Host Ryan Atkinson welcomes Elsy Meis, a UX design maven with a rich background spanning ed tech, AI, marketing, and hospitality. Elsy shares her insights on starting out in the UX field, the critical role of user research, and the importance of strategy and storytelling in creating immersive user experiences. From redesigning websites for practice to building personal brands, Elsy's journey from the University of Colorado's Atlas Institute to impactful roles in the industry is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning. Discover how even a seemingly simple task such as ordering cologne can unravel the complex web of user experience. Elsy’s real-world examples and engaging discussion illuminate the multifaceted nature of a UX career. Ready to dive into the intersection of psychology, design, and technology? Join Ryan and Elsy for a thought-provoking session, and learn how to craft digital stories that resonate with users and elevate brand perception.

00:00 Undecided freshman at CU explores engineering options.

05:34 Worked on AI teaming, UX research, marketing.

09:10 Early UX project involved eBay website redesign.

12:32 Research is crucial for diverse UX design.

15:15 Interest drives crossover from computer science to design.

17:13 Diverse experiences lead to broad skill set.

20:52 Personal brand essential for showcasing design style.

23:07 Challenges finding job alignment, aesthetic concern.

27:43 Creating platform to sell hobbies, promote community.