Summary

In this conversation, Faruk Ateş shares his journey from manifesting his dream job at Apple to navigating the complexities of identity and purpose in the tech industry. He discusses the transformative power of love, the importance of grieving loss, and how creating love momentum can enhance manifestation efforts. The conversation explores the intersection of love and professionalism, emphasizing the need for clarity in uncertainty and the value of being a generalist in a specialized world.

Bio

Faruk Ateş An award-winning product manager, designer, and engineer, Faruk has worked with influential companies and minds across the technology industry. His experiences span from Fortune 500 corporations to underserved communities, informing his pioneering work on industry-changing web technologies like pure CSS animations and feature detection that have impacted over 3 billion people worldwide.

He has championed a holistic approach that balances organizational success, user benefit, and community impact. As a web standards advocate, accessibility champion, and social justice writer, he focuses on creating "win-win-win" outcomes that include social sustainability and environmental protection.

Most recently, he has developed Love First, a methodology that synthesizes repeatable practices and principles for building beloved communities, products, and businesses.

Takeaways

Manifesting dreams can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Navigating career identity is a common struggle in tech.
Grieving loss can lead to personal transformation.
Love can be a powerful force in achieving goals.
Creating love momentum can enhance manifestation efforts.
The tech industry often prioritizes profit over user experience.
Being a generalist can provide unique insights and solutions.
Nature and personal relationships can inspire creativity.
Understanding core desires is crucial for personal growth.
Uncertainty can be both uncomfortable and transformative.

Chapters

00:00 Cold (mouthful) Open
00:22 In the beginning...
06:28 Navigating Identity and Belonging
10:11 The Year of Loss
17:51 The Source Code of Love
30:37 The Power of Momentum in Manifestation
37:43 Navigating Uncertainty and Intentionality
44:00 The Challenge of Focus and Creative Energy
53:05 Identifying Core Desires and Self-Love
01:01:07 7 +/-2 Questions
01:01:43 Who did you help recently and how did it make you feel?
01:04:17 What's your least favorite thing about your profession?
01:07:34 What's the most beautiful thing you've seen this week that didn't involve a screen?
01:09:10 What's the decision that you've made that prioritized business goals over users and how did you feel about it?
01:17:13 Who should I talk to next?
01:21:39 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords

Faruk Ateş, Matthew​ Oliphant, Apple, web standards, accessibility, love, manifestation, career, identity

Bio
Kyle Soucy is the Founding Principal of Usable Interface, an independent UX research consulting company specializing in qualitative user research, usability testing, research strategy, and training. She has spent the last 25 years helping create intuitive interfaces for a variety of different products ranging from desktop & mobile apps, websites, medical devices, home entertainment systems, and even kitchen appliances.

Kyle is not just a practitioner but a catalyst for community development. She hosts a podcast, The UX Consultants Lounge, aimed at fostering a supportive collective and learning among UX professionals. As the Founder of NH UXPA and former President, she champions the continued growth of the UX community. Kyle also served as Chair for the Philadelphia Chapter of ACM’s Computer-Human Interaction group (PhillyCHI) and as the Career Center Lead for the Information Architecture Conference (IAC) since 2016.

Summary
In this conversation, Matthew and Kyle Soucy delve into the world of projective techniques in UX research. They discuss the importance of these techniques in eliciting deeper emotional responses from participants, the challenges faced in qualitative research, and the balance between generative and evaluative methods. Kyle shares insights on navigating sensitive topics, the impact of research on stakeholders, and the democratization of research practices. The discussion highlights the need for researchers to take a stand and advocate for user-centered approaches in a fast-paced business environment.

Takeaways
Projective techniques encourage participants to express feelings they may not articulate directly.
These techniques can be particularly effective for sensitive topics.
Emotional responses during research can provide valuable insights.
Stakeholders often need to see the emotional impact of research to appreciate its value.
Qualitative research is often undervalued in fast-paced environments.
Democratization of research can lead to challenges if not managed properly.
It's important to balance business goals with user needs in research.
Researchers should be prepared for emotional reactions during interviews.
The richness of data from projective techniques can lead to deeper understanding.
Training and passion for research are crucial for effective outcomes.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (NPR-less) Open
01:18 Understanding Projective Techniques
04:34 When and How to Use Projective Techniques
10:42 Benefits of Projective Techniques
16:13 Engaging People with Projective Techniques
24:24 The Importance of Participant Comfort & Safety
30:08 The Value
36:21 The Need for Actionable Insights
41:36 Democratization of Research and Its Implications
50:26 7 +/- 2 Questions
50:59 Who did you help recently and how did it make you feel?
51:30 What's your least favorite thing about your profession?
52:33 What is the most beautiful thing you've seen in the past week that has nothing to do with the screen?
53:21 What's the decision that you made that prioritized business goals over users and how do you feel about it?
55:14 Who should I talk with next?
55:56 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords
UX research, projective techniques, qualitative research, emotional responses, stakeholder engagement, user experience, generative techniques, evaluative techniques, research challenges, democratization of research

Clara Kliman-Silver is a UX strategist based in New York City. Currently, she works as a UX research manager on the Material Design team at Google and volunteers with local UX communities. Her research focuses on the emergent role of artificial intelligence in UX design, design systems, metrics frameworks for measuring product development, and developer experience.

Summary
In this conversation, Matthew and Clara explore the dynamics of UX design, the impact of AI, and the importance of problem definition in creating effective user experiences. They discuss the hype surrounding new technologies, the role of research in product development, and the need for critical thinking in evaluating information sources. Clara shares her personal experiences in UX and the challenges of integrating technology in healthcare, while also reflecting on the importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world.


Takeaways
Conversations should be unscripted and flow naturally.
Hype often overshadows fundamental UX principles.
AI's application in UX is both beneficial and challenging.
Understanding user problems is crucial before applying solutions.
Technology should enhance, not complicate, user experiences.
Critical thinking is essential in evaluating AI-generated information.
Democratization of research can lead to better UX outcomes.
Research should inform product roadmaps effectively.
Personal experiences shape professional insights in UX.
Anxiety about technology and its implications is common.


Chapters
00:00 Cold (Pronouncement) Open
03:12 Hype vs. Reality in AI and UX
17:15 The Challenges of Trusting AI
18:35 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
30:19 Navigating Bias in Online Repositories
37:41 Democratization of Research: Balancing Access and Expertise
45:28 Statistical Significance: The Balancing Act
55:16 7 +/- 2 Questions

Keywords
UX, AI, problem definition, technology in healthcare, user experience, critical thinking, democratization of research, product development, personal insights

Summary
In this conversation, Matthew and Erin discuss the intricacies of user experience design, focusing on Erin's role at Xero and the importance of research in creating user-centric products. They explore the balance between generative and evaluative research, the significance of design systems, and the challenges posed by agile methodologies. The discussion also touches on the future of design education and the evolving roles of designers in the industry.

Bio
Erin is a VP/Director of both product and design, with over 10 years of experience in each. She has a hybrid approach with design, product, and engineering in her background, and a skillset including psychology and change management. Her unique blend of skills, including psychology and change management, enables her to foster collaboration and break down silos.

Driven by a passion for improving lives through her work, she empowers teams to reach their full potential. She advocates for purpose, transparency, and diversity, fostering a culture of trust and agency. Her diverse experiences across startups, large corporations, and advisory roles have equipped her with a versatile toolkit to adapt to various organizational contexts and drive meaningful change.

Takeaways
Erin's focus at Xero is on improving user experience for the UK market.
Research is crucial for understanding user needs and preferences.
Generative research can lead to more innovative solutions.
Design should accommodate user mistakes to enhance usability.
Design systems can streamline processes but may also limit creativity.
Agile methodologies can pressure designers to produce quickly.
Design education needs to adapt to current industry demands.
Visual and interaction design are both essential aspects of UX.
Collaboration between designers and engineers can lead to better outcomes.
The rise of fascism is a concern for the future.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (Technology) Open
02:32 Erin's Role at Xero
13:50 The Importance of Game Mechanics in UX
17:35 Designing for Forgiveness in Software
21:29 The Impact of Design Systems on UX
28:43 The Importance of Design Systems
33:34 Challenges in Design Education
44:28 Understanding the What and Why of Design
49:11 7 +/- 2 Questions

Keywords
Xero, user experience, design systems, research, software design, generative research, agile, design education, interaction design, visual design

Summary
In this conversation, Matthew and Scott explore various themes related to networking, usability, user experience, and the importance of understanding user needs. They discuss the Jobs To Be Done methodology, the challenges faced by consultants, and the role of AI in research. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective measurement of success over mere satisfaction and reflects on career aspirations and the evolving landscape of user experience research.

Bio
Scott Kincaid is a product research leader with over 25 years of experience evangelizing user-centered design and building cohesive research, design, and agile environments. He has cultivated high-performing research teams and established himself as a sought-after speaker, presenting at Dreamforce for six consecutive years and at IRCE (Internet Retail Conference & Exhibition) for five years.

With a quarter-century of user research consulting experience spanning nearly every B2B and B2C vertical industry, Scott brings deep expertise to complex product challenges. His hands-on research experience includes facilitating over 10,000 hours of one-on-one sessions and focus groups across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Takeaways
Networking can lead to unexpected connections and insights.
Usability is not just about ease; it's about efficiency and effectiveness.
Industry knowledge is valuable, but understanding user needs is paramount.
Jobs To Be Done helps clarify what users need from a product.
Competitive analysis should focus on understanding user experiences, not just surface-level features.
Consultants often face challenges in aligning client expectations with research outcomes.
Measuring success is often more insightful than measuring satisfaction.
AI can help identify and prioritize user needs effectively.
Understanding intent is crucial for effective user research.
Frameworks should serve the purpose of understanding user needs, not complicate the process.

Chapters
00:00 Cold JTBD Open
04:14 The Evolution of User Experience
07:03 Understanding User Needs and Expectations
12:25 Competitive Analysis in UX
15:10 Success vs. Satisfaction in User Experience
18:07 The Role of Research in Product Development
38:16 The Complexity of Frameworks in UX Research
44:15 Consulting in the Modern Era
46:39 7 +/- 2 Questions
46:59 What's something that you did recently that went really well?
49:55 Why can't we have nice things?
50:59 What's the biggest earthquake you've ever been in?
52:05 What's the best road trip you've ever taken?
53:29 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords
networking, usability, user experience, Jobs To Be Done, consulting, market research, AI, success measurement, satisfaction, career reflections

Summary

In this conversation, Lee and Matthew explore the themes of apathy, nihilism, and the complexities of professional identity within the design industry. They discuss the challenges designers face in client relationships, the importance of trust and expertise, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. The dialogue emphasizes the need for empathy, collaboration, and authenticity in design, while also reflecting on the search for meaning and fulfillment in work.

Bio

Lee Fuhr is a hands-on creative executive with 25 years of experience who helps companies clearly and convincingly explain what they do, then creates the marketing materials that bring those messages to life. He’s worked across the spectrum from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises, with a particular focus on manufacturers, builders, and other companies in practical, undersupported, real-world industries. He founded Cozy Design, scaled it from a solo practice to a full-service agency, and sold it in 2023. He also runs San Diego Digital Designers, a community of 1100+ professionals. Having learned what works versus what’s expensive theater, he’s now back at the keyboard executing the work - websites, sales decks, presentations, campaigns, and more.

Takeaways

• Apathy can often feel like a passive state, but it can lead to deeper existential questions.
• Designers often struggle with client expectations and the subjective nature of design.
• Experience plays a crucial role in shaping design decisions and client interactions.
• Trust between clients and designers is essential for successful collaboration.
• Navigating the balance between personal and professional life is a common challenge for many.
• Finding meaning in work can be a complex journey, often intertwined with personal growth.
• The importance of empathy in design cannot be overstated; it fosters better client relationships.
• Humor can serve as a coping mechanism in the often stressful world of design.
• Authenticity in professional identity is key to finding fulfillment in work.
• The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and can lead to unexpected insights.

Chapters
00:00 Cold Dramatic Open
02:17 Apathy, if you care.
06:41 Client Relationships and Trust
11:54 Understanding the Designer's Perspective
16:36 Intolerance for Injustice in the Workplace
29:03 Investing in Personal Growth
31:32 Striving for Meaningful Work
47:58 The Balance of Worry and Striving
54:01 7 +/- 2 Questions
54:55 What's something you did recently that went really well?
55:43 Why can't we have nice things?
59:00 What is the biggest earthquake you've ever been in?
01:01:32 What's the best road trip you've ever taken?
01:02:46 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Summary
Matthew and Matt reflect on their journey in podcasting, share nostalgic moments, and delve into the evolving landscape of AI in research. They discuss the balance between utilizing AI tools and maintaining human collaboration, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and oversight in research processes. The dialogue highlights both the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into research, ultimately advocating for a collaborative approach that values human insight alongside technological advancements.

Bio
Matt Wallens is a research consultant who helps businesses get to the heart of their customers' challenges and turn those insights into better products and services. Whether you want to call it user experience design, service design, customer experience, marketing, or any combination of those words, he's got you covered.

Matt works closely with executive leadership and their teams to establish a strong UX research practice, ensuring they have the resources and expertise needed to excel.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys hiking, whiskey tasting, and exploring Atlanta's taco scene. He's also the founder of the UX Research Atlanta professional organization.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (on the rocks?) Open
06:13 The Philosophy of No Rehearsal
10:03 YES, WE'RE STARTING NOW. FINALLY.
11:29 Haha, tricked you. _Now_ we're starting.
14:37 This time I mean it!
18:26 The Risks of AI in Research
22:56 Trusting AI: A Shift in Perspective
28:56 Real-World Applications of AI in Research
39:24 The Role of AI in Research
40:41 Balancing AI Use and Human Interaction
48:29 The Future of Collaboration in Research

Keywords
AI, research, podcasting, collaboration, technology, nostalgia, friendship, tools, insights, UX research, whisky

Bio
Jane Austin builds products for humans that solve real problems, where experience is a differentiator, and ideally at organizations at an inflection point, whether that is a new phase of growth, having just closed a round of funding, going through a digital transformation or planning to IPO. She is also executive director of an incredible startup called Curb, which helps people manage compulsive and addictive behaviors.

Summary
In this engaging conversation, Jane Austin and Matthew discuss their personal and professional journeys, touching on the challenges of career transitions, the evolving role of design in startups, and the integration of teams and cultures. They explore the importance of research and user experience, the impact of AI on design processes, and the necessity of critical thinking in the design field. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of design and the potential for collaboration with AI, emphasizing the need for designers to understand business strategies and user needs.

Takeaways
It's been a very strange time for career transitions.
Design is increasingly seen as a partner in startups.
Understanding business strategy is crucial for designers.
AI can enhance the design process significantly.
Critical thinking is essential in design decision-making.
Investing in marketing and innovation is vital for growth.
User needs should always be prioritized in design.
Creating space for the right work is necessary for success.
Integration of teams can lead to better outcomes.
The future of design will involve more collaboration with AI.

Chapters
00:00 Cold (handsome) Open
00:48 Ready for our closeup
04:40 Design's Role in Business Strategy
11:13 Innovative Approaches to Design and Communication
13:29 Understanding Business Needs in Design
15:46 The Importance of Strategic Design Thinking
18:17 Prioritizing Design in Business Strategy
22:12 The Evolving of Everyone's Roles
30:53 The Role of AI in Design and Research
36:21 Critical Thinking in AI Utilization
45:38 7 +/- 2 Questions
46:11 What is something you've done recently that went really well?
46:57 Why can't we have nice things?
47:18 What's the biggest earthquake you've ever been in?
49:09 What is the most unconventional way someone has used something that you've created?
50:11 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords
design, AI, user experience, startups, career changes, research, integration, critical thinking, collaboration, future of design