UX Banter

Future Visions: AI, Privacy, and Lifelong Learning with Adam Spaulding, S4, Ep. 7

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? 17:45Show 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.comPersonal website: https://spauldi.com/ 

From Design Innovations to Global Influence: Insights by Zac Halbert - S4, Ep. 6

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

Building User Trust: Strategies By Paul Boag , S4, Ep. 5

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: paul@boagworks.com Podcast: https://boagworld.com/show/

From Graphics to Great UX: The Journey & Experiences of Christopher Miller, S4, Ep. 4

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/@whathefuxhttps://popcornandplotholes.transistor.fm/ 
 

Designing for Tomorrow: Accessibility in a World of Voice & Gestural Interfaces - Verne Lindner, S4 Ep. 3

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/

UX Design Diaries: Over 16 Years of Global Insights - Silvia Hernández - S4 Ep. 2

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? 36:26Show 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/silviahdezCompany’s website: https://www.ledn.ioSilvia’s Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/entredisenoras/ 

Crafting Good User Experiences: The Fusion of Art and Technology - Grayson West, S4, Ep. 1

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? 27:50Show 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/
 

Unpacking the Dynamics of UX, AI, & Business with Zachary Newton - S3 Ep.14

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-archiveshttps://soapbox.house/ 

Amplifying Diversity in Design: A Discussion with Jonelle Chandler - S3 Ep.13

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/

Crafting Immersive Experiences: The Role of Storytelling in CX and UX Design - Hans Forsman - S3 Ep 12

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/