"The Challenges in UX" - DesignOpsAligned - Act 01 - Scene 03 - Debbie Levitt

The conversation explores the challenges faced by UX designers and researchers in the industry, including the misconception that their work is easy and the lack of understanding and appreciation for their role. It discusses the need for good UX leadership to address these issues and advocates for making conversations about quality and accountability. The conversation also touches on the current climate and how it may impact industry standards and the ability to advocate for change. It addresses the notion of designers being too dogmatic and highlights the importance of critical thinking to challenge gaslighting and false narratives. In this conversation, Debbie Levitt and Naresh Shan discuss the challenges and future of the UX industry. They touch on topics such as the importance of empathy, the role of product managers in UX, and the ideal UX process. They also explore the potential impact of AI on the field and the need for critical thinking, strategy, and quality in UX work.

Takeaways:

• UX designers and researchers face challenges such as the misconception that their work is easy and the lack of understanding and appreciation for their role.
• Good UX leadership addresses these challenges and creates a supportive design environment.
• Conversations about quality and accountability can be effective in advocating for change and addressing issues in the industry.
• In the current climate, where job security may be a concern, designers may need to pick their battles wisely and prioritize their well-being.
• Critical thinking is essential in challenging gaslighting and false narratives, and designers should not internalize blame for systemic issues. Empathy is crucial in UX work, but many businesses prioritize their own needs over the needs of users.
• The role of product managers in UX is evolving, and there is a potential for UX and product management to merge.
• The ideal UX process follows a human-centred design, starting with research and observation, framing the problem, developing a strategy, and evaluating and iterating on solutions.
• The future of the UX industry is uncertain, and AI could potentially replace certain aspects of UX work.
• To ensure the future of the field, it is important to push for critical thinking, strategy, and quality in UX work.

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"Empowering UX Teams" - DesignOpsAligned - Act 01 - Scene 02 - Laura Baker

In this podcast episode, a global design director, Laura Baker, shares insights on what it takes to be a good design director and the challenges they face. She emphasizes the importance of finding your leadership style and learning from good and bad leaders. Laura also discusses the misconception that design directors need to know everything and highlights the value of being a coach and empowering others. She addresses the tension between design and product teams and offers advice on building relationships and demonstrating the value of design. Additionally, Laura touches on the significance of storytelling in design and the role of design in transforming organizational culture. She concludes by discussing the impact of AI on the design industry and the need for designers to embrace adaptability and focus on their unique human skills.

Takeaways:

• Being a good design director requires finding your leadership style and learning from good and bad leaders.
• Design directors don't need to know everything; their value comes from empowering and coaching others.
• Building relationships and demonstrating the value of design are crucial in bridging the gap between design and product teams.
• Storytelling is essential in design to communicate effectively and adapt the story to different stakeholders.
• Transforming organizational culture requires collaboration and support from design leaders and the rest of the business.
• AI will bring change to the design industry, but designers should focus on their unique human skills and embrace adaptability.

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"The Importance of Fundamentals in UX" - DesignOpsAligned - Act 01 - Scene 01 - Darren Hood

The current state of the UX market is described as 'upside down' with the rise of specializations and the misconception that UX is only about aesthetics. The importance of fundamentals, such as wireframes, and the need for a scientific approach to UX is emphasised. The rush to learn UX quickly and the focus on aesthetics over functionality are seen as detrimental to the field. To show the benefits of true UX, there needs to be a commitment to proper education and a recognition of the failures of those who prioritize aesthetics over user experience. 

UX is not UI Tees: https://www.kaizentees.com/

Takeaways:

• The UX market is currently 'upside down' with the rise of specializations and the misconception that UX is only about aesthetics.
• Fundamentals like wireframes are essential in the design process and should not be abandoned in favour of aesthetics.
• A scientific approach to UX is necessary for success, and rushing to learn UX quickly is detrimental to the field.
• Proper education and a commitment to user experience over aesthetics are needed to show the benefits of actual UX. Focus on understanding users and their pain points to inform and improve the design process.
• Utilize personas to keep the user at the forefront of design decisions and optimize the experience.
• LX (Learning Experience) design combines UX and instructional design principles to enhance the learning process.
• Address missing elements in the industry, such as information architecture, cognitive load, and semiotics.
• Manage the encroachment of other teams on UX work and advocate for the importance of UX expertise.

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