Ep27. Irreplaceable: Overcoming Ageism and Future-Proofing Your Career in UX with Dr. Nick Fine and Thomas Wilson
Join us for a candid and crucial conversation with UX research and service design leaders Dr. Nick Fine and Thomas Wilson as they tackle one of the industry's most pressing but rarely discussed challenges: ageism in tech and design. In an era where UX leadership roles are increasingly disappearing and AI is reshaping the landscape, our guests share invaluable insights on building a sustainable, age-proof career.This thought-provoking discussion explores the critical decision points between individual contributor and management paths, offering practical strategies for becoming truly irreplaceable regardless of your career stage. Fine and Wilson draw from decades of experience to highlight the skills, mindsets, and approaches that create enduring value in an ever-changing industry. Whether you're early in your UX career or a seasoned professional navigating industry shifts, this episode delivers honest advice for remaining essential and impactful in the face of technological disruption and changing workplace demographics.If you've enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues—it's a conversation worth spreading!
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Ep26. Design That Counts: Lessons on UX Influence and Impact with Pavel Samsonov
Join us for an insightful discussion with Pavel Samsonov, a seasoned UX leader whose journey through product management at industry giants like Amazon and Bloomberg has shaped his unique perspective on measurable design impact. Pavel breaks down why establishing a clear North Star is critical to UX success and how designers can create attributable work that gets recognized.In this actionable conversation, we explore the art of failing safely as an essential component of effective UX practice. Pavel shares invaluable insights on navigating systemic challenges, implementing meaningful design metrics, and applying key principles from his time at Amazon that can transform how teams approach user experience. Whether you're looking to demonstrate your design's business impact or seeking to align your UX process with organizational goals, this episode offers practical wisdom for creating work that truly counts.If you've enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues—it's a conversation worth spreading!
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Ep25. Life After Tech: From Tech Uncertainty to Career Clarity with Debbie Levitt
Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Debbie Levitt, a UX research leader, accomplished author, and career coach who's tackling the tech industry's most critical challenges head-on. Drawing from her latest book, Debbie explores how professionals can navigate the seismic shifts happening in tech – from widespread layoffs to AI's growing influence on the workforce.In this timely conversation, we explore practical strategies for future-proofing your career. Debbie shares invaluable insights on developing your "Plan B," helping you assess your transferable skills, uncover hidden opportunities, and chart a course toward career resilience. Whether you're concerned about job security or simply wanting to expand your professional horizons, this episode offers concrete steps to transform uncertainty into opportunity.If you’ve enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to share this episode with your friends and colleagues—it's a conversation worth spreading!
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Ep24. The New Designer: Rejecting Myths & Embracing Change with Manuel Lima
Today, I’m chatting with Manuel Lima, a UX design thought leader, author, and leading figure in visual culture development, the intersection between art and technology, and data visualisation. Manuel Lima's latest book, The New Designer: Rejecting Myths, Embracing Change, challenges traditional notions of design by emphasizing designers' ethical responsibilities in today's society.
In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how design shapes not just what we see but also how we live, think, and interact with the world around us. Manuel dismantles traditional design paradigms and presents a compelling case for designers to embrace their role as architects of change, addressing crucial challenges at personal, societal, cultural, and environmental levels.
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Ep23. The Future of UX Research: AI, Advanced Methods & Jobs with Lawton Pybus and Thomas Stokes
Today, I’m chatting with Lawton Pybus and Thomas Stokes, UX Research veterans and founders of Drill Bit Labs, a research strategy consultancy.
They have also researched and authored several UX industry meta-reports and educational articles that can help UX researchers, designers, and UCD leaders stand out from the crowd.
In this riveting episode, we explore:
💼 The evolving UX industry job market: insights into the skills, roles, and opportunities defining the next generation of UX researchers.
🤖 AI's growing role in UX Research: how artificial intelligence is reshaping our methodologies and deliverables.
🔬 Essential and more advanced research methods: tried and tested, and innovative techniques that are pushing the boundaries of marrying user needs with tech advancements.
And much more.
If you’ve enjoyed this conversation, please remember to share this episode with your friends and colleagues—it's a conversation worth spreading!
Thought provoking conversations on design, research, strategy, emerging tech, psychology, and many other critical factors to human experiences in tech and beyond.
Ireland