The original goal of those in the field of usability was pretty simple: to make products and environments that were more usable for those who were interacting with them. By looking at how to make better products, there was the potential to make life better as well. If greater profitability could be gained through these efforts, then great. At the same time, this was not necessarily the primary goal. Profit was not to be done over people. Rather, profit would happen when people were happier with their products.

There has been a shift in usability, however. Part of that shift lies in the name itself, which is now known as user experience (or UX). Coined by Don Norman during his time at Apple, UX went beyond just how ‘usable’ a product was. Rather, it referred to the totality of the experience that a user had with the product (which could include usability but was not limited to it). Still, though, the goal was to make things better, if just in a larger scope.

Some things have changed when it comes to UX. Don Norman has criticized contemporary UX as not being ‘real’ ux in the traditional sense. There have been other critiques as well, especially around what is known as ‘dark patterns.’ This kind of UX work uses social science and design to create environments that are manipulative and aimed primarily (or solely) on profit. Or, what might be considered to be the antithesis of UX.

Karen T. Lin also has some thoughts on the direction of UX today, and what might need to be done to fix it. Karen has worked as a Chief Experience Officer and Head of UX for startups and financial institutions. More importantly, in my opinion, she initiated the #StopUXErasure effort which is aimed at restoring UX, as well as reducing the tech supremacy which impacts our lives in negative ways.

We talk about a range of issues related to experience design and user experience, including:

• Product dictatorships – uphill battle in UX in terms of advocating for human-centered design in a company. A lot of the battle is with the power in the company (IT or development). Trying to convince them, if you give up some of your control or power, does that allow us to find out what people actually want
• Profiting because of positive experience rather than at the expense of experience
• What does it mean to have a human and user centered ethos
• The power and politics inherent in design processes, and why it is important to act on behalf of those who are at risk from negative intent

As American troubadour Bob Dylan said, “The times they are a changin’.” I’m recording this one week after the 2024 presidential election. Without delving into the specifics of any particular outcome, one thing that is clear is there are going to be some major changes.

Change can produce a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, even when there are positive changes taking place. It can feel overwhelming, especially when we lose a sense of control over the future.

In reality, there is very little that is in our control. There is a saying that we can’t control people, places, and things. I can only control my reaction to these things, and take the action that I can.

But what action to take? What can and should a person do when the options of action feel limited?

To discuss these topics, we have Donna Dupont. Donna is the Founder and Chief Strategist in Foresight & Design for Purple Compass. Donna has a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation, which she has applied in healthcare, environment and sustainability, and generally helping organizations think about and plan for the future.

Donna and I talk about:

• the process of future and foresight planning,
• why it is important to maintain a sense of agency during times of massive change
• the place and importance of emotion as part of our planning,
• why doing future planning can sometimes feel like therapy, and
• we talk about how the foresight planning process is a vital part of designing positive futures.

Purple Compass https://www.purplecompass.ca/

Donna Dupont https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-dupont/

Today we have a fascinating discussion lined up with Alex Nathanson, a technologist, artist, and founder of Energy Transition Design LLC.

In this episode, we'll explore the intricate challenges and opportunities that come with solar-powered technology, particularly solar roof tiles and the broader adoption of renewable energy solutions. Alex will shed light on the high costs and extended installation times that make solar roof tiles less competitive compared to traditional solar panels. We'll also delve into the socio-political dynamics that shape renewable energy adoption and the importance of visibility and awareness in promoting solar technology.

Alex emphasizes the neutrality of solar power, advocating for an unbiased approach to its adoption and the crucial role of actively designing equitable, renewable energy infrastructures. His work, which blends art with themes of energy and sustainability, offers unique insights into how solar-powered art can engage communities and inspire collective action.

Additionally, Alex will share details about his new book project aimed at providing practical design methods for creating solar-powered art. We'll also discuss the significance of interdisciplinary teamwork and the idea of integrating technology within cultural contexts to ensure sustainability.

Stay tuned as we journey into the intersection of art, technology, and climate action, and learn how intentional design can drive meaningful changes in our approach to renewable energy.

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-nathanson-2a1727160/

Website - https://alexnathanson.com/index.html

Solar Power for Artists - https://www.solarpowerforartists.com/