Teaching Them How to Learn: The Most Crucial UX Skill of All with Erica Heinz

Erica Heinz reveals how mastering soft skills can accelerate your career. She emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of communication, empathy, and collaboration in creating truly impactful experiences.

In a field where tools change regularly, is teaching adaptability more valuable than any specific skill?

This week, we’re joined by Erica Heinz, a veteran UX designer and educator with over two decades of experience. Erica challenges traditional approaches to UX education, advocating for a paradigm shift that prioritizes teaching students how to learn rather than focusing solely on current tools and techniques.

Drawing from her extensive experience teaching at institutions like the Parsons School of Design and the School of Visual Arts, Erica shares insights on cultivating a mindset of continuous learning in UX designers. She discusses strategies for developing meta-learning skills, fostering curiosity, and building resilience to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.

Don’t miss Erica’s practical advice on developing a learning mindset that will serve you throughout your career, regardless of how tools and technologies may change. Whether you’re a student, educator, or practicing designer, this episode offers valuable perspectives on future-proofing your UX career through adaptability and lifelong learning.