Ascend UX

Join us as we chat with Join us as we chat with Kelsey Ruger, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Hello Alice, about her insights on how AI can empower UX designers to create truly exceptional user experiences. We discuss the different ways AI can augment the UX design process, including: Detecting patterns and anomalies in user dataMaking predictions about user behaviourGenerating creative content, such as text, images, and musicProviding support for design tasks, such as wireframing and prototypingWe'll also explore how AI can help UX designers create more personalized and empathetic experiences. Finally, we'll discuss the future of UX in a world increasingly powered by AI and how designers can prepare for this new era. So if you're interested in learning more about the impact of AI on UX design, be sure to tune in to this episode!

Helpful Links on LinkedinAnoushka by e-mailMore Ascend UX Content Ascend UX podcast’s websiteblog on Medium Contact Us ascendux@pros.comAyan Bihi Credits UltraviceLakey InspiredPROSPROS UX Team

Helpful Links Connect with Lara via Linkedin Laura Ancian's Linkedin More Ascend UX Content Ascend UX podcast’s websiteblog on MediumInstagramContact Us ascendux@pros.comAyan BihiCredits UltraviceLakey InspiredPROSPROS UX Team

Ep. 10 - What do you need to become a product designer? [00:00:00] Jaivardhan: I think if it's a general interest about solving problems, it's a great place to be in because you will be solving problems. And a lot of times people question that how can somebody who just changes the shape of a button can change the world?" But you actually can do that. [00:00:18] Evan: Howdy friends, this is the Ascend UX podcast. A show about the experience of user experience design. I'm Evan Sunwall. [00:00:44] Ayan: And I'm Ayan Bihi. [00:00:45] Evan: You know, the funny thing about UX and the design domain is the number of job titles out there, right? Have you encountered anything like this in your journey, Ayan, about the confusing world of design job titles? [00:00:58] Ayan: Oh, for sure. There are so many titles, and you just don't know if it's a facade, or are people actually doing different things, or are we all just doing the same thing, but different titles. [00:01:08] Evan: It's rather confusing. You have UI/UX designers, you have UX/UI designers, product designers, usability consultants, human factors engineers, information architects, UX engineers — there a ton out there and it's really hard to parse what is the right job for you, what are the right responsibilities that match up to your strengths and your interests? So we're going to start digging into some of these job titles. We're going to start digging into what people are actually doing in this role. [00:01:36] Evan: And our first one today is a product designer. This is a flexible job, it has a lot of responsibilities and it can vary a lot across companies, but the responsibilities generally include facilitating or helping to define business objectives for new products and services or features — these folks typically have some domain knowledge or they understand a market or a customer fairly well. Perhaps not to the same level as a business analyst or a product manager, but pretty good. They all also focus on the user-centred design process. So that's everything from user research and interviewing users, prototyping, conceptualizing solutions, and testing them with those users and then iterating based on that feedback. And this is the part that typically encompasses the UX designer job. [00:02:22] Evan: And then lastly, we have, the third part of the process, which is helping engineering put together and make these products a reality and that could be either delivering high-fidelity designs or maintaining style guides and reusable UI components that are commonly called design systems and so, they have a wide breadth of responsibility. [00:02:42] Evan: In the industry, there is a common term called UX unicorns, which some people criticize or it's really contentious topic. And it really speaks to this mythological person who is business-savvy and user-centred and they're capable of designing in any fidelity. And they also can, code what they design. And if there was ever a job title that really embodies that idea, it is probably the product designer job. [00:03:07] Ayan: So as we can't really travel today due to the current circumstances, Evan, we've traveled digitally to better understand not only this role, but also how people in different parts of the world are practicing it. [00:03:18] Ayan: So for today's episode, we'll be taking you with us to Beirut, then to Barcelona, and lastly, we're going to New Delhi in India. There's going to be a lot of diversity in our discussion, not just geographically, but also in the roles, responsibilities and pathways of the product designer's job. So once again, we're traveling the world, pack your bags, hope you have your passport, and let's go. [00:03:42] Evan: I'm excited! I got my tray table in the upright position. I buckled up. Let's do this! [00:03:48] Ayan: Take off! So, Evan, our first destination is Beirut, Lebanon, where we'll be meeting Alaa. [00:03:55] Alaa: I have a BFA in Graphic Design from the American...

Helpful Links CPHUXWhy UX? PodcastADPListMeetupMore Ascend UX Content Ascend UX podcast’s websiteblog on MediumContact Us ascendux@pros.comAyan BihiEvan SunwallCredits UltraviceLakey InspiredPROSPROS UX TeamCopyright 2021 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links The World's First ResumeResumes & BiasResume eye-tracking study More Ascend UX Content Ascend UX podcast’s websiteblog on Medium Contact Us ascendux@pros.comAyan BihiEvan Sunwall Credits UltraviceLakey InspiredPROSPROS UX Team Copyright 2021 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links CX vs. UX: What’s the Difference?Customer Experience Professionals AssociationAda's ListHow to Change CareersAcumen Academy More Ascend UX Content Ascend UX podcast’s websiteblog on Medium Contact Us ascendux@pros.comAyan BihiEvan Sunwall Credits UltraviceLakey InspiredPROSPROS UX Team Copyright 2021 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links DarkPatterns.orgDark Patterns at ScaleThe Social DilemmaWhy You Can’t Escape Dark Patterns More Ascend UX Content Ascend UX podcast’s websiteblog on Medium Contact Us ascendux@pros.comAyan BihiEvan Sunwall Credits UltraviceLakey InspiredPROSPROS UX Team Copyright 2020 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links Welcome Stamp Program - looking for a change of scenery? To make up for falling tourism revenue, some countries are offering special visas for workers to temporarily relocate. The Rise of Quarantine UX - customer habits and expectations are changing. For how long is in question, but businesses will need to adapt to survive. Dscout - a platform focused on performing diary studies, a long-form approach to qualitative user research that can be safely done during the pandemic. Miro - a very helpful diagramming and sticky note tool for collaborative design sessions. Catchafire - had an internship or job opportunity rescinded and unsure what to do with your time? Consider volunteering for a non-profit to do some good and develop a portfolio case study. More Ascend UX Content Visit the Ascend UX podcast’s website for more episodes. Read our blog on Medium for helpful articles on UX design. Contact Us We love your questions and feedback! Please send them to ascendux@pros.com. We read every message and may use your question in a future show. Ayan Bihi or Evan Sunwall are always happy to connect with listeners on LinkedIn. Just add a note mentioning the show in your invitation. Credits Thanks to Ultravice and Lakey Inspired for the use of their music. Thanks to our producer and editor Brandon Robinson. This show is created by PROS and the PROS UX Team. Copyright 2020 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links The Rise of (UX) Educational Programs – an article by Lee Okan with more details on the state of UX education. International Usability and UX Qualification Board – there have been efforts by several European UXPA chapters to create a standard, recognized UX certification. Understanding the Impact of Unpaid Internships– a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers on the risks of unpaid internships. You’re taking a huge risk, likely won’t learn as much as you hope, andit often doesn’t lead to a job! More Ascend UX Content Visit the Ascend UX podcast’s website for more episodes. Contact Us We love your questions and feedback! Please send them to ascendux@pros.com. We read every message and may use your question in a future show. Ayan Bihi or Evan Sunwall are always happy to connect with listeners on LinkedIn. Just add a note mentioning the show in your invitation. Credits Thanks to Ultravice and Lakey Inspired for the use of their music. Thanks to our producer and editor Brandon Robinson. This show is created by PROS and the PROS UX Team. Copyright 2020 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links TopUXSchool.com – Visit Kaiting Huang’s very thorough website indexing university UX programs and online courses. It’s an amazing resource! UX.training – Evaluate your UX skills with Angela’s free assessment. Identifying your strengths and weaknesses can help prioritize and inform your career development. More Ascend UX Content Visit the Ascend UX podcast’s website for more episodes. Contact Us We love your questions and feedback! Please send them to ascendux@pros.com. We read every message and may use your question in a future show. Ayan Bihi or Evan Sunwall are always happy to connect with listeners on LinkedIn. Just add a note mentioning the show in your invitation. Credits Thanks to Ultravice and Lakey Inspired for the use of their music. Thanks to our producer and editor Brandon Robinson. This show is created by PROS and the PROS UX Team. Copyright 2020 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links Simplehuman trashcan – short video from Simplehuman, if you’re curious about the trashcan Evan mentioned. Aquent/Vitamin T – if you’d like to learn more about Aquent’s services and investigate how they might help your own job search. The Design (Psychology) of Everyday Things – Don Norman’s famous book on developing your “designer’s eye” to notice the user experiences all around us. More Ascend UX Content Visit the Ascend UX podcast’s website for more episodes. Contact Us We love your questions and feedback! Please send them to ascendux@pros.com. We read every message and may use your question in a future show. Ayan Bihi or Evan Sunwall are always happy to connect with listeners on LinkedIn. Just add a note mentioning the show in your invitation. Credits Thanks to Ultravice and Lakey Inspired for the use of their music. Thanks to our producer and editor Brandon Robinson. This show is created by PROS and the PROS UX Team. Copyright 2020 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.

Helpful Links History of human factors – A short video by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority explaining some of the history of human factors engineering. What is a UX Designer? – Nick Babich gives an overview of the UX Designer job. Impostor Syndrome – Tiffany Eaton discusses working through feelings of professional insecurity as a designer. Don’t Make Me Think – the classic introductory book on user experience design by Steve Krug. More Ascend UX Content Visit the Ascend UX podcast’s website for more episodes. Contact Us We love your questions and feedback! Please send them to ascendux@pros.com. We read every message and may use your question in a future show. Ayan Bihi or Evan Sunwall are always happy to connect with listeners on LinkedIn. Just add a note mentioning the show in your invitation. Credits Thanks to Ultravice and Lakey Inspired for the use of their music. Thanks to our producer and editor Brandon Robinson. This show is created by PROS and the PROS UX Team. Copyright 2020 Ascend UX. All rights reserved.