Pixelated Path

Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Chris Abad sits down with Dean Broadley, a design leader who transformed a banking design team of 150+ people and founded Designing Humans. Dean shares his unconventional journey from teenage comic book designer to design leadership, revealing why self-awareness is the missing ingredient in most design teams. Learn why Dean believes mistakes are your greatest assets, how to identify when designers are stuck, and practical techniques to foster growth through reframing and embracing discomfort.

About Dean BroadleyDean Broadley is the founder of Designing Humans, a consultancy focused on helping companies build effective design teams. With experience leading large design organizations across multiple countries, Dean specializes in helping designers break through career plateaus by focusing on self-awareness and relationship-building rather than rigid processes. His philosophy centers on the idea that "you're not designing experiences or products, you're designing humans."

Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 E019 Dean Broadley (Spotify)01:33 Early Influences and First Design Job03:03 University Challenges and Digital Shift06:24 Breaking Boundaries and Finding Opportunities14:29 Founding Designing Humans16:50 Implementing New Processes and Structures20:01 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Relationships20:10 Building Products People Love20:30 Team Dynamics and Self-Knowledge20:53 Honest Conversations with Customers23:25 Tools for Improving Self-Awareness25:16 Helping Others Overcome Challenges29:36 Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities33:37 Evolving Leadership Styles40:33 Advice for Early Career Designers42:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Quotes

"You cannot be in any effective relationship without knowing yourself really, really well." - Dean Broadley"We ask permission to participate in the lives of our customers. They're not thinking about us. And that's okay." - Dean Broadley"Nine times out of ten, when a system's not working, it has nothing to do with what you drew on a slide." - Dean Broadley"Just get stuck in. There's no time for perfection. There's only time for effectiveness." - Dean Broadley"I am long-term lazy. I will work very hard so I don't have to work again." - Dean Broadley"If it wasn't for my mistakes, I wouldn't know half the things I know." - Dean Broadley

Resources Mentioned

• Johari Window - A self-awareness tool Dean uses for personal and team development
• Formula D Interactive - The company where Dean got his first professional design job

Connect with Dean Broadley

• LinkedIn: Dean Broadley
• Twitter/X: @BroadleySpoken

Connect with Chris Abad

• LinkedIn: Chris Abad
• Twitter/X: @chrisabad
• Website: pixelatedpath.com
• Newsletter: Pixelated Path on Substack

In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad chats with Stefan Klosik, an expert in UX design, about what makes a portfolio stand out to hiring managers. Stefan shares key tips including the importance of storytelling, the relevance of showing before and after work, and focusing on a few strong projects rather than a broad array. The discussion also delves into the role of AI in design and the future skills designers will need. If you're looking to land your next UX job, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.00:00 Introduction01:02 College Days and Early Design Experiences03:41 First Job and Learning on the Job04:14 Navigating the Dot-Com Boom05:58 Building a Career in Design08:18 The Importance of a Strong Portfolio10:03 Tips for Crafting a Compelling Portfolio15:21 Evaluating Portfolios and Hiring Designers24:19 Training Recruiters and Final Thoughts29:03 Exploring Design Thinking Beyond School29:43 The Value of Constraints in Design Projects30:28 Balancing Real-World Constraints and Creativity33:27 The Role of AI in Modern Design35:04 Future Skills for Designers in an AI-Driven World46:55 Critical Thinking and Judgment in Design58:27 Practical Tips for Building a Design Portfolio01:03:46 Connecting and Sharing Your Work

In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad talks with Jessica Sommer about the emotional and professional challenges of facing job loss in the tech industry. Jessica shares her journey from getting laid off to finding new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adapting to change, and staying grounded in a rapidly evolving field. They discuss her educational background, including her love for research and interdisciplinary studies, and how her experiences in anthropology and statistics have shaped her career. Jessica also opens up about personal milestones, such as dealing with her mother's cancer diagnosis and balancing work during the pandemic while raising a child. This episode offers valuable insights for UX professionals on handling career setbacks, personal growth, and the significance of empathy and self-care in the workplace.00:00 Facing Job Loss in Tech: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity00:54 Jessica's Journey: From High School to University Research04:46 Navigating Early Career Challenges and Personal Loss08:44 The Importance of Empathy and Innovation in the Workplace13:22 Balancing Work, Personal Well-being, and Mentorship23:10 The Impact of Layoffs and the Future of Work in Tech28:15 Responding to Change: Advice for New Professionals29:19 Navigating Company Layoffs30:57 Personal Experience with Layoffs32:59 Starting Over: A New Beginning33:40 Lessons from Managing Layoffs35:18 Resilience and Positive Outlook42:29 Balancing Career and Parenthood47:34 Creating Safe Work Environments55:05 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

In this candid interview, host Chris Abad sits down with Jason Bly, a seasoned design leader, to explore his journey from Jamaica to leading major design projects at Google. The episode delves into Jason's early struggles, his time at Kodak, and his transition to Google, where he contributed to the redesign of the Google homepage. Jason shares insights on the importance of taking risks, building resilience, and staying adaptable in an unpredictable career path. He also reflects on his recent layoff and how he's using this experience to plan his next steps thoughtfully. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone navigating uncertainty in their professional life.

00:00 Introduction to Jason Bly's Journey

01:27 Early Career and Internships

03:38 Discovering a Passion for Graphic Design

06:26 The Importance of Attention to Detail

12:06 Navigating Design Critiques

17:40 Transitioning to the U.S. for Education

26:46 From Print to Digital Design

31:23 First Full-Time Role at Kodak

35:09 Transitioning from Kodak to Effective

35:58 Navigating Career Growth and Titles

36:29 Challenges and Responsibilities at Kodak

39:19 Joining Google: The Journey Begins

39:58 Landing the Role at Google

44:14 Proudest Accomplishments at Google

53:00 The Impact of Layoffs

57:37 Processing the Layoff

01:01:51 Advice for Navigating Layoffs

01:04:54 What's Next: Future Plans

01:08:14 Conclusion: Embracing Change

In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad explores the career transformation of Claire Snell-Rood, who transitioned from a successful academic career in anthropology to a dynamic role in UX and product research. Claire discusses her challenges and motivations in moving from academia to agency work and then to her current in-house role at Rippling. She shares valuable insights on applying research in real-world settings, the importance of networking and seeking mentorship, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Claire also highlights the differences between academic and industry research, offering practical tips for early career researchers and designers looking to navigate their own career transitions.

In this episode of 'Pixelated Path,' host Chris Abad is joined by Matt Armstrong, an accomplished designer whose career journey spans from high school web projects to leading design systems at top-tier companies like Zendesk and Dropbox. Matt shares his personal experiences dealing with imposter syndrome, burnout, and the challenges of an ever-evolving tech landscape. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, authentic leadership, and personal growth in achieving a balanced professional life. Tune in to glean invaluable lessons for designers at any stage of their career and to understand the profound impact of personal resilience and vulnerability in the world of UX design.

00:00 Introduction

00:52 Matt Armstrong's Early Career at Dropbox

05:01 Discovering a Passion for Design

11:19 Learning from Diverse Inspirations

15:56 The Role of Critiques in Design

29:23 Transitioning to a Design Career at Zendesk

31:55 The Zendesk Rebrand Journey

33:08 Navigating Criticism and Design Twitter

34:39 Reflections on Design Choices

38:44 The Importance of Therapy and Mental Health

49:13 Imposter Syndrome in Design

01:02:07 Advice for New Designers

01:06:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this insightful episode of Pixelated Path, Chris Abad chats with Beril Maples about her unconventional journey from aspiring to be an architect to leading UX teams at top tech firms like Salesforce and Google. Beril shares her experiences of facing tech layoffs, transitioning between industries, and moving from individual contributor roles to management. Her candid advice on resilience, negotiation, and maintaining design quality amidst constraints provides invaluable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned UX professionals. Tune in for a story of growth, adaptability, and the importance of embracing change in a dynamic job market.

00:00 Introduction to Beril's Journey

00:53 Early Inspirations and Architectural Beginnings

01:44 Transition to Technology and UX

04:54 Skills and Resilience in UX

13:23 Navigating Career Challenges and Layoffs

22:17 Visa Challenges and Career Decisions

24:39 Transition to Management at Salesforce

30:52 Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help

31:36 Tips for Early Career Struggles

33:07 Balancing Design Purity and Business Needs

35:53 Navigating UX Constraints and Collaboration

39:50 Transitioning Between Industries

42:15 Advice for Shifting Career Paths

46:03 Crafting a Standout Resume and Portfolio

49:45 Differences Between Senior Manager and Director Roles

52:32 Mentoring and Team Management Insights

55:16 Handling Layoffs and Career Uncertainty

01:00:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect

In this episode, we delve into Scott's transformative career transition from a small design studio to a global leadership role at IBM. Scott shares his experiences and insights on creative evolution, the importance of empathy in leadership, and taking risks in his design career. From working on digital transformations in various industries such as mining, retail, and finance, to forming impactful relationships and managing large teams, Scott's journey offers valuable lessons for both new and seasoned designers. Tune in for a story filled with inspiration and practical advice, and don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations.

In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Jenna Bilotta, a seasoned UX and product designer with experience at Google, YouTube, and Dropbox. Jenna shares insights on why focusing solely on the details can limit a designer's career and emphasizes the importance of understanding broader systems and frameworks. She recounts her journey into UX, beginning with a pivotal moment inspired by the art in movie title sequences and evolving through her education in net cultures. Reflecting on her transition from academia to industry, Jenna discusses the difficulties of adapting to real-world constraints and the value of a graduate education. The conversation also touches on the growing role of AI in UX, the importance of system and framework design, and Jenna's career trajectory from Google to starting her own company. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in UX design and how to break through the glass ceiling of focusing on pixels.

00:00 Introduction: The Designer's Dilemma

00:58 Jenna Bilotta's Journey into UX

04:14 The Fascination with Human Behavior and Technology

07:37 Transitioning from Academia to the Workforce

10:38 The Value of Graduate Education in UX

14:28 The Evolution of UX Design with Emerging Technologies

20:53 The Importance of Logic Over Pixels in UX

25:35 Framework Design: Moving Beyond Pixels

27:38 Mapping Nouns and Verbs in System Design

28:06 Categorizing Objects and Altitudes

28:55 Game Design Analogy for Product Altitudes

30:04 Framework Design in Complex Projects

31:44 The Role of a Systems Designer

33:38 Career Launch at Google

37:53 Transition to Entrepreneurship

39:59 Balancing Design and Product Roles

43:47 Advice for Aspiring Designers and Product Managers

48:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Chris Abad interviews Peter Merholz, an influential design executive and co-founder of Adaptive Path. Peter chats about his unconventional journey from an anthropology major to a design pioneer, and how his background uniquely impacted his approach to human-centered design. They discuss the challenges and insights gained from scaling design teams, spearheading innovation in user experience, and the evolving landscape of design leadership. For anyone curious about blending creativity, technology, and leadership in a design career, this conversation offers invaluable advice and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction

00:48 Discovering Design Through Books

02:52 Transitioning from Web Development to Design

03:44 Anthropology's Influence on Design

06:39 Early Career and First Management Role

09:32 Founding Adaptive Path

16:06 Challenges and Evolution of Design Leadership

32:12 Aligning on Values 33:21 Consulting Business Dynamics

34:54 Innovative Approaches and Utilization Rates

37:05 Transition and Exit from Adaptive Path

38:26 Impact on User Experience Profession

40:49 Writing and Impact of 'Design for Design Orgs'

42:13 Challenges in Scaling Design Teams

52:00 Recruiting and Hiring Practices

56:59 Navigating the Interview Process

01:03:37 Final Thoughts and Advice