uxdesign

In Season 2, Episode 5 of UX Leadership by Design, Mark Baldino is joined by Pooja Vijay Kumar from Autodesk to discuss the transformative shift from product-centric to platform-centric design. Pooja shares her journey and the strategic importance of breaking down complex systems into atomic elements for better communication and understanding. The episode highlights Autodesk's approach to supporting a myriad of products and features while maintaining a cohesive infrastructure. The conversation offers practical advice for designers, product managers, and technologists navigating the evolving landscape of design. Tune in to learn about the future of design and how to thrive in a platform-centric environment.

Key Takeaways:

Shift to Platform-Centric Design Thinking: The episode underscores the essential transition from product-centric to platform-centric design, emphasizing the need for designers to adopt a mindset focused on creating systems that support multiple products and services. This shift involves breaking down complex systems into atomic elements for clarity and effective communication.

The Role of Strategic Questioning and Business Acumen: Designers are encouraged to ask pertinent questions to grasp the business value of their projects fully. Understanding and articulating the business context of design work is highlighted as a crucial skill for influencing decision-making and asserting the strategic importance of design in achieving business objectives.

Navigating Organizational Dynamics for Impact: The discussion on entering and exiting "the right rooms" metaphorically speaks to the importance of designers positioning themselves in situations where they can significantly impact and participate in crucial decision-making processes. It's about finding the balance between contributing value and seeking opportunities for meaningful involvement in strategic discussions.

Innovations in Platform Content Design: Pooja Vijay Kumar shares insights into the unique challenges and approaches in platform content design, including crafting language and metaphors that anchor user experiences. This involves a sophisticated understanding of data models, concepts, and the transition from legacy systems to more granular, data-centric approaches.

Future Directions in Design: The conversation points towards the future of design, stressing the importance for designers to equip themselves with platform-centric thinking, strategic questioning, and an understanding of business value to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and design effectively.

Connect with Pooja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojavijaykumar/

Pooja on ADPList: https://adplist.org/mentors/pooja-vijay-kumar

Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com


Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

In this episode, we explore design leadership and entrepreneurship with Cameron Ridenour, Chief Design Officer of CoNote. Cameron brings listeners into the process of novel product design - highlighting the intricate journey of aligning user requirements with a company's strategic goals. Mark and Cameron discuss transitioning from a traditional design roles to a co-founders and product leaders.

This is a great episode for UX Design leaders who are interested in strategies for harmonizing often conflicting aspects of product development. Through practical, real-world examples, listeners gain an understanding of how to maintain a clear and consistent product design direction, even when faced with varying user feedback or short-term opportunities from stakeholders.

TOPICS:
1. Non-Traditional Paths to Design Leadership
2. The Evolution of UX Research Tools
3. Balancing User-Centric Design with Commercial Viability
4. The Role of UX in Product Development at Startups
5. Managing Technical Debt in UX Design
6. User-Centered Design Across Different Mediums
7. Building a Cohesive Design Team
8. UX Leadership and Positive Team Culture
9. AI in UX: Enhancing Research and Synthesis
10. Tools and Strategies for Effective Research Synthesis


LINKS:
Cameron Ridenour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voltronfutura/
CoNote: www.conote.ai
Don't Make Me Think by Steve Krug : https://sensible.com/dont-make-me-think/
Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com
Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com


Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

LinkedIn People who talk about this topic:

Hang Xu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/haxuco/

Peter Merholz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermerholz/

Manuel Lima
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslima/

Erika Hall
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikahall/

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Indeed UX Job Report
https://indeed.design/article/ux-job-listings-plunged-in-2023

Joe’s Small Jobs, Small Dreams
https://uxdesign.cc/small-jobs-small-dreams-7ed46faf46b0

Facebook is Chairs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSzoDPptYNA

Runway AI Motion Genertationhttps://runwayml.com

As a Product Manager, storytelling is an essential skill to master. In this episode of the Product Podcast, Uber Product Leader Munawwar Tayob shares her expertise on how to simplify complex ideas, communicate problems effectively, and emphasize key points for maximum impact. Tune in now to learn the secrets of powerful storytelling.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.

Mark Baldino is the host of the UX leadership podcast and the co-founder of Fuzzy Math, a UX design firm. In today's episode, he interviews Parisa Bazl, the Head of User Experience at Commvault, an enterprise data protection and data management software company. Bazl's work focuses on scaling the impact of UX teams within an organization while also promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the design community. She has been able to bring people with non-traditional backgrounds into the design field through a training program using a unique combination of system-level thinking and frameworks.

Topics covered:

1. UI and UX design
2. Digital product strategy
3. UX design operations
4. Growing and scaling a UX team
5. Hiring and recruiting for UX
6. Diversity and inclusion in design
7. Best practices for UX leadership

About our guest:

After studying Information Science in graduate school, Parisa has worked in UX for 12 years and now leads the team at Commvault Systems.  Much of her leadership work is focused on scaling the impact of a UX team within an organization while also opening up opportunities for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the design world.  She enjoys living in New York City, traveling outside of it, and working with people who bring out the best in each other.


Resources & Links:

Connect with Parisa on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisa-bazl-28395333/

Article Diversify and Scale Your Team by Making UX Design More Accessible: https://dscout.com/people-nerds/ux-design-accessible

Fuzzy Math: fuzzymath.com


Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbaldino/

It is April 2022 and UXDA just turned 7! 

This year, fulfilling a dream our Co-Founder Linda has had many years, we decided to put our soul into a song. 

Our UXDA Anthem. Enjoy! 💜

Self-starter Abraham Friedman documents his entry into the UX/UI field, and details how to fight designing from an ivory tower.
https://abrahamfriedman.design/

We want to hear from you!

Drop us a DM here 👇👇👇
Instagram: @staycreating

My guest today is Peter Kaizer, a UX designer and developer with over 20 years of professional experience. What’s particularly interesting is that Peter started his career making things with his hands, namely what he calls "functional pottery."

That's an altogether different kind of user experience — but as you'll hear, this approach and experience absolutely informs the digital products that he creates. The result is an emphasis on things that are both highly functional and beautifully designed.

Peter describes himself as creative, collaborative, curious, opinionated and optimistic. He is all that and more, my friends; you're going to enjoy this one.

Twitter:

@pdkaizer

Facebook:

pkaizer

LinkedIn:

pdkaizer

Instagram:

pdkaizer

Website:

peterkaizer.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

Today’s episode is an extra special one, since it was recorded at our first-ever LIVE show at General Assembly NYC! I sat down with New York Times UX designer Natalya Shelburne to talk through why she thinks more women should pursue careers in STEM and how she went from art teacher to programmer herself.

Related links:

• Oct. 22: Join the LIVE DC show on women & wealth!
• SMNTY Episode: Silicon Valley Sexism, Pt. 1
• SMNTY Episode: Silicon Valley Sexism, Pt. 2
• Ep. 39: How to Organize Your Networking
• Check out Natalya’s hilarious blog, Boob Half Empty
• Ep 53: How to Get Your Boss to Pay for Your Professional Development
• Ep 59: How to Cope with a Triggering News Cycle

Got a career conundrum you want us to cover next? Or a boss move to share? Call and leave a voicemail NOW at 910-668-BOSS(2677).

Mary Shaw's more than 20-year career has taken her from accomplished touring singer-songwriter to marketing strategist to web designer to UX consultant to some of the biggest brands in the world. 

Mary's first career was that of a professional musician, playing solo concerts at colleges all over the U.S. with just a guitar and a sound system. When the money ran out, she became a corporate meeting planner...before gratefully stumbling into web design in 1996.

The numerous twists and turns her career has taken have only strengthened her belief in collaboration and the power of interaction design. Experience, Mary says, has taught her that the best products come from a clearly articulated vision, based on solid user needs and business research — along with a little healthy debate ;-) 

Twitter:

@maryshaw

Facebook:

maryshawux

LinkedIn:

in/maryshaw

Website:

maryshaw.net

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

My guest for this month's episode is Anne Dougherty.

Anne is a writer and a UX and content architect who is passionate about making excellent user experiences, film, curling, and, by her own admission, the Oxford comma. 

She has over 20 years of experience working in digital spaces, primarily in the progressive non- profit community.

 And Anne believes, as I do, that regardless of what problem the user is trying to solve, they can’t do that without good, useful, relevant content.

Here’s where you can find and follow Anne:

Website: annedougherty.com

Twitter: @annedougherty

LinkedIn: annedougherty

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

My guest for this month's episode is Jason Bowden.

Jason’s core disciplines lie in 3 focused areas: UX design strategy, creative direction, and mentorship. He’s been a designer his entire life, but professionally since 2001 or so.

Jason believes in making the world a better place through design, and in building and coaching the next generation of user-centered, business-savvy, ethical designers.

And that last part is important — because as I’m sure you’ll pick up on, Jason truly believes in hope. He believes in the good in people and is steadfastly committed to his family, which drives both his work ethic and his worldview.

Here’s where you can find and follow Jason:

Website: jasonbowden.com

Twitter: @jason_bowden

LinkedIn: jasonbowden

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

My guest for this month's episode is Doug Collins.

Aside from being one of the most positive and generous people I’ve ever met, Doug’s UX work spans a variety of industries ranging from the financial world to sports entertainment.

He currently works as the sole UX Engineer at Trust Company of America, in charge of directing every aspect of the company’s online design and user experience presence.

And when he’s not working to make the world an easier place, he can be found hiking, cooking, coding, or writing about his experiences on his blog (URL below).

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and in Doug’s case, as you’ll hear, that’s true. You’ll also hear how he overcame some extremely difficult circumstances through belief, positivity and sheer will.

Here’s where you can find and follow Doug:

Blog: lostmegabites.com

Twitter: @DougCollinsUX

Facebook: dougcollins02

LinkedIn: 5280dougcollins

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

My guest today is Lisa Baskett; she is a veteran digital designer with over 17 years of crafting experiences for a wide variety of clients — from one person business ventures to big brand enterprise organizations.

Currently, she specializes in the less visible side of UX design — research and strategy. Lisa's personal mantra is that "good design must first be functional and useful, regardless of the aesthetic."

She describes herself as empathic, impatient, pedantic, dedicated and curious, but there are a few adjectives I'd like to add to that list: namely, brave, tenacious and strong. 

As a woman of color in the world of tech, Lisa has had to overcome more than her share of racism, sexism and harassment — all of which she has transcended with an incredible measure of quiet grace, moving herself and her career ever forward.

It's my distinct honor to share this conversation with Lisa Baskett — on Making UX work.

Twitter:

@intrepidleeloo

LinkedIn:

lisabaskett/

Websites:

http://lisangela.com

http://revunit.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

Today we head to the Netherlands to talk with Esther Schinkel, who, in her own words, is passionate about making the web usable. And as I think you’ll hear, she takes a great deal of pride and joy in that endeavor. 

Esther began her creative life as a fine artist, and she believes that much of the power of the internet is lost because we are not fully utilizing our resources, particularly in the field of education – which happens to be the industry she’s focused on.

Introducing concepts like gamification and personalized learning experiences, Esther has been slowly and steadily working to improve the tools teachers use to engage and motivate students.

And by doing so, making the Internet a place that helps people learn and grow.

Portfolio: Designed by Esther

LinkedIn: esther-schinkel

Facebook: esther.schinkel

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

Hailing from the UK, my guest Leon Strydom has been working in and on the web since 2008, splitting his time between visual design and front-end development, while frequently turning his talents to print-based design work as well.

While Leon is somewhat new to UX and is currently looking for a job, it becomes obvious pretty quickly that he's a natural. He has drive, dedication and a near-obsessive attention to process that's essential to delivering positive UX.

There's no doubt in my mind that Leon would be a valuable asset to any organization, and top of that, he's incredibly sharp-witted and thoughtful. You're going to enjoy this one, folks.

Learn more about Leon:

Portfolio/Website: leonstrydom.com

Twitter: @MrNiceLeon

LinkedIn: leon-strydom

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

My guest Daniel Bosnjak is a multidisciplinary designer from Croatia, focusing on UX Design, Brand Strategy and crafting usable, beautiful digital products. Over the last 15 years he’s applied his design and UX talents to successful websites, web applications and mobile apps of all kinds.

After working in the high-stress environment of Commercial Aviation, Daniel recently struck out on his own as an independent UX Designer, serving clients all over the world.

And as I think you’ll hear, his passionate belief in the value of UX — and in doing things the right way — should carry him through a long, successful career. 

Our conversation ranged from his experiences with high-risk UX in the world of aviation, to dealing with disappointment, his graffiti-filled past and his big leap to UX entrepreneur.

Portfolio/Websites:
Behance, Dribbble

LinkedIn: danijelbosnjak

Twitter: @aerozg

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out our good friend and sponsor, Stache Studio — a streetwear clothing brand focusing on quality products with a positive message, inspired by the resilience to turn a negative situation into a positive outcome. 

The Stache mantra is  that Even in the darkest times, there is a light revealing prosperity. Find your light and let it guide you through the darkness. Visit https://www.stache.studio/ to check out their incredibly well-designed products and learn more!

Mae Reed is an interaction designer at Rackspace, part-time development instructor with Girl Code It and a pillar in the Austin design community.

She has a talent for understanding the value of designing through open lines of communication due to her first-hand experiences with designing and developing and feels that both designers and developers should be working together from the onset of the project to consider affordances and constraints. Mae is also an active and organizational member of an Austin meetup group, Fresh2Design, where she seeks to make connections with new designers and help them find their place in the Austin design community.

In this episode, Anthony sits down with Mae Reed to talk about how the way communication can not only be the champion of success in a smaller agency but also create a pathway for designers, developers, and clients to accomplish enterprise goals, together.

Follow Mae here:



Twitter:

@maebees

web: maekr.co

maereed@me.com



Rackspace:

Twitter: @rackspace

web: rackspace.com



Fresh2Design:

Twitter: @fresh2design

web: fresh2design.com



Girl Develop It

@girldevelopit

web: girldevelopit.com

Visit the Funsize website
Subscribe to The Funsize Digest
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As Interaction Design Lead for 3M's Health Care Business Group, Andy Vitale is excited about making an impact in the healthcare space and designing meaningful healthcare solutions at the enterprise level.

Andy believes that being proactive in the enterprise environment is the best way to get the conversation started about designing successful solutions for enterprise problems. He also knows that it's important to always inform and educate people on what exactly it is that you do because it's more valuable when other people buy into and support what you do than simply speaking for yourself, especially on the enterprise level.

In this episode, Andy sits down with Anthony to discuss his perspective on ways to measure the impact of user experience, UX processes with his team and 3M, and how to grow user experience competency within a large organization like 3M.

Follow Andy here:



Twitter:

@andyvitale



3M:

Twitter: @3mdesign

Web: 3M Design & Careers

Visit the Funsize website
Subscribe to The Funsize Digest
Check out Funsize on Instagram