Nodes of Design

Gloria Osardu, Ph.D., is an industry-agnostic senior business executive with over 16 years of extensive experience driving business strategy with insights. She has successfully led UX/customer insights and analytics teams, providing the right research, data, insights, and opportunities to leaders. Gloria ensures that business decisions and product prioritizations are made with accurate information and customer insights. Throughout her career, Gloria has built, led, and scaled research and insights teams consisting of researchers, analysts, operations managers, and UX/CX insights experts. She has driven strategy at renowned global companies including Fortune 100 organizations, public sector entities, as well as startups. Currently serving as the head of global product experience research at Gusto, Gloria is responsible for setting and executing a compelling vision and strategy for customer and user insights. Her teams deliver insights and customer empathy programs which derisks and drive the design and build of best-in-class Payroll and HR solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Before this role, Gloria also held leadership positions in global research teams across various industries such as SaaS, Education, Finance/Fintech, and Public Sector. Gloria firmly believes that durable business and customer insights derived from thorough research are crucial in today's era of big data decision-making processes and AI-driven innovation. This approach helps de-risk business decisions as well as expand perspectives around the user experience. Gloria is passionate about promoting fair, ethical, and accessible practices in the field of research and advocates for building technology innovation for ALL. Outside work, Gloria spends time exploring the world, building the next generation of researchers + creatives, and spending time with her family. In this insightful interview, Gloria O-B Osardu, Ph.D. shares her journey into the field of UX research and design. She discusses how she got started and provides valuable advice for those aspiring to leadership roles. Osardu defines strong UX research leadership, highlighting key principles like fostering collaboration, managing diverse perspectives, and building high-performing teams. She delves into her decision-making process for major research initiatives and strategies for upholding diversity and inclusion. Osardu also touches on balancing business objectives with user needs, and where she sees UX research heading with the rise of AI. Finally, she shares a glimpse into her daily life as a leader, how she continues learning and growing, and recommends books and people that inspire her in this space. Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Aditi Sharma is an award-winning design executive passionate about inclusive, ethical, sustainable, and human-centered innovation. She is the recipient of the prestigious 'Dr. Sarojini Naidu Award' from the Govt. of India, '40 under 40' award from Business Elite, 'Woman Who Builds' award by Globant, and was named an inspirational woman in STEM by the Authority Magazine. As a lecturer at Pratt, Aditi curated one of the top ten UX programs offered in the United States. Aditi is a published design practitioner, is regularly invited to share her thought leadership across print, keynotes, and podcasts, such as for CampaignLive, Business Insider, AI & Data Analytics Network, Interaction Design Association, Brave UX, Authority Magazine, Inclusive Design Association, Customer Experience Network, Finance Magnates, South by Southwest (SXSW), and Product-Led Alliance (PLA) to name a few. As the Head of Design & Research at Amazon, Aditi manages a global team that leads the customer experience for 30+ Fintech products to help track revenue, usage, costs, and forecasts for AWS. Previously, as the Head of Payments Design/ Executive Director of Digital Experience Design at J.P. Morgan & Chase, Aditi set up a global design practice to build intelligent enterprise Fintech platforms. Prior to that, at Accenture Interactive, she strategized and executed customer-centric design engagements for clients such as Walmart, DuPont, and Cargill. She continues to explore the dynamism of creativity to deliver customer outcomes at the intersection of human excellence, business profitability, and technical innovation. Today, we're diving into Scaling Design teams with Aditi Sharma. Aditi will share her journey into design, tips for scaling design teams, and her vision for the future of design. Stay tuned for insights on aligning teams, hiring strategies, and managing feedback loops. We'll also explore how Aditi approaches challenges and stays inspired in her daily routine. Get ready for an insightful conversation with Aditi Sharma on the Nodes of Design podcast! Books Recommendations Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari Find Your Why by Simon Sinek Think Again, Adam Grant Creative Confidence, David and Tom Kelley Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj. Keywords: Design teams, design hiring, scaling design teams, design thinking, Amazon Design, Design systems, Design leadership

With over two decades of experience in arts, design, culture, education, and nonprofit sectors, Ruki Neuhold-Ravikumar brings a unique perspective and passion for reimagining the future of creative learning and practice. A proven administrator, award-winning designer and educator, and globally respected thought leader, Ruki has served as the President & CEO of the Kansas City Art Institute, Acting Director of Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York, and the Acting Under Secretary of Education at the Smithsonian Institution (at-large) in Washington, D.C. Originally from Chennai, India, she received her MFA in graphic design from Iowa State University and BFA in the history of fine art and drawing and painting from Stella Maris College in India. She also has executive education certificates in business from Yale University and Harvard University and a certificate in museum studies from Northwestern University. Ruki has served in multiple leadership roles for the American Institute of Graphic Arts, and in 2015, she was named an AIGA Fellow by the Oklahoma Chapter for her advocacy and leadership as a design educator. She is featured in films, podcasts, and interviews. She has won numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2021 Design Achievement Award from the Iowa State College of Design, and was the commencement speaker at Iowa State University's Fall 2023 Ceremony. In this episode, we'll delve into how Ruki's background in design has shaped her approach to leadership, problem-solving, and societal development. We'll also discuss the importance of teaching design as a life skill, the role of design in addressing complex social issues, and how design thinking can prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Additionally, Ruki will share her insights on the evolution of design thinking with AI and how design can contribute to sustainability and environmental consciousness. We concluded the show with Ruki's recommendations for her three favorite books and the people who inspire her the most in the design space. Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favorite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj. Keywords: Design as a life skill, Design Thinking, Design for Sustainability, Design for AI, Creativity, Industry Insights, Design Challenges

In this episode of the Nodes of Design Podcast, we were honored to have Karen Korellis Reuther, a design luminary with over 20 plus years of experience Karen Korellis Reuther is an experienced creative executive, and a Design Critic in architecture at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. From 2021-2022 she was a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative (ALI). Before ALI she was Vice President of Creative Direction + Future at Reebok and Global Creative Director at NIKE for twelve years where she developed major product, merchandising, and brand strategies solidifying NIKE at the top of its industry. Karen is a practicing activist committed to “Inclusion by Design: Ending Gender Bias in Product Design”. Karen received her Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Purdue University and her Masters in Business Management from Lesley University. In this episode Karen shared her journey into design, emphasizing curiosity, continuous learning, and resilience as key for beginners. Karen delved into her design process, revealing a behind-the-scenes look at creating new collections, where balancing innovation with practicality is crucial. She highlighted the necessity of balancing form and function, especially when designing products that are both aesthetically pleasing and performance-oriented. Facing challenges head-on, Karen recounted overcoming obstacles through collaboration and a solution-focused approach keeping customer at the center Discussing the impact of fast fashion, Karen voiced concerns over sustainability and envisioned a future where emerging technologies and AI play pivotal roles in creating personalized, sustainable fashion. We concluded the podcast with Karen recommending three books for design enthusiasts and naming her biggest inspirations in the design space. Her insights provide a treasure trove of inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of design. Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj. Keywords: Footwear Design, Apparel Design, Design Innovation, Fashion and Function, Future of Fashion, Industry Insights, Design Challenges

Connor Moore is a seasoned design leader focused on the audio UX and audio branding space. For the last 15 years, Connor has been able to work with some of the most forward-thinking brands creating innovative sound solutions that drive functionality and build brand affinity. These clients span a range of industries and include the likes of Google, Lucid Motors, Ford, Peloton, Uber, Airbnb, and State Farm to name a few. Connor founded CMoore Sound at a time when brands first began considering sound and music as a core part of their identity systems. During this time, he was primarily focused on creating branded audio user experiences for products, apps, and digital experiences with a focus on emerging technology. Connor is currently Executive Creative Director at Listen, an audio branding company based in New York working with a range of brands across industries. In his current role, he leads the creative team producing audio UX, sound logos, experiential audio, and branded music that spans a brand's entire ecosystem. Ever wondered why some apps feel intuitive while others leave you lost in a maze of beeps? The secret lies in audio user experience (UX), and this episode, we're unlocking its mysteries with expert Connor Moore. Join us as Connor takes us on a journey from his early sound experiments to crafting immersive sonic worlds for mobile apps, voice assistants, and even virtual reality. You'll discover: Why audio UX matters: It's not just about fancy sounds; it's about shaping how we interact with technology, building trust, and creating seamless, enjoyable experiences. The design secrets behind the mic: Learn how Connor tackles crucial considerations like clarity, accessibility, and adapting to different platforms. Future trends and challenges: Explore the rise of AI-powered sound and the ethical considerations shaping the evolution of audio UX. A day in the life of an audio UX master: Get a glimpse into Connor's world, complete with fascinating anecdotes and insights. Book recommendations and inspirations: Discover Connor's favorite resources and the people who fuel his passion for sonic design. Get ready to have your ears opened (and maybe even your mind blown) as we delve into the fascinating world of audio UX with Connor Moore. It's time to listen up and experience technology in a whole new way! Keywords: audio UX, user experience, sound design, accessibility, future of technology, mobile apps, voice assistants, VR, podcasts

Jakob Nielsen, Ph.D., is a usability pioneer with 41 years of experience in UX and the Founder of UX Tigers. He founded the discount usability movement for fast and cheap iterative design, including the heuristic evaluation and the 10 usability heuristics. He formulated the eponymous Jakob’s Law of the Internet User Experience. Named “the king of usability” by Internet Magazine, “the guru of Web page usability” by The New York Times, and “the next best thing to a true time machine” by USA Today. Previously, Dr. Nielsen was a Sun Microsystems Distinguished Engineer and a Member of Research Staff at Bell Communications Research, the branch of Bell Labs owned by the Regional Bell Operating Companies. He is the author of 8 books, including the best-selling Designing Web Usability: The Practice of Simplicity (published in 22 languages), Usability Engineering (26,439 citations in Google Scholar), and the pioneering Hypertext and Hypermedia (published two years before the Web launched). Dr. Nielsen holds 79 United States patents, mainly on making the Internet easier to use. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Human–Computer Interaction Practice from ACM SIGCHI. Buckle up, designers! In this episode, we crack open the UX vault: Ready to unlock the secrets of user-centered design? Hit play and join the Nodes of Design revolution! https://jakobnielsenphd.substack.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakobnielsenphd/www.uxtigers.com Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

As a well-known agency founder and design leader, Andy helps companies like Virgin Holidays, John Lewis and Penguin Random House with issues of customer experience, product strategy, and digital transformation. Andy's role at Clearleft was to set strategy and vision, promote the value of design, and help their clients realise their digital potential. Andy was very active in the company's day-to-day running, managing the leadership team, setting company culture, and looking after the happiness and well-being of 30+ staff. Andy is a designer at heart, having spent over 20 years in the field. He loves using his design, technology, and human behaviour knowledge to influence product strategy. As such, Andy is in his element when working alongside board members and their management teams. In his early career, Andy helped pioneer the field of Web Standards through his work, his blog (one of the highest trafficked in the UK at the time), and the publication of his best-selling book, CSS Mastery. Later, Andy helped popularise the field of UX design, setting up the UK's first dedicated UX agency, along with its first and arguably best UX conference. When he's not running the company or managing our creative output, Andy can be found sharing his wealth of knowledge at conferences around the world like SXSW, An Event Apart and The Next Web. He also curates the UX London and Leading Design conferences. In 2011, Andy co-founded the Brighton Digital Festival, a citywide celebration of digital culture attracting 40,000 visitors and over 190 events. He currently runs an online community of over 1,500 Heads, Directors and VPs of Design, and is a founding member of Adobe's Design Circle. These are just some of the reasons his company has won Netmag Agency of the Year several times, and he's appeared on both the Wired 100 and BIMA 100 lists. Never happier than when he's diving some remote tropical atoll, Andy is a qualified PADI dive instructor and retired shark wrangler. With a degree in Aeronautical engineering, Andy is currently learning to fly. In this episode, Andy discusses the essential qualities and skills a successful design leader should possess. He also shares his insights on building and managing a design team, fostering collaboration and creativity, advocating for an organisation's design, and the importance of empathy in design leadership. Andy also provides tips on how to navigate through various challenges while growing on the ladder as a designer leader and how to approach feedback and critique to help your team grow and improve their design skills. Finally, Andy shared his vision for the future of design leadership and the most important skills or qualities for design leaders in the coming years. Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Albert Shum is a design leader who recently retired from Microsoft as a Corporate Vice President of Design. With over 25 years of global consumer brand and design development expertise, Albert has led strategic initiatives across multidisciplinary teams at Nike and Microsoft, scaling design thinking and launching products that influence millions. He led the recent efforts to reimagine Microsoft’s web experiences, including search, browser and services across a suite of products that reached over a billion customers at work, home, and school. He had previously led Windows, Windows Mobile, Xbox, HoloLens and device experiences. He has spoken on the responsibility of design to audiences at different forums like AdobeMAX, Innovation Forum in London, 99U Conference, Fast Company Innovation Festival, MIT IDM Master’s program, School of Visual Arts. Currently, he is a Class Advisor at the Institute of Design in Chicago. Albert’s work in design leadership has helped shape conversations on diversity and inclusion throughout the industry. Albert has served as a mentor, partner, and leader in programs like the Adobe Design Circle and its Scholarship Fund, the Design for Inclusivity Industry Summit, the LEAP apprenticeship program at Microsoft, and in student design challenges in partnership with IxDA, AIGA, and Emily Carr University of Art & Design. He holds a Master’s in Product Design from Stanford and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo. In this episode, we delve deep into the heart of responsible design by exploring the critical role of ethical design. Join us as we navigate the complex moral landscape of artificial intelligence, unpacking the challenges designers face and the ethical frameworks that can help steer the creation of AI towards positive and equitable outcomes. Discover how ethical considerations are not just an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of responsible design that has the power to shape technology for the greater good. Albert's Newsletter Design Loft on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7002302185275359233 Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Gordon Ching is the Founder & CEO of the Design Executive Council (DXC), the premier membership network dedicated to advancing strategic design leadership to the highest levels of business and society. DXC has carved a niche in raising design leaders' strategic competence and profile to ascend and succeed in strategic roles, including Vice Presidents of Design, Chief Design Officers, and Board Members. Launched in 2022, DXC provides design executives with a true peer-to-peer network and access to distinct programs, events, and research that advances their leadership performance, market value, and the business value of design. DXC membership counts global public corporations and venture-backed enterprises, including senior design executives from industry giants like Adobe, Capital One, Cisco, JPMorgan Chase, SAP, SEPHORA, Target, Warner Music Group, and more. Before his vision materialized with DXC, Gordon honed his expertise across design leadership, operations, and marketing at global brands and startups, including Apple, Affirm, Synchrony, Fast, and AIESEC International. His academic journey took him to Savannah College of Art and Design, where he secured a Master's in Design Management. There, his groundbreaking thesis on Chief Design Officers and Design Executive Effectiveness set the tone for his future endeavours and now serves as the basis of DXC. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography from Simon Fraser University. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Gordon now brings his passion, expertise, and vision to San Francisco, driving DXC's commitment to magnifying the impact of design leadership on a global scale. In this episode, we dive into the role of the design executive, contrasting it with other design positions and highlighting its strategic importance. We explore the significance of mindfulness in leadership, its impact on decision-making, and team dynamics. In the episode, we further address embracing failures as learning opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation, and the crucial elements of resilience and adaptability in the design leadership realm. Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Kirti Trivedi is a Design Thinker, Designer, Educator and Researcher. After a Master of Design from the Royal College of Art, London, he joined IDC, IIT Bombay in 1975 and was a Professor there till 2013. He founded India's first Master of Design program in 1981 at IIT Bombay. He was a UNESCO fellow in Japan under the guidance of Prof. Kohei Sugiura, who introduced him to the intellectual depth of Asian Design. Besides teaching and research, he is active as a design consultant in the areas of Communication Design, Book Design, Industrial Design and Exhibition & Museum Design. He is currently mentoring the setting up of India's first School of Digital Arts and is engaged in research in developing Universal Interfaces and New Learning Environments. In this episode, we journey through the evolution of industrial design, examining its shifts and the impact of emerging technologies. We discuss the role of sustainability, the importance of cultural inclusivity, and the ethical considerations in the Industrial design landscape. We also discussed AI's place in Industrial design and its future trajectory. Dive in as we Demystify the complexities of industrial design. Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Anton Sten is a seasoned designer and accomplished writer specialising in sculpting superior, user-centric experiences. With a rich tapestry of 25 years in the industry, he has collaborated with global giants such as IKEA, Spotify, Google, Loom, Ueno, and numerous others, leaving an indelible mark on their user experiences. Dive deep into the world of design systems with design leader Anton Sten. In this insightful episode, we unravel the intricacies of what truly makes a design system tick. Anton sheds light on the fundamental question: What is a design system? From there, we delve into the common hurdles organisations grapple with when integrating a design system, offering tried-and-tested solutions. Listen in as Anton shares his expert approach to designing, documenting, and implementing best practices. Balancing standardisation with creative liberty, involving stakeholders, and the nuances of governance are all on the table. Plus, have you ever wondered how to quantify the success of a design system? We’ve got you covered with must-know metrics and KPIs. As a cherry on top, peek into the future of design systems in an AI-driven world. A must-listen for every design enthusiast out there! Resources by Anton Stén Newsletter; https://www.antonsten.com/newsletter/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/antonsten Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Alexander Christian is a globally recognized design leader with nearly 20 years of experience envisioning, shipping, and creating next-generation consumer and B2B products. He leads and motivates teams, demonstrating proven success in various environments, including global-scale tech companies and large, mid-sized, and bootstrapped startups. Passionate about building tight-knit, high-performing teams and creating cultures of inclusion and trust, Alexander is a calm and confident leader. He excels as a clear communicator and has extensive experience managing large teams, internal stakeholders, executive management, and cross-disciplinary partners at a senior level. Regularly sought after as a mentor and speaker, Alexander actively contributes to industry events and organizations in the United States and Australia. His exceptional contributions to design have been recognized by renowned award bodies such as RedDot, One Show, The Emmy Awards, and countless others. In this riveting episode of the Nodes of Design podcast, we sit down with Alexander, a luminary in the world of design. Diving deep into the intricacies of design, digital realms, and branding, Alexander unfurls a tapestry of insights and experiences. Alexander retraces his steps into the world of design. He shares personal anecdotes, invaluable lessons, and golden nuggets of advice for beginners venturing into design. Discover the confluence where digital design weds branding. Understand why this union is the lifeblood of today's digital ecosystem. Delve into the crucial considerations one must remember to ensure digital designs resonate with a brand's ethos. The power of storytelling in digital design and branding is monumental. How does one gauge the success of their design strategies in fortifying brand awareness and fostering customer loyalty? Alexander has some tried-and-tested strategies to share. Prepare to be enlightened, inspired, and equipped with knowledge that could redefine your design strategies. Whether you're a beginner, a professional, or someone curious about design and branding, this episode with Alexander is a must-listen. Book Recommendation by Alexander Start with Why — Simon Sinek Radical candor — Kim Scott Alan Watts — The Wisdom of Insecurity Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Rachel Kobetz is a distinguished Chief Design executive with proven expertise driving the vision, strategy, and implementation of customer experiences and organizational transformation for Fortune 100 companies. Her ability to shape product cultures that humanize technology and forge meaningful connections between products and consumers has made her a sought-out operator, indispensable advisor, and industry thought leader. Rachel builds world-class organizations integrating human-centred design to drive product and service innovation and elevates design as a strategic advantage. She brings deep expertise in design strategy, operational leadership, and organizational design, ensuring businesses can navigate the present and shape the future. Her leadership experience spans a range of industries, including tech, e-commerce, financial services, consumer electronics, and travel. As former SVP and Global Head of Design for Expedia Group, Rachel led a cultural transformation to shift the company into an experience-led organization, responsible for the design vision, experience strategy, and operational leadership for all products and services. Before joining Expedia, Rachel held prominent leadership positions as SVP and Head of Experience Design at Bank of America, Head of Studio, New Product UX at Amazon's Human-Centered Design Group, and Senior Director of UX at Samsung's Mobile Innovation Lab. Rachel serves as Advisory Board Member for the Design Executive Council and Executive Board Member for the Fast Company Executive Board. She also writes the influential newsletter,' Defining Experience,' providing insights on design leadership, experience-led culture, emerging technology, and the future of work. In this insightful episode, Join us as we delve into Intelligent Interfaces. Rachel takes us deep into what intelligent interfaces are and how they are reshaping our interactions with technology. Intelligent interfaces aren't one-size-fits-all. Rachel discusses the pivotal considerations when designing for varying demographics, ensuring they remain accessible, inclusive, and respectful of users' needs. With the advent of intelligent interfaces comes increasing concern about privacy and security. Rachel sheds light on the best practices and strategies to ensure that these interfaces not only serve their purpose but also protect their users. What happens to those who design them as our interfaces get more intelligent? Rachel offers her take on how the roles of designers and design teams are rapidly transforming in this intelligent age. The future beckons a new generation of design leadership. Our guest paints a picture of what it will look like as intelligent interfaces continue to define our digital experiences. Join us for this enlightening conversation as we journey through the frontier of design and technology with Rachel Kobetz. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just curious about the future of tech, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights. Book Recommendation by Rachel Kobetz Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making - Tony Fadell MC 24 - Bruce Mau A New Way to Think: Your Guide to Superior Management Effectiveness - Roger Martin Resources by Rachel Kobetz Design Leadership at Scalehttps://maven.com/rachel-kobetz/design-leadership-at-scaleDefining ExperienceFollow Rachel on TwitterLinkedIn Please share and support if this episode helped you understand and learn something new.

As we mark the remarkable journey of 'Nodes of Design' with our 100th episode, we're turning the spotlight onto you – our treasured listeners. This isn't just a milestone for us but a collective celebration of the stories, insights, and voices that have woven the fabric of this podcast. Dive into this special edition as we traverse memory lanes, explore standout moments, and anticipate the future of design. It's a heartfelt thank you, a toast to shared experiences, and a glimpse into the myriad perspectives that have shaped and enriched Nodes of Design. Join us in celebrating a centennial of design dialogues!

Welcome to this extraordinary episode of Nodes of Design. Today, we have the rare privilege of hosting the venerable Don Norman, a luminary in the design world whose contributions have paved the way for countless others. A visionary, an author, a researcher, an educator, a cognitive scientist and a champion of human-centred design. Don Norman is a legend in UX design. Since the 1960s, he has been at the forefront of human-computer interaction and human-centred design; His group coined the term "User Experience" while working as vice president of the Advanced Technology Group at Apple in the 1980s. Don's legendary work has transformed the fields of cognitive science and usability engineering; he has a long legacy in academia, for example, at the University of California, San Diego, where he is a professor and head of the UCSD Design Lab. He co-founded the Nielsen Norman Group, a leading consultancy on User Experience. He is renowned globally for his book, 'The Design of Everyday Things', which continues to influence and inspire designers worldwide to focus on users in their work. Throughout his extensive career, Don has always emphasized the importance of design thinking and the role of design in improving the human experience. His theories and methods have defined and revolutionized the user-centred design approach. Don discusses his newest book, 'Design for a Better World'. This book explores design's critical role in addressing some of the world's most pressing issues, from climate change and social inequality to global poverty. We'll be delving into how designers can contribute to solving these grand challenges and how cross-collaboration with scientists, policymakers, and politicians can lead to better products and services. We'll also discuss the future of design in an age where AI is increasingly becoming a co-pilot in our design process. Lastly, for all our budding designers out there, Don will be sharing advice on how to foster an environmentally conscious design mindset, a skill that is increasingly important in our changing world. This episode is a deep dive into the mind of one of the most influential figures in design, brimming with wisdom and insight. It's a must-listen for anyone passionate about design and those who wish to understand how design can contribute to a better world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Deepak Menon is Vice President at Microsoft India, leading the Product Experience, Design and Research teams across products in the Experience & Devices (E+D) and Security, Compliance, Identity and Compliance (SCIM) divisions at Microsoft India. They include products like Windows, Teams, Office, Edge, Search, Bing, OneDrive, SharePoint, Outlook, and Loop. Deepak’s team helped define the enquiry around ‘What is productivity for billions of mobile-only users’, which has led to product innovations like Kaizala and Microsoft Office – mobile products that help businesses connect with their value chain to collaborate and complete consumer and business workflows. Deepak was also responsible for designing and defining the Ribbon interface for Microsoft Office. He was also the driver for the Microsoft Centre for Information work, which reimagined the future of productivity and won the IDSA gold reward in 2003. Deepak has worked at Google leading User Experience teams in India and Seattle. He was also the Chief Product and Customer officer at Myntra, leading teams across multiple functions. Deepak completed his B.Arch. from REC. Trichy, his M.Arch. on a fellowship and M.F.A. from The Ohio State University. He loves sports and lives in Hyderabad with his wife, Ashwini, two sons, Adhvai & Prathyai and his dog Dash. Please tune in to our podcast, Designing for Innovation: Unleashing Creative Brilliance, as we engage in thought-provoking conversations with Deepak Menon, uncovering the transformative power of design in driving innovation. Book Recommendation by Deepak Menon Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive, and Others Die - Chip Heath Guns, Germs And Steel - Jared Diamond Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger - Peter Bevelin Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Christopher Reardon, a product visionary with a strong focus on AI, Chris has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, particularly as the Head of Design for Meta's Responsible AI organization, where he established industry standards that have impacted over 3.6 billion monthly users. His expertise in AI has enabled him to drive innovation and create cutting-edge solutions in various sectors. Before joining Meta, Chris led product design at a stealth startup, where he spearheaded the development of natural language agents capable of multimodal communication and automated robotic processes for renowned US banks, automotive, insurance, and healthcare companies. His expertise in AI has enabled him to drive innovation and create cutting-edge solutions in various sectors. While at Ogilvy, Chris significantly contributed to defining the IBM Watson brand and platform and successfully launching AI into the global mainstream. His strategic insights and creative talent have been instrumental in the success of some of the world's most disruptive brands, including Meta, AOL, Apple, Bank of America, Chase, Sony, and IBM. With a rich background in AI, Chris Reardon brings a unique blend of technical expertise and zero-to-one product vision, consistently delivering groundbreaking solutions that have shaped the AI landscape and transformed industries worldwide. Join us in this captivating podcast series as we explore the intricacies of designing for AI and the unique challenges it presents compared to traditional design approaches. We delve into the key considerations designers should consider when working with AI-powered systems, discussing specific design principles and methodologies to enhance their projects. Chris Medium blog - https://medium.com/@chris.reardon.ux || Chris website - www.c-squared.ai Boook Recommendation by Christopher Reardon The Most Good You Can Do - Peter Singer (and Practical Ethics) Start with Why - Simon Sinek The Stoic Challenge - William B. Irvine Podcasts Recommendation by Christopher Reardon Dare to lead - Brene Brown, hosting Adam Grant & Simon Sinek DeepMind podcast - Hannah Fry (and Demis Hassabis) Hidden Brain podcast - Shankar Vedantam Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more.

Guthrie Dolin is a seasoned design executive and advisor to early-stage companies. Guthrie has over two decades of experience building cross-functional teams and fostering cultures of collaboration and creative excellence. Guthrie has spent his career working with forward-looking companies developing disruptive offerings. Including; defining work for Tesla, Nest and Fitbit, as well as innovative initiatives for the likes of Microsoft, Nike, Apple and Sony. He founded Rise & Co., a design and venture consultancy focused on category-defining startups. Guthrie is currently Global Design Director at Ford Model E — leading Design DNA across all Digital Products. Guthrie also lectures at the Institute of Design at Stanford (the d.school) on branding and design innovation for entrepreneurs. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of automotive UX design and explore key considerations, trends, and the future of this field. We start by examining the crucial factors designers must consider when creating user experiences for automobiles. Join us as we unravel the future of automotive UX design in this thought-provoking episode. Book Recommendation by Guthrie Dolin Cars: Freedom, Style, Sex, Power, Motion, Colour, Everything The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design The Creative Act: A Way of Being Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Anab Jain is a filmmaker, designer and futurist. She co-founded Superflux, a pioneering speculative design and experiential futures company in London, UK, working for clients and commissioners such as V&A, Google, Red Cross, UNDP, IKEA, Deepmind and many more. Anab has delivered prolific talks at TED, Skoll, NEXT, House of Lords and House of Commons UK, and shown work at MoMA New York, V&A London, National Museum of China and Museum of the Future Dubai. Profiles on Anab and Superflux can be found in Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and Financial Times. Anab and Jon, co-founders of Superflux, have recently been awarded Royal Designers for Industry in speculative design, UK’s highest accolade for design. Anab also received an honorary doctorate from the University of Arts London for her contributions to the field. Anab serves as a Professor for Design Investigations at the University of Applied Arts, Vienna, for the last six years. She hopes to instil a culture of radical enquiry in her students so they can become active designers-translators-catalysts for a complex and uncertain world. In this episode, Anab shared great insights on Design for futures; we started the episode by defining design for the futures and what is the design process when working on a project focused on the future. Then we discussed navigating that uncertainty in work and how designers can balance the need for innovation and creativity with practicality and functionality in their designs. Later, we discussed why ethical considerations are critical when designing for the future and how do designers ensure their work is inclusive and representative of different perspectives and experiences. Book Recommendation by Anab Jain RDI Karen Barad Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.

Amit Dangwal is a Design Director at Microsoft India Development Center, where he leads the Search and AI design studio. He has been with Microsoft for 16 years, with 20 years of experience designing user-centric products and solutions. Amit has led the design team for products like Microsoft Office, SharePoint, CRM and Lync. He holds a Master of Design degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay and a B.Arch degree from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. He is passionate about creating engaging and delightful user experiences across different platforms and devices. In this episode, Amit shared great insights on How to grow as a designer in an organisation. We started by discussing the core skills a designer needs to possess to succeed in an organisation and how designers can show their value to the organisation and impact business outcomes. Later, we spoke about what role collaboration plays in the growth and development of a designer within an organisation. How can a designer take on leadership roles within the organisation, and what sort of preparation or guidance is required? In the end, we concluded the show with Amit's take on how designers can use feedback and constructive criticism to grow and improve their work and how does the organisation measure the success of a designer's work? Book Recommendation by Amit Dangwal Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss⁠ and ⁠Tahl Raz Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell Thank you for listening to this episode of Nodes of Design. We hope you enjoy the Nodes of Design Podcast on your favourite podcast platforms- Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and many more. If this episode helped you understand and learn something new, please share and join the knowledge-sharing community #Spreadknowledge. This podcast aims to make design education accessible to all. Nodes of Design is a non-profit and self-sponsored initiative by Tejj.