luxury? 5:28 Given the evolving dynamics of the industry, where machine learning and AI have become omnipresent, how do you plan to leverage ML recommendation engines to drive business growth in the context of product design for e-commerce sites? 7:25 To what extent do you believe design systems have become crucial in establishing or scaling up design operations within agencies, departments, and the industry as a whole? 9:07 Rapid fire round 13:36 How can design systems be enhanced to become a global language and effectively contribute to addressing significant societal issues? 19:00 Do you believe designers can initiate an open-source project that establishes a universally accepted design system, starting from scratch and aiming to create a globally embraced standard? 22:28 What advice would you like to give to anybody who is starting as a product professional in the industry? 24:25 Show notes -    I started my career early working in e-commerce, but I was more interested in the data side of things.  Because designers sit closer to customers and users, they have that advantage in understanding and anticipating those so-called customer needs. You see a lot of attempts in terms of coming up with interfaces that simulate that type of simplicity that exists in a conversation. Just think of breathing, think of the silence and moments, those are very difficult things to translate in terms of technology. In terms of personalization, it's not just you know, about providing data to customers, it's about providing data too.  I was astonished to know that Ferrari allows for that deeper customization, they do white gloves kind of customization where your car is taken out of the assembly line and then goes through an authentic, white glove type of step by step customization and obviously, it’s super expensive.  Most of the brands that I have worked with don't realize what design systems are all about, what are the new components that you're going to build? What are the new experiences that you're going to build? Because if you're going to scale within two or three years, so will the interfaces. It always astonishes me that we're not at that point yet, where there are no more universal canons and universal standards for design. That's a very interesting idea, for example, if I invite designers to contribute, it would allow us to devise a universal design system that caters to various ethnic groups and geographies. Looking into the discipline of design with a strong sociological input, research is vital. Know your users, and know who you are making the particular application for. It's the most important. Links -    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiagolimaestrada/  Company website:https://www.kenvue.com/  Portfolio/ website: https://www.estradaportfolio.com/new-page

Joining us today is Carmen Branje, the Director of Product Design at Maple. With over 15 years of experience and a wealth of academic achievements, including a Ph.D., Carmen is an exceptional designer, driven by a deep passion for serving others. Through his expertise in design, research, development, and teaching, he has consistently crafted innovative solutions that have a profound positive impact on those in need. Carmen's unwavering commitment to his craft and his dedication to helping others make him a true inspiration in the world of design. Discussion Points  What inspired you to become a designer? How has the journey been so far? 2:13 What are the challenges generally faced when designing for healthcare? 14:59 Rapid fire round 20:43 What is the current theme in academia about artificial intelligence and design? 27:35 How is the field of product design and user experience evolving? How are you addressing the common confusion surrounding the definitions of product design and user experience design?  34:11 You coach up-and-coming designers, what sort of coaching do you provide? 40:06 Show notes  I've always been a tech geek, as a young kid, when I was 10-ish, I ran something called a BBS. It was like a pre-internet server, people could call in through the phone.   A lot of the things I designed for are things that at least in theory should help people.  I'm taking a pretty optimistic approach to AI, for even the newest version.  The first version of Excel was called Lotus 123, when that first came out, a lot of accountants were very scared. But I think what happened is, instead of there being fewer accountants, there was way more accounting.  With chat GPT we're going to do more UX, and we are going to do more research.  I want to solve problems and just tell some AI “Hey, AI, fix all the padding”, shoot! it fixes it. That's what we want to focus on.  What they mistakenly believe is people want the cow, not the milk, right? But people want the milk. So, we just have to remember that and I think we're going to be fine, I'm optimistic (with reference to AI). We have to figure out a way to simulate and practice because I find that what's really missing in UX education is practice. Universities do theory, they're really good at theory like physical theory, and chemistry but design is a practice.  Getting a junior person started up in their career is super rewarding. So, we're gonna be doing more of that in the future. Links - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-branje-phd-5179358/ Website: http://www.carmenbranje.com/ Email: [email protected] 

In this episode, we are joined by Lacey Picazo, the Founder & CEO of ZoCo Design. She is an award-winning creative force known for her expertise in transforming and growing nonprofits, startups, and Fortune 500 clients. Lacey is also a renowned speaker and presenter, and a member of the prestigious Business First 2016 Forty Under 40 class. Discussion points -  How did you start it in design? And, what made you choose this career? 1:29 How do the recognition and accolades received by ZoCo design for being rated as the best place to work and appearing on prestigious lists like Columbus Business First, Fast 50, and the Inc. 5000, validate your agency's mission? How does one plan to build a business like this? 6:02 Rapid fire round 10:33 How did you navigate through the difficulties of being a young woman entrepreneur when you started out your career? What was your support system like? And, do you think the times have changed? 17:25 You are focused a lot on your team and the cultural building that you do within ZoCo. Would you mind shedding some light on how you go about it? 20:19 What advice would you give to someone who is starting a career in design? 25:31 Show notes I enjoyed making things, and iterating and experimenting, even as a young child. And so, when I got into this career, as a designer, I was focused mainly on digital design, creating software, and creating websites.  While our team feels very energized, to be recognized and to see the power and potential of their work, they are most motivated by the impact we make for our clients.  The vision is to bring more user-centricity to design and technology and product. That is still the case and still what we champion and what we fight for.  There's so much complexity in different parts of UX, which is fascinating. Because I think for those of us who want to learn about diverse industries and see different parts of the business, it's the best role to be able to get into that. I found the most value in my own learning and development by creating a community and finding other folks who are trying to solve similar problems to me. I learned early on at ZoCo, that cultivating a team and creating a path positive and very connected culture is probably the most central motivator for me and building my business more than anything else.  I hope people feel empowered today more than ever to build the career that they want and not feel like it has to fit into a box.  We apply a lot of UX principles and design thinking principles to how we operate the business. But the last piece related to building what you want is making sure you ask for what you want. Being verbal, candid, and transparent is important in building any career, whether you're an entrepreneur or an agency CEO like I am, or if you're just trying to be the best UX-er in the land. Links -   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/ Company website: https://zocodesign.com/