Summary

In this conversation, Amanda shares her extensive journey in the design and tech industry, discussing her experiences in contracting, transitioning to in-house roles, and her current position in the banking sector. She emphasizes the importance of a learning mindset, user testing, and stakeholder engagement in design processes. Amanda also talks about building an innovation hub and the future of design in the context of AI and evolving roles within the industry.

Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-cano-252bb03/

Takeaways

• Amanda has been in the tech industry since the early days of the web.
• Contracting offers a fast-paced learning environment compared to in-house roles.
• Transitioning to banking required Amanda to adapt quickly to a new industry.
• User testing is crucial for understanding customer needs and improving design.
• Involving stakeholders in the design process helps change perceptions of design.
• Building an innovation hub can significantly impact an organization's design capabilities.
• AI is set to change the design landscape, but the role of designers will remain essential.
• A T-shaped skill set is important for designers to be effective in their roles.
• Regular communication and team meetings help maintain a strong design culture.
• Quality in design is paramount, and leaders must balance detail with trust in their teams.

Chapters

00:00 Amanda's Journey in Design and Tech

09:57 Contracting vs. In-House: Insights and Experiences

18:37 Transitioning to Banking: Challenges and Learnings

26:58 The Importance of User Testing and Stakeholder Engagement

35:22 Building an Innovation Hub: Strategies and Impact

43:40 The Future of Design: AI and Evolving Roles