Connor Joyce, behavioral scientist and author of "Bridging Intention to Impact," delves into the critical link between user experience design and behavioral science. He emphasizes the need for meaningful success criteria in UX, advocating for diverse research methods to enhance user outcomes. Joyce discusses the importance of an 'impact mindset' in product development and the gradual integration of new user metrics. The conversation wraps up by exploring how thoughtful questioning can lead to better assessment of user impact, enriching the development process.

In this engaging discussion, Savina Hawkins, Co-founder of Altis and senior UX researcher at Meta, and Caleb Sponheim, UX Specialist at Nielsen Norman Group, delve into how AI is revolutionizing UX research. They explore the dual nature of AI, highlighting both its potential to enhance productivity and the risks to job security. Savina and Caleb offer practical strategies for UX professionals to harness AI tools effectively, while also stressing the importance of maintaining user research integrity amidst these technological advancements.

Kim Flaherty, a journey management expert at Nielsen Norman Group, dives into the transformative world of journey-centric design. She explains how shifting focus from product-centric to journey-centric models can optimize customer experiences. Flaherty also discusses innovative strategies in UX design operations, particularly in response to AI advancements. The conversation highlights the importance of cross-department collaboration for a holistic approach and underscores the need for transparency in UX research, offering valuable resources for industry improvement.

Paige Lord, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at GitHub and an expert in AI with a Harvard law background, dives into the pressing need for responsible tech. She shares her transformative journey that sparked her interest in ethical AI, particularly in facial recognition. The discussion covers the complexities of navigating AI policy, emphasizing the role of designers in championing ethical practices amid corporate pressures. Paige also highlights the importance of collaboration between design and policy, pushing for a creative yet legally sound approach to user experience.

Kate Kaplan, an Insights Architect known for her research on digital iconography, dives into the critical role icons play in enhancing user experience. She discusses how icons can simplify interfaces but notes that not all icons communicate effectively across cultures. Kaplan shares fascinating insights about the evolving meanings of icons, like the floppy disk symbol for saving, and the importance of icon design in conveying messages, especially regarding safety. Her upcoming book promises to reveal more about crafting effective digital icons.

Stéphanie Walter, an expert in UX design focused on accessibility and neurodiversity, shares her journey into this vital field. She discusses the often-overlooked necessity of designing for diverse disabilities, emphasizing that accessibility should accommodate both lifelong and temporary conditions. Stéphanie debunks common misconceptions about inclusivity while outlining the moral and legal imperatives for businesses. She also highlights essential resources for designers to enhance their practices and promote a culture of empathy within organizations.

Author and managing partner at Peak Priorities LLC, Harry Max, discusses common misconceptions about prioritization in UX, including using prioritization matrices and trade-off scales. He shares insights on incorporating UX work into Agile backlogs and the DEGAP prioritization framework. The podcast also explores the importance of decision-making and strategies for managing priorities effectively.

Expanding into global markets is a key priority for companies in today's interconnected world. While many companies rely on translations for their digital platforms, this is just one aspect of effective global expansion. In this episode, we're joined by Feifei Liu, International UX Researcher at NN/g. She discusses the importance of cross-cultural research and its role in helping organizations effectively expand into international markets while honoring cultural values and practices. ⁠Learn more about Feifei Liu⁠ NN/g Articles & Training Courses Modify Your Design For Global Audiences: Cross Cultural UX Design  International Usability Testing: Why You Need It? Cultural Differences in User Research Facilitation  Translate User-Generated Content For Global Audiences  4 Ways to Support International Purchasers  6 Tips for Improving Language Switchers on Ecommerce Sites Other Resources Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory Chapters (0:00) Intro (01:15) Cross-cultural UX research: What is it? (06:57) Importance of cross-cultural UX research (09:46) Factors designers and researchers need to consider when creating cross-cultural designs (13:07) Example of a localized design (Australian pharmacy website) (15:34) Developing a cultural lens (18:42) Facilitating cross-cultural UX research (25:19) Keeping up with cultural trends

Steve Portigal, Research Consultant and Author, discusses the critical role of User Interviews in product development. Topics include benefits like deep user empathy, challenges like bias, and skills needed for effective interviewing. Insights on when to use interviews, value over surveys, and evolving research practices in organizations are explored. Practical advice on avoiding leading questions and engaging with Steve's resources.

Don Norman and Sarah Gibbons discuss the evolving role of designers in the age of AI, emphasizing the importance of embracing uncertainty and integrating technology into design practices. They highlight the significance of human empathy, the need for designers to adapt to future skill requirements, and the complementary nature of AI tools to human skills. Additionally, they explore career paths, learning from failures, designing for humanity, collaborative growth, holistic knowledge, and the importance of human-centered and humanity-centered design in the industry.