How to Be a Good Ancestor

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I feel like when we just focus too much on money, we end up unleashing things that we probably shouldn't. And it's funny to see all these people who invented social media and invented a lot of the addictive tech that we have on an apology tour about it. So instead of making more money, you know, or being on the winning team, what we can do is we can be better ancestors. I think if there's any takeaway for me, defenders listening, keep fighting for the users, just like Alan has for 40 years nearly.

Alan Cooper teaches us what it means to be a good ancestor. He enlightens us to why it’s so hard to build good software. He reveals how money trumps good UX and ethics far too often. He explains why UX is not about finding the best location for a hamburger menu, but about solving the big problems that exist for the user and the business. He also inspires us to consider (and potentially redirect) the footprints we’re leaving now, for the generations to come.

Should designers code? (4:40)
Specialization vs. generalization (7:41)
How do designers get business on board with building great products? (13:19)
How do you be a good ancestor? (25:30)
Ancestry Thinking (41:06)
What does the future of UX look like to you? (44:01)
What advice do you have for aspiring UX designers? (53:13)
What do you want your legacy to be? (57:16)

Check out the detailed show notes including the transcript and Eli Jorgensen’s astonishing superhero artwork at userdefenders.com/053-2

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