What the UX?

In this episode, we explore the evolving role of design engineering in the age of AI, how it impacts workflows, and what skills are becoming essential for designers and engineers alike.

Timestamps:00:21 - The origins of the clickbait claim and the podcast’s real message02:06 - Why the episode felt like a sales pitch and the critique of AI hype03:15 - How design is an evolving process not a fixed formula05:04 - The misconception of the design process as a rigid manual06:11 - The significance of the double diamond framework in modern design07:07 - How tools like Figma continue to support traditional and innovative workflows08:27 - AI's limitations in decision-making and human judgment09:28 - The context of AI adoption across different industries and company sizes10:06 - Bubble thinking: Silicon Valley bias vs enterprise realities12:45 - Critical thinking, design crits, and maintaining human oversight14:35 - How AI might flip the standard design sequence16:07 - The evolution of prototyping: Cheaper, faster, but still human-driven18:09 - The opportunity for design to play a strategic, coaching role19:28 - Creating overwhelming options and data-driven decision paralysis20:42 - The ethics of AI, automation, and moral considerations22:23 - The AI-driven vending machine as a metaphor for automation23:48 - The limitations of current design tools like Figma28:15 - The battle between tactile creativity and AI-supported design31:54 - Growing skepticism of "loyalty" to tools, not processes33:00 - The role of stories, hype, and storytelling in design narratives35:00 - Why “long live the design process” remains relevant36:34 - Wrap-up: The value of structured processes and critical human involvement

In this episode, we delve into the concept of systems thinking, particularly in the context of UX design. The episode concludes with reflections on the increasing relevance of systems thinking in addressing design challenges.

in this episode, Chris, Greg, and Divyen kick off the new year with a light-hearted discussion about personal development plans for 2026.

Takeaways

• Focus on enhancing your strengths, not just fixing weaknesses.
• AI can be a tool for strategic growth, not an end in itself.
• Creativity is essential in a tech-driven world.
• Intentionality is key in personal and professional development.
• Consider the impact of technology on creativity and human experience.

Chapters

• 00:00 Reflections on UX and New Year Resolutions
• 00:55 AI and Skill Development for 2026
• 02:24 Strengths-Based Development Planning
• 05:04 Feedback and Self-Reflection in Design
• 07:32 Navigating Self-Criticism and Growth
• 11:40 Navigating Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
• 13:25 Leveraging AI as a Strategic Tool
• 14:48 The Importance of Systems Thinking in Design
• 15:50 Creativity in Design: Beyond the Interface
• 18:23 The Future of Creativity in a Digital World
• 21:29 The Impact of Screen Addiction on Society
• 22:35 Exploring Non-Tech Skills and Wholesome Creativity

We’re marking 20 episodes by cramming 20 'realities of working in UX' into the next 4 shows.

In this final Part 4 we discuss the responsibilities of designers, the importance of storytelling, navigating company loyalty, the necessity of continuous learning, and the impact of AI on design careers.

Chapters

1. Designer responsibilities extend beyond the interface

2. Storytelling is a skill that’s very necessary to designers

3. You don’t owe your company anything

4. You have to make time for learning

5. AI won’t take your job

We’re marking 20 episodes by cramming 20 'realities of working in UX' into the next 4 shows.

In Part 3 we discuss more themes related to UX design, including the challenges of agile methodology, Figma, and the balance between UX and UI design.

Chapters

1. True Agile is a myth

2. You can be a great designer and not know how to use Figma

3. Design thinking isn’t the only way of achieving great results

4. Sometimes you have to do stuff you don’t want to

5. There’s nothing wrong with copying but don’t use it as an excuse to stop creativity

We’re marking 20 episodes by cramming 20 'realities of working in UX' into the next 4 shows.

In Part 2 we discuss various aspects of UX design, including the challenges of working with internal tools versus customer-facing products, the importance of analytics, and the relevance of the double diamond framework. We also touch on personal experiences, meal deal mishaps, and the significance of collaboration with product managers and engineers. Plus a discussion emphasises the need for designers to take charge of their careers and build relationships within their teams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

07:39 6. Does anyone actually use the Double Diamond?

15:06 7. Interpreting analytics shouldn’t be hard, but it is

24:01 8. Having your main user as the end customer is so different to having your main user as a colleague 

30:09 9. Your best friends will be the product manager and the engineering lead 

33:22 10. No one will take charge of your career for you

We’re marking 20 episodes by cramming 20 'realities of working in UX' into the next 4 shows. This time, we dive into the myths and quirks of UX design—while proving we can still talk some sense (well, mostly).

Chapters

00:00 Intro

02:38 1. People don't know what we do

09:07 2. Everyone is a Designer

13:40 3. You’ll rarely have enough time

17:38 4. MVP, more like M-P!

29:15 5. Dribbble is lies

This episode we share how we each manage our own workload. Everything from calendars, tools, note taking to ensure no balls are dropped?

This episode we talk about the good, the bad and a few things in between when it comes to everyone's favourite topic, OKRs.