In a thought-provoking conversation, Erika Hall, co-founder of Mule Design and author of 'Just Enough Research,' along with Mike Monteiro, also co-founder of Mule Design and author of 'Design Is a Job,' tackle the realities of UX consulting. They discuss the significance of authenticity and integrity in their work, share hard-earned lessons from running a consultancy, and highlight the importance of community engagement. With a candid take on the current UX climate, they advocate for a shift from bland conformity to embracing true individuality in the field.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Mule Design's Origin
Erika Hall and Mike Monteiro started Mule Design in 2001 during the dot-com crash.
They initially relied on referrals and networking, securing a significant client like Yahoo.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Why 'Mule' Design?
Mule Design, named after the mule, embodies their work ethic: doing the work with intelligence and honesty.
Mules are reliable and won't do stupid things; they assess risks, much like Mule Design's approach to client work.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Get a Lawyer
Always have a solid contract and a good lawyer.
This protects you in disputes and allows you to work with larger organizations confidently.
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Mike Monteiro's "Ruin by Design" is a critical examination of the ethical implications of design choices, challenging designers to consider the broader societal impact of their work. The book uses examples of harmful products and services to illustrate how design can be used to exploit users and perpetuate harmful systems. Monteiro argues that designers have a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their work and to use their skills to create positive change in the world. He advocates for a more conscious and responsible approach to design, emphasizing the importance of considering the social and environmental consequences of design decisions. The book's provocative message challenges designers to think critically about their role in society.
Design is a job
Mike Monteiro
The Collected Angers
Essays About Design for an Unwilling Audience
Mike Monteiro
You're My Favorite Client
You're My Favorite Client
Mike Monteiro
Just Enough Research
Erika Hall
Erika Hall's "Just Enough Research" provides a practical and accessible approach to user research for designers. The book emphasizes the importance of conducting research that is both efficient and effective, focusing on gathering the right information at the right time. Hall advocates for a flexible and iterative approach to research, encouraging designers to adapt their methods based on the specific needs of the project. She provides a range of research methods, from user interviews to usability testing, and offers practical advice on how to analyze data and communicate findings. The book's focus on practicality and accessibility makes it a valuable resource for designers of all levels.
Conversational Design
Erika Hall
In 'Conversational Design,' Erika Hall explains how to make digital systems feel less robotic and more real by applying the principles of human conversation. The book delves into linguistics, psychology, and design strategy to help designers create device-independent, human-centered systems. It covers topics such as understanding the human interface, the power of personality in design, and practical techniques for implementing conversational design in various contexts. Hall emphasizes the importance of balancing formal and informal language and creating interactions that are cooperative, goal-oriented, context-aware, and error-tolerant.
In this episode of The UX Consultants Lounge, host Kyle Soucy sits down with two legendary figures in the UX and design consulting world: Erika Hall and Mike Monteiro, co-founders of Mule Design. Known for their honesty, wit, and willingness to challenge the status quo, Erika and Mike bring decades of experience—and a few well-placed truth bombs—to this candid conversation about UX consulting.
Key Topics Covered:
The Origin of Mule Design: Why they chose the name Mule and how it represents their approach to consulting—doing the work with intelligence, honesty, and integrity.
Lessons from the Trenches: The challenges of running a consultancy, firing clients, dealing with contracts, and why you always need a good lawyer.
The Current UX Climate: Why UX professionals are not to blame for recent industry turbulence, and the role speculative tech growth has played in overhiring and layoffs.
Being “The Helpers”: Mike and Erika’s advice on contributing to meaningful work—whether in civic tech, local organizations, or community projects—and embracing the value of problem-solving skills.
Marketing and Business Development: The importance of putting yourself out there authentically. Erika shares how being consistent and unapologetic about your expertise helps clients find you, while Mike encourages consultants to embrace honesty and avoid sounding like machines.
Why Authenticity Matters: A bold call to action for UX consultants to stop trying to fit in, stop being bland, and start telling hard truths—because that’s what clients actually need.
When asked to describe UX consulting in one word, Erika says, “Lost”, and Mike delivers a punch: “Dead.” Listen to the episode to hear their powerful explanations and why the future of consulting requires honesty, backbone, and humanity.
Submit a question or story: Have a question or topic that you'd like us to cover in a future episode and/or want to share an anonymous consulting story? Submit your questions and stories.
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