In this conversation, we explore themes ranging from AI and the future of design to the more personal side of the industry - mental health and the importance of support. Gavin highlights the often-overlooked need for personal and professional care, especially for those just starting out.

We also discuss how to build environments that foster growth and make the design industry more sustainable for everyone.

Gavin Elliot

Web - https://gavinelliott.co.uk/

LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-elliott-x/

Danny Hearn

Substack - https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com

Web -  https://www.dannyhearn.me

LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/

00:00 – Supporting newcomers in design
00:30 – Gavin’s career journey
02:00 – Teenage gaming project goes global
06:00 – Early internet vs. today’s AI
09:50 – Risk-taking: youth vs. adults
11:30 – Running into AI headfirst
15:00 – Learning to build with Cursor
20:00 – Are we designing backwards?
23:00 – The AI divide in design
27:50 – Why Figma still matters
32:00 – Service design & frayed edges
36:00 – Burnout stories & recovery
43:00 – The power of support & mentors
52:00 – Neurodiversity & late diagnosis
1:03:00 – Imposter syndrome & speaking
1:05:00 – Advice for early-career designers
1:07:00 – Why design’s future is exciting

#DesignIndustry #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #Support

Chris Compston
Substack | Website | LinkedIN

Danny Hearn
Substack | Website | LinkedIN

In this insightful episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of design roles and the increasing specialisation within the industry. Join Chris Compston and me as we explore the dynamics of inclusivity in design leadership, reflecting on personal experiences and the subtle power shifts in remote meetings. Discover how these changes are shaping the future of design and the importance of taking action to foster a more inclusive environment. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and inspires reflection on our roles within the design community.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Chris Compston

06:01 The Evolution of UX Design

12:58 The State of Product Design Today

20:58 AI's Impact on Design and Product Management

26:50 Navigating Change in the Design Landscape

28:15 The Value of Human Contribution in a Capitalist Society

29:58 Defining Personal and Organizational Values

31:26 The Importance of Inclusivity in Innovation

33:22 The Shift in Hiring Practices and Candidate Experience

37:24 Rethinking Interview Processes for Inclusivity

44:34 Understanding Product Operations

49:02 Building Confidence as a Consultant

53:02 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams

In this conversation, Carmen and I explore the evolution of UX design, the importance of user research, and the challenges faced in the current job market. They discuss the impact of AI on the industry, the role of imposter syndrome, and the significance of outcomes in design. Carmen shares her insights on the changing landscape of product design and the need for innovation in a challenging economy, emphasising the value of research in shaping successful products.

Chapters

00:00 Carmen's Journey into UX Design

02:48 The Evolution of Information Architecture to UX

05:45 Understanding Design Thinking and User Research

08:50 The Importance of Learning and Theory in UX

11:57 Navigating Real-World Constraints in UX

14:46 The Challenge of Measuring UX Outcomes

17:49 The Current Job Market and Economic Factors

20:51 AI's Impact on the UX Industry

34:38 The Role of AI in Job Security

38:37 The Impact of Fear on Creativity

42:32 Innovation in a Changing Economy

46:38 Imposter Syndrome and Its Role in Design

01:00:22 The Value of Research in Design

Keywords

UX design, information architecture, user research, design thinking, AI impact, imposter syndrome, product design, innovation, career insights, learning in UX

In this engaging conversation, Kirtika and I explore the multifaceted world of UX design, discussing the importance of discovery, research, and empathy in creating user-centered solutions. Kirtika shares her journey from graphic design to UX, emphasising the value of questioning and understanding both user and business needs. They delve into the challenges of company culture, the interview process, and the balance between creative expression and professional growth. The discussion culminates in reflections on personal experiences and aspirations in the design field.

About Kirtika
Her amazing artwork - https://www.instagram.com/dirtykirti/

LinkedIN -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkir/

Takeaways

• Kirtika identifies as a 'jack of all trades' in UX design.
• The discovery phase is crucial for understanding user needs.
• Empathy is key in UX research and design.
• Company culture significantly impacts design work.
• Balancing business goals with user needs is essential.
• The interview process for designers often lacks depth.
• Creative expression is important for personal fulfillment.
• Dyslexia can provide unique insights in design.
• Questioning the status quo is vital in design.
• Freelancing offers flexibility and resilience in a changing job market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:34 Understanding UX Design

06:43 The Role of a UX Designer

09:43 The Importance of Discovery

12:02 Diverging vs. Converging in Design

15:07 The Evolution of UX Roles

18:12 Balancing Business and User Needs

20:58 Research Methodologies in UX

23:53 The Impact of Dyslexia on Design Thinking

26:46 Cultivating a Supportive Design Culture

28:15 Empowerment and Support in the Workplace

30:09 The Importance of Autonomy and Trust

32:33 Problem-Solving Mindset in Design

34:48 The Art of Listening and Communication

38:08 Navigating Workplace Dynamics

40:59 The Value of Experience and Portfolio

44:57 The Illusion of Job Security

48:03 Pursuing Passion and Overcoming Fear

Welcome to the deeply human design podcast. In this short introduction, I invite you to explore the heart and soul of working in design. My aim is to create a space for authentic conversations about the messy, inspiring, and very human side of our work. Join me as we uncover the stories and insights that make design a truly human experience.

Substack - https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com

Web -  https://www.dannyhearn.me

LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/

In this first episode, I sit down with Gavin, a designer, builder and creator of Figma plugins downloaded over 600,000 times. We talk about the messy, emotional side of design: instinct, burnout, psychological safety and how our environments shape the work we do. Gavin shares his journey from Rolls Royce to government projects to building tools for designers, and we explore what it takes to balance empathy, pragmatism and craft in today’s shifting UX landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:51 The Role of Design in Engineering

06:46 Navigating Job Titles and Industry Changes

09:27 AI's Impact on Design and Decision Making

12:40 Emotional Intelligence in Design

15:49 Burnout and Mental Health in Design

26:25 Navigating Operational Challenges in Design

30:21 The Role of Psychological Safety in Design Environments

35:38 Building Authentic Client Relationships

39:44 Influential Figures in Design Practice

43:54 Proud Achievements in Design

46:50 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

Gavin's figma plugins
https://www.figma.com/@gavinmcfarland

Gavins website
https://gavinmcfarland.co.uk/