Prodity: Product by Design

User personas have been around for a long time. Creating them can be an excellent exercise and a useful tool for UX design and product teams. But are they always the right answer? And what about when the rubber meets the road? Personas can be great in theory, but in practice can fall short. In this episode, we explore the ways to use personas and the ways they can fall short, along with what to do for your teams.LinksDesign of Everyday ThingsThe Inmates are Running the Asylum

Being a product manager or UX designer can be great. But it can also suck. In this episode, we discuss the best and worst elements of working in product management and product design. From the highs of creating a strategy and solving real user problems to the lows of fighting constant bureaucracy and cranking out features, we tackle the reality of our favorite (and least favorite) parts of the job. Links:Jeff Bezos and AmazonProduct Thinking vs Project Thinking

David Broschinsky is a Director of UX. He has over 20 years of experience, and has seen the field grow from almost nothing to its current state. As he's helped develop UX teams and UX practitioners, he's seen what works and what it takes to be successful. In this episode, we discussed where UX started and the changes we'll see in the future. We talked about how we can build good design teams and get support from our organizations. We also discussed tips for young UX designers. And, of course, a few of our favorite gadgets. You can follow David at @sundiverdb on Twitter and @sundiverdb on InstagramWhile you're there, don't forget to follow @kylelarryevans, @yanchauchau, and @prod_by_design

Recognizing and acknowledging employees and colleagues is critical for motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction. But how can we do better at recognizing our team members and teammates? Who should do it? When is a good time? And why, as product people, is it especially important? Join us as we dive headfirst into 2021 and into the importance of acknowledging accomplishments, great and small.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the product manager or UX designer in your life? Look no further. We've got you covered. Whether it's a small token of appreciation or a major splurge, there is something on our list sure to satisfy discerning tastes. We cover items for less expensive to very nice, along with a few surprise bonuses. So take a listen if you need ideas for yourself or someone in your life.Check out the Holiday Gift Guide Article on our site as well!Product Managers:Estimation Dice - $12Empowered - $28Or check out any book from this listAudible Subscription - $150Leather Notebook Cover - $89MTP Annual Membership - $250Webcam and Mic - $220Bose 700 Headphones - $340Product/UX Designers:Wireframing notebook from Moo $19.99https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8LRwrKH7_ISubscription gifting: Setapp, $9.99The noun project, $39.99 for a year Blush - modular illustration, $12/moUdemy - gift a course!Wrist rest ($36)We hotkey all dayRoyal Seat Cushion from Purple, $79-99Candle subscription for WFH from Vellabox, $60 for 3mos (prepay) Bonus: Gift card exchangehttps://www.reddit.com/r/giftcardexchange/Get stamps for your designer friends!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we give 10 shout-outs (and a few bonuses) to some products we're using and love. From apps on our computers, to apps on our phones, to the best cup of hot chocolate, settle in for a holiday treat as we talk good product and design. Secura Milk FrotherSetapp: Netflix of appsElevate: Brain trainingCleanShot X: screenshot & screen recordingFossil SmartwatchNoizio: background noiseWeeblyTodoist: task managementTP Link: Smart home switchesKarabiner-Elements: Key-binding for keyboards(Not a product but life-saver) All the sketch plugins by Jason BurnsEva's keyboard: https://imgur.com/a/mQ9EGIl

In this episode we sat down with Adam Thomas, a product manager, leader and coach, to talk about 3 main cognitive biases in product teams and what we can do about them. We discussed how product managers are responsible for the decision fitness and process, and how to move from system one thinking to system two thinking. Buckle up for another great discussion. Links and notes:Wasps: From Murder Hornets to Red Velvet AntsIdentifying and Addressing Common Biases in Product ManagementThinking Fast and Slow (by Daniel Kahneman)Adam Thomas - Product Person

In this episode, we interviewed Ali Maquet, a Principal Portfolio Manager at WGU. She has had an array of experience, from working as a business analyst, a scrum master, a product manager and now a portfolio manager. She gives advice for moving into different roles, shaping your role, working with different disciplines, and building trust. Ali is one of the best, so get ready for an amazing conversation. What to do if you're considering a move to productHow to shape your roleHaving difficult conversations and building trustRemote work and working agreementsAdvice for leaders

It's critical we continue our learning and development as product managers and UX designers. But it can be hard when our jobs take up so much time day-to-day. What are some of the best ways to continue professional progression? We dive into that topic and more on this episode.Professional Learning:PodcastsWebinars, Publications and Newsletters: Product Thinking, Product by DesignBooksConferencesTrainingMentoringOther Links:Evans WoodshopInstagram

Links:Presentation Link: Google Slides