"The Challenges in UX" - Debbie Levitt

DesignOps Aligned - Podcast Show

"The Challenges in UX" - DesignOpsAligned - Act 01 - Scene 03 - Debbie Levitt
The conversation explores the challenges faced by UX designers and researchers in the industry, including the misconception that their work is easy and the lack of understanding and appreciation for their role. It discusses the need for good UX leadership to address these issues and advocates for making conversations about quality and accountability. The conversation also touches on the current climate and how it may impact industry standards and the ability to advocate for change. It addresses the notion of designers being too dogmatic and highlights the importance of critical thinking to challenge gaslighting and false narratives. In this conversation, Debbie Levitt and Naresh Shan discuss the challenges and future of the UX industry. They touch on topics such as the importance of empathy, the role of product managers in UX, and the ideal UX process. They also explore the potential impact of AI on the field and the need for critical thinking, strategy, and quality in UX work.
Takeaways:

• UX designers and researchers face challenges such as the misconception that their work is easy and the lack of understanding and appreciation for their role.
• Good UX leadership addresses these challenges and creates a supportive design environment.
• Conversations about quality and accountability can be effective in advocating for change and addressing issues in the industry.
• In the current climate, where job security may be a concern, designers may need to pick their battles wisely and prioritize their well-being.
• Critical thinking is essential in challenging gaslighting and false narratives, and designers should not internalize blame for systemic issues. Empathy is crucial in UX work, but many businesses prioritize their own needs over the needs of users.
• The role of product managers in UX is evolving, and there is a potential for UX and product management to merge.
• The ideal UX process follows a human-centred design, starting with research and observation, framing the problem, developing a strategy, and evaluating and iterating on solutions.
• The future of the UX industry is uncertain, and AI could potentially replace certain aspects of UX work.
• To ensure the future of the field, it is important to push for critical thinking, strategy, and quality in UX work.

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Kapitler

1. Introduction and Warm-up (00:00:00)

2. The Evolution of UX Design (00:03:05)

3. Advocating for Change (00:08:07)

4. The Impact of the Current Climate (00:13:18)

5. Navigating Job Insecurity (00:18:19)

6. Gaslighting and False Narratives (00:23:13)

7. The Importance of Empathy in UX (00:31:34)

8. The Evolving Role of Product Managers in UX (00:36:01)

9. The Ideal UX Process (00:41:24)

10. The Uncertain Future of the UX Industry (00:48:34)

11. Pushing for Critical Thinking, Strategy, and Quality in UX (00:54:59)