“Unlocking the Power of Workshops in Design” – Act 02 – Scene 39 – Amanda Gelb

Amanda's LinkedIn Profile: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gelb/⁠ Amanda's company: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/aha-studio-inc/⁠

Summary

In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Amanda Gelb discuss the critical role of workshops in design and the importance of stakeholder buy-in, exploring strategies for effectively communicating the value of workshops, managing group dynamics, and harnessing divergent opinions. They emphasize the necessity of clear agendas and objectives, understanding participants' needs, and the significance of collaboration and the role of play in fostering creativity. Amanda highlights the importance of workshop facilitation skills as a bridge from individual contributor to design leader, sharing insights on navigating conflicts, enhancing collaboration and decision-making within organizations, and providing practical techniques for successful workshop facilitation. The discussion also touches on the need for better representation of workshop skills in design education and social media, while emphasizing the necessity of being a leader in the design space.

Takeaways

·      Workshops can be a waste of time if not structured properly.

·      Clear objectives and next steps are crucial for effective workshops.

·      Diverse opinions can lead to conflict, but they can also drive innovation.

·      Facilitators should give themselves permission to interrupt when necessary.

·      Using playful methods like Lego can enhance engagement in workshops.

·      Understanding your audience is key to successful facilitation.

·      Conflict capture techniques can help manage disagreements.

·      Workshops should be designed with the end goal in mind.

·      Collaboration skills are essential for effective workshop facilitation.

·      Leaders must be proactive in guiding discussions and decisions.

 

Chapters

00:48 - Exploring Key Themes

01:49 - Setting the Stage for a Comfortable Conversation

03:44 - The Importance of Workshops in Design

06:49 - Understanding the Role of a Workshop Facilitator

09:54 - Navigating Workshop Dynamics and Decision-Making

12:51 - Balancing Inclusivity and Efficiency in Workshops

15:57 - Strategies for Effective Workshop Outcomes

18:51 - Overcoming FOMO and Ensuring Engagement

21:43 - The Leadership Role in Workshop Facilitation

24:59 - The Importance of Workshops in Leadership

28:23 - Creating Collaborative Spaces for Effective Workshops

33:47 - Navigating Conflict and Divergent Opinions

40:01 - Building Confidence in Moderation and Collaboration

44:15 - The Role of Cross-Functional Leadership

46:40 - Innovative Workshop Techniques: LEGO Serious Play

44:42 - The Importance of Stakeholder Buy-In 

51:21 - Effective Communication in Workshops 

54:32 - The Role of Workshops in Design 

54:32 - Evangelizing Workshop Skills

 

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“LinkedIn Brand-building for Designers” – Act 02 – Scene 40 – Thijs Kraan

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Naresh Shan and Thijs Kraan explore the evolving landscape of design, the importance of leveraging LinkedIn for personal branding, and the challenges of content creation. Thijs shares insights on how to effectively communicate the value of design, the long-term commitment required for successful content creation, and the balance between authenticity and professionalism on social media. They discuss the role of AI in writing, the significance of building a standout LinkedIn profile, and strategies for maximising audience engagement. The conversation emphasises the need for designers to educate others about their value and adapt to the changing dynamics of the job market.

Takeaways

• Design is increasingly recognised as a key value driver in organisations.
• LinkedIn is a powerful platform for building a personal brand and attracting opportunities.
• Content creation is a long-term commitment that requires consistency and patience.
• Educating your audience about your value is crucial for success.
• AI tools can assist in writing, but should not replace personal thought and creativity.
• Venting on professional platforms like LinkedIn should be approached with caution.
• Building a standout LinkedIn profile requires clarity about your unique value proposition.
• Quality content is essential, but quantity can also play a role in visibility.
• Engagement strategies should focus on the audience's needs and interests.
• The landscape of content creation is evolving, and adapting to changes is necessary.

Chapters

00:48 – Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:02 – The Importance of Design Education

03:00 – Transitioning to Freelance in Design

04:48 – Overcoming Content Creation Challenges

08:57 – The Long Game of Content Creation

11:05 – Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth

14:04 – Building a Standout LinkedIn Profile

17:49 – The Art of Venting vs. Professionalism

21:03 – Navigating AI Tools in Writing

25:53 – The Craft of Writing and Continuous Improvement

35:46 – The Journey of Content Creation

38:52 – Building a Personal Brand vs. Being an Influencer

44:33 – The Shift to Video Content

47:08 – Navigating LinkedIn’s Algorithm

53:00 – Maximising Content Posting Strategies

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Modus Operandi – Episode 7 - Luminous Fragments – Miranda Slayter

In this engaging conversation, Naresh Shan and Miranda Slayter explore the current job market's challenges, ethical dilemmas in design, and the impact of AI on the industry. They discuss the importance of transparency, the role of designers in measuring impact, and the need for strong design leadership. The conversation also explores the importance of creating compelling portfolios and the evolving nature of UX design in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Takeaways

• The job market is dire, leading many to compromise on ethics.
• Navigating ethical dilemmas in employment is a complex issue.
• Transparency in career choices can help mitigate the impact of CV stains from controversial companies.
• AI is transforming the workplace, but it won't replace UX design.
• Designers must articulate their decisions with data and insights.
• The importance of measuring design impact is crucial for career growth.
• Design leaders play a crucial role in advocating for the value of design.
• A compelling portfolio should showcase design thinking and impact.
• AI fatigue is real; the hype may not match the reality.
• Designers must continually evolve their skills to remain relevant in the job market.

Chapters
00:00 - Coffee Conversations and Introductions
01:32  -Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Job Markets
05:24 - The Balance of Ethics and Survival
07:42 - Transparency in Career Choices
10:04 - The Impact of Company Ethics on Work Culture
11:48 - Data Breaches vs. Animal Testing: A Moral Comparison
15:06 - The Rise of AI and Ethical Concerns
19:22 - AI Fatigue: The Overhyped Reality
23:58 - Adapting to AI: The Future of Design
26:22 - The Evolution of Jobs in the Age of AI
28:01 - AI's Impact on Product Development
30:09 - Critical Thinking in Design with AI
33:23 - Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market
40:56 - Crafting a Compelling Portfolio
43:57 - Defining Design Impact: Designers vs. Product Managers
50:41 - Articulating Design Decisions
55:45 - Building Political Capital in Design
01:01:01 - The Art of Presenting Design Ideas
01:05:47 - Learning from Bad Leadership
01:10:03  - The Role of Design Leaders in Business

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Modus Operandi – Episode 6 - Whisper Gallery – Noelle Lansford

Summary

In this episode of the Modus Operandi podcast, hosts Naresh Shan and Noelle Lansford delve into the complexities of collaboration between designers and developers, highlighting the challenges of communication, onboarding, and the impact of daily design changes on development processes. They discuss the importance of understanding MVP in product management, the need for governance in product backlogs, and the role of UX in product strategy. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for designers to learn to say no, the value of data-driven decisions, and the future of UX in organizations, particularly at the C-suite level.

 

Takeaways

·      Collaboration issues between designers and developers stem from cultural differences.

·      Onboarding processes are often inadequate, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

·      Effective communication is crucial for successful handovers between design and development teams.

·      Daily changes in design can complicate development processes and lead to scope creep.

·      Learning to say no is essential for designers to maintain project integrity.

·      Understanding the concept of MVP is critical for product managers and designers alike.

·      Governance in product backlogs can help streamline processes and improve outcomes.

·      UX should be recognized as a vital component of product strategy at the C-suite level.

·      Data-driven decisions can enhance the influence of design in product development.

·      The future of UX may involve more strategic roles within organizations.

 

 

Chapters

01:23 - Introduction to Unscripted Conversations

01:44 - Collaboration Challenges Between Designers and Developers

05:29 - The Importance of Onboarding in Design and Development

07:58 - Communication and Handover Processes

11:29 - Managing Design Changes and Scope Creep

17:25 - Setting Boundaries in Design

23:54 - Understanding MVP vs. MDP

30:54 - Governance in Product Backlogs

32:47 - Governance and Lead Time in Product Development

34:58 - The Cost of Pivoting and Its Cultural Implications

38:52 - Using Numbers Wisely in Design

41:58 - The Role of Product Managers and Long-Term Strategy

45:55 - The Gap Between Design and Business Strategy

49:58 - The Need for Dedicated UX Product Teams

55:53 - The Importance of Proving UX Value to the C-Suite

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"Should Everybody Do Research?" - Act 02 - Scene 38 - Kate Towsey

Summary

In this episode of the DesignOps Aligned podcast, Naresh Shan speaks with Kate Towsey, a prominent figure in the field of research operations. They discuss the evolution and current state of research ops, the importance of democratizing research, and the role of researchers in product development. Kate emphasises the need for strong research leadership and the integration of AI as a strategic partner in research processes. The conversation also touches on the future of research methodologies and the importance of building effective research repositories to enhance organisational knowledge.

Takeaways

• Kate Towsey is a well-known figure in the field of research operations.
• Research ops is growing despite layoffs in the industry.
• Companies recognise the need for research, but may not see the need for dedicated researchers.
• Democratisation of research allows various roles to conduct research.
• Research leaders play a crucial role in guiding research strategy.
• AI can enhance research processes, but should be viewed as a teammate.
• Effective research repositories are crucial for knowledge sharing.
• Research methodologies will evolve with the integration of artificial intelligence.
• Building relationships with stakeholders is crucial to shaping the research culture.
• Understanding organisational priorities can help researchers align their efforts.

 

Chapters

00:48 - Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:18 - Kate Towsey's Journey into Research Operations

05:22 - The Current State of Research Ops

08:17 - Democratisation of Research and Its Implications

11:21 - Quality of Research in a Democratized Environment

14:14 - The Role of Researchers in Organisations

17:18 - Challenges and Opportunities for Research Ops

19:49 - The Role of Researchers in Product Development

21:47 - Rethinking Product Development Life Cycle

23:58 - The Need for Research Leadership

26:39 - Translating Research into Business Language

29:20 - Leveraging AI in Research

34:30 - AI as a Team Member in Research

38:47 - Synthetic Users and Research Optimisation

43:10 - The Evolving Role of Research in Design

45:14 - Methodologies in Flux: The Future of Research

48:37 - Research as the Spine of Organisations

53:59 - Influencing Change: The Path to Research Integration

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Modus Operandi - Episode 3 - Alchemy of Influence - Featuring Miranda Slayter

In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Miranda Slayter delve into the evolving role of UX designers, emphasising the importance of education, strategic thinking, and collaboration within organisations. They discuss the challenges designers face in being recognised for their value, the impact of design systems on creativity, and the necessity of building trust with stakeholders. The dialogue underscores the importance of designers influencing product direction while holding leadership accountable for cultivating a culture that prioritises UX. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of long-term thinking in design and the role of designers as disruptors in the industry.


Takeaways

• UX designers must educate stakeholders about the value they bring.
• Design maturity varies significantly across organisations.
• Many designers feel underutilised in their roles.
• Strategic thinking is becoming essential for UX designers.
• Design systems can limit creativity and flexibility.
• Building trust with stakeholders is crucial for influence.
• Setting boundaries is essential for the designer's well-being.
• Long-term thinking is often neglected in product management.
• Modernising UI can be challenging to quantify in business value.
• Design leadership should take responsibility for educating the organisation.
  
  

Chapters
01:12 – The Role of UX Designers in Education
10:45 – The Shift Towards Strategic UX
17:56 – The Impact of Design Systems on Creativity
27:53 – Influencing Stakeholders in UX Design
30:36 – Modernising Legacy Interfaces
32:23 – Involvement in Planning Meetings
35:54 – Navigating Stakeholder Relationships
37:06 – Challenging Bad Ideas
40:55 – Building Trust as a Designer
46:07 – Setting Boundaries in Design
49:09 – Proving Value as a Designer
50:56 – Accountability in Design Leadership

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“Research is a slow process, but valuable” – Act 02 – Scene 37 – Theo Johnson

Summary

In this episode, Naresh Shan speaks with Theo Johnson, a senior UX researcher at Microsoft. They discuss the challenges and intricacies of UX research within large corporate organisations, the importance of storytelling in presenting research findings, and the evolving role of AI in the research process. Theo shares insights on how researchers can better integrate their work into product development and the necessity of maintaining active research repositories. The conversation also touches on the potential of synthetic users in research and the ongoing struggle researchers face in demonstrating their value throughout the product lifecycle.

Takeaways

·      UX researchers often struggle to pitch their value in organisations.

· The process of UX research can be slow, but it is essential for product development.

·      Storytelling is a crucial skill for UX researchers to communicate findings effectively.

·      AI tools can enhance the efficiency of UX research, but should not replace human insight.

Maintaining active research repositories is crucial for ongoing product development.

·      Researchers need to advocate for their work to be integrated into product backlogs.

·      The reality is that much of the research conducted may not make it into production.

Synthetic users present a fascinating yet uncertain future for UX research.

·      Data analysis skills are increasingly crucial for UX researchers.

·      Building relationships with stakeholders can help researchers gain visibility and influence.

Chapters

00:48 - Setting the Stage for UX Research  

02:07 - The Role of UX Research in Corporate Structures  

05:12 - Challenges in UX Research Implementation  

08:15 - The Importance of Continuous Discovery  

11:20 - Leveraging Repositories for Research  

14:09 - The Value of Storytelling in UX Research  

25:14 - Understanding Stakeholder Needs  

28:16 - Turning Insights into Action  

31:21 - The Reality of Research Implementation  

33:42 - The Role of Data in Research  

37:50 - AI's Impact on Research  

44:19 - The Future of User Research  

 

Keywords

 

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“The Hype of AI: Understanding Its Real Impact” – Act 02 – Scene 36 – Brandon C. White

Summary

In this conversation, Brandon and Naresh explore the evolving landscape of AI, discussing its impact on business, critical thinking, and parenting. They delve into the hype surrounding AI technologies, the necessity for businesses to develop coherent strategies, and the potential dangers of over-reliance on AI tools. The discussion also explores the implications for future job markets and the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills in the younger generation. In this conversation, Brandon and Naresh explore the implications of AI on society, touching on the dangers of misinformation, the importance of understanding AI's mechanics, and the potential catastrophic outcomes of misuse. They discuss the role of government in regulating AI, the impact on employment and the wealth gap, and the shift towards craft jobs. The conversation also delves into the future of robotics and the reality of agentic AI, emphasising the balance between efficiency and the human touch in customer service.

Takeaways

·      The best conversations often happen before recording starts.

·      AI is currently experiencing a significant hype bubble.

·      Businesses must develop a coherent AI strategy to succeed.

·      A central data repository is crucial for effective AI implementation.

·      Over-reliance on AI can lead to a decline in critical thinking skills.

·      The rapid advancement of AI tools can create job gaps.

·      Parents need to be cautious about screen time for children.

·      AI-generated advice may not always be reliable or accurate.

·      Critical thinking is essential for understanding AI outputs.

·      The future of work will be heavily influenced by AI advancements. Misinformation in AI can lead to dangerous consequences.

 

Chapters

00:48 - The Art of Authentic Conversations

02:36 - Introduction to AI and Its Impact

06:46 - Navigating the AI Hype Bubble

13:00 - Building an AI Strategy for Businesses

18:57 - The Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI

24:47 - The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World

30:38 - The Role of Critical Thinking in the Age of AI

36:36 - Parenting in the Age of Technology

44:35 - The Dangers of Misinformation in AI

44:59 - Understanding AI: The Importance of Prompt Engineering

46:48 - Market Dynamics and AI Efficacy

48:42 - The Catastrophic Potential of AI Misuse

49:28 - Government Regulation and AI Responsibility

50:50 - AI’s Impact on Employment and Society

53:17 - The Wealth Gap and AI

54:50 - The Shift Towards Craft and Trade Jobs

57:20 - The Future of Robotics in Everyday Life

01:07:06 - Agentic AI: Hype vs. Reality

01:08:10 - AI in Customer Service: Efficiency vs. Human Touch

01:19:24 - Conclusion: The Future of AI and Society

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“Making Accessibility a Priority” – Act 02 – Scene 35 – Maigen Thomas

Summary

In this episode of the DesignOps Aligned podcast Maigen Thomas discusses the critical importance of accessibility in design. They explore the transition from development to design, the challenges designers face in implementing accessibility, and the role of product managers in advocating for inclusive design. Maigen shares her insights on the need for designers to understand the fundamentals of accessibility and the importance of building a compassionate approach to design. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between designers, developers, and product managers to create accessible products that cater to all users, regardless of their abilities.

Takeaways

·      Designers often lack training in accessibility from the start.

·      Accessibility should be viewed as compassion, not just compliance.

·      The web is inherently accessible; it's our additions that complicate it.

·      Designers need to understand coding to create functional designs.

·      Product managers play a crucial role in prioritizing accessibility.

·      The design community must advocate for accessibility as a shared responsibility.

·      There is a business case for making products accessible.

·      Mentorship in design should be deeper than transactional relationships.

·      The next generation of designers is more inclusive and aware of accessibility needs.

·      Accessibility features should be promoted and made clear to users.

 

Chapters

00:48 - Megan’s Journey from Development to Design

02:27 - The Importance of Accessibility in Design

05:05 - The Role of Empathy and Compassion in Accessibility

08:08 - Building Foundations: The Basics of Accessibility

11:14 - Overcoming Accessibility Challenges in Design

14:09 - The Responsibility of Designers and Product Managers

16:29 - The Business Case for Accessibility

19:20 - The Ingredients for Successful Accessible Design

28:18 - Redefining UX Design Education

30:02 - The Role of Mentorship in UX

32:28 - Accessibility in Design: A Necessity

35:36 - Generational Perspectives on Accessibility

48:29 - The Future of Inclusive Design

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“The Future of Prototyping: UXPin vs. Figma” – Act 02 – Scene 34 – Jack Behar

In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Jack Behar discuss the capabilities and advantages of UXPin, a design and prototyping platform that aims to bridge the gap between design and development. They compare UXPin with Figma, highlighting UXPin's code-first approach and centralised collaboration features. The discussion also covers the importance of design systems, the onboarding process for new users, and the role of product managers in the design process. Jack provides insights into the future of UXPin, including its adoption strategy and the integration of AI to enhance user experience.

Takeaways

·      UXPin is a full-stack UX design and UI prototyping platform.

·      The platform is code-first, allowing for advanced prototyping capabilities.

· Centralised collaboration between designers and developers is a key feature of UXPin.

·      Onboarding resources and tutorials make it easy for new users to adapt.

·      UXPin caters to both mature design systems and those without one.

·      Design systems enhance creativity rather than limit it.

·      Product managers are increasingly using design tools like UXPin.

·      Prototyping with UXPin can save time and reduce costs.

·      Version control and design freeze processes are integrated into UXPin.

·      Understanding code is beneficial but not necessary for using UXPin.

Chapters

00:48 - Jack Behar’s Background and UXPin Overview

03:37 - Comparing UXPin and Figma

07:30 - Centralised Collaboration in Design and Development

10:41 - Onboarding and Learning Curve for New Users

12:38 - Design Systems: Maturity and Flexibility

15:23 - Creativity vs. Rigidity in Design Systems

18:08 - Role of Product Managers and Business Analysts

21:15 - Prototyping Speed and Efficiency

23:42 - Design Freeze and Approval Processes

25:40 - Designing Without Code: A New Era

28:02 - Live Demo: Exploring UXPin’s Features

35:47 - The Future of UXPin in a Competitive Market

41:09 - Adoption Strategies for UXPin

46:46 - Closing Thoughts and Invitation to Explore UXPin

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