

The UX Level-Up
Sophia V. Prater
Join Sophia V. Prater on a dive into the weeds on UX systems, information architecture, human psychology, and simplifying complexity.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2025 • 33min
069 - World Models, OOUX, & AI Consciousness
Sophia dives into the intriguing concept of world models in AI, discussing their potential for creating human-like intelligence. She evaluates the arguments for and against training AI with these models, referencing insights from Melanie Mitchell's work. The conversation highlights the limitations of large language models and their reliance on shortcuts rather than true comprehension. Additionally, the principles of Object-Oriented UX are explored as essential tools for enhancing mental models and improving user experience in AI design.

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
068 - Sensemaking & Storytelling via OOUX with Torrey Podmajersky
As president of Catbird Content, Torrey Podmajersky helps teams solve business and customer problems using UX and content. She has written inclusive and accessible consumer and professional experiences at Google, OfferUp, and Microsoft, and now for clients of Catbird Content. She wrote the best-selling Strategic Writing for UX, and teaches at schools and conferences in North America and Europe.In this episode of the podcast, Sophia and Torrey talk about why people tend to be biased toward stories they understand, how facilitating with sticky notes helps level the playing field for ideas, and how Torrey used OOUX to untangle the “spaghetti” of requirements, system objects, and team vernacular at a large company we all know. Follow Torrey on LinkedIn Afflilate link to Torrey's book, "Strategic Writing for UX" Early release second edition of Strategic Writing for UX Learn about Catbird: www.catbirdcontent.com Early release chapters (so far) of UX Skills for Business Strategy Sign up for UX Level-Up!

Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
067 - The Future of OOUX — And What Is OOUX Anyways?
In this enlightening discussion, Allie O'Fisher, an OOUX superstar and UX consultant, delves into the essentials of Object-Oriented User Experience. She clarifies the ORCA process for simplifying complex digital environments. Listeners will gain insights into how OOUX can enhance user experiences and foster intuitive design. Allie humorously critiques a poorly designed zoo and emphasizes the importance of consistency in UX. She also explores how understanding users' mental models can significantly improve digital interactions.

Dec 5, 2024 • 58min
066 - Getting OOUX Buy-In Using What You've Got With Raktim Chatterjee
Raktim Chatterjee is a Certified OOUX Strategist and the Lead UX Consultant at Xebia, a global IT consultancy. In this episode, Sophia and Raktim talk about how to get buy-in on OOUX with stakeholders by reviewing headaches from previous projects through an OOUX lens and by meeting people where they are, why OOUX becomes exponentially beneficial when all team members know the fundamentals, and just how much OOUX it's possible to do in just 45 minutes. This is a great conversation on the nuts and bolts of getting started with OOUX at work. Enjoy!
LINKS:
Connect with Raktim on LinkedIn
Or email Raktim at raktim.ux@gmail.com. He'd love to talk to you about your OOUX questions.
Join the waitlist for Cohort 11 of the OOUX Certification Program
Join the waitlist for the new and improved Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass
Join the vibrant OOUX Community over on the OOUX Forum! It's free to join.

Sep 24, 2024 • 26min
065 - Why I'm Closing the Doors on the Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass
The Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass is coming off the shelf at midnight on Friday, September 27, 2024.
In this solo episode of the podcast, Sophia talks about why she's taking the course off the market, when it will be back, and why you should get this "life-changing," "mind blowing," "career-saving" course today before it's gone, plus two big lessons she's learned over 10 years of entrepreneurship!
LINKS:
Invest in your future. Join the Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass.

Aug 8, 2024 • 35min
064 - The Three Transformations Most Designers Crave
In this solo episode of the podcast, Sophia asks, what is the point of OOUX? What are the things people get out of OOUX? Sophia outlines the three glorious transformations that OOUX provides to the weary UX professional. This podcast is for people who are wondering if they should dive deeper into the world of Object-Oriented UX.
LINKS:
Get started Object-Mapping with OOUX using the Object-Mapping Quickstart Guide. Get it here.
Is the OOUX Certification right for you? Take the quiz!
Cohort 10 of The OOUX Masterclass Certification is open for enrollment! Get your spot before they run out.
Continue the conversation on the OOUX Forum!

Jul 18, 2024 • 37min
063 - Upgrading OOUX and ORCA and Why the Masterclass is going on Pause
There are big changes coming to the world of OOUX. In this episode of the podcast, Sophia talks about bumping the ORCA process up from 15 to 16 steps. She also discusses the upcoming Cohort 10, which will mark the tenth anniversary of OOUX! And to celebrate that milestone she has devised four new bonuses for this cohort. Plus, why we will be putting the Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass on pause in the coming month.
Sales for Cohort 10 of The OOUX Certification Program for Self-Paced Masterclass students will open up July 25! Purchase the Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass.
Sales for the Cohort 10 Waitlist will open up July 29. Get on the waitlist!
Kickoff for Cohort 10 of The OOUX Certification Program is September 2, 2024!
LINKS:
Connect with Sophia on LinkedIn.
If you have taken the OOUX Masterclass and you would like to tackle some more advanced training, check out the 15 Advanced Moves course on The OOUX Forum.

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 14min
062 - Proof that OOUX Works with Kate Redfern and Philippe Fara
Kate Redfern is a Senior UX Consultant at Manifesto, a digital experience agency that works with clients in the non-profit and government space. Philippe Fara is the Digital Experience Manager for Renfrewshire Council. In this episode of the podcast, Sophia, Kate, and Philippe discuss using the ORCA process to raise user competency scores for the Renfrewshire Council website, how OOUX makes maintaining digital content easier, and why OOUX is a good investment for companies and governments.
LINKS:
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn.
Connect with Philippe on LinkedIn.
Check out Manifesto via their website
Join the Waitlist for Cohort 10 of the OOUX Masterclass Certification, kicking off September 2, 2024!

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 13min
061 - OOUXing English Football with Will Poole
Will Poole is Head of User Experience at Kyan, a digital product agency that specializes in strategy, design, and engineering, expertly crafting digital experiences to solve complex problems and drive innovation. In this episode of the podcast, Sophia and Will talk about Will's journey to finding OOUX, the challenges of bringing OOUX to Kyan, and using ORCA to design continuing ed and personal development for Premier League coaches.
LINKS:
Connect with Will on LinkedIn
Watch Will's talk, "Wrangling Complexity with ORCA"
Upgrade your career with the Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass
Take the OOUX Fundamentals course
Take the OOUX for AI and AI for OOUX

May 15, 2024 • 59min
060 - Organizing a Team Around Objects with Ghyslain Olier
Ghyslain Olier is the Design Director at Content Square and has 15 years of experience in product design. In this episode of the podcast, Sophia and Ghyslain discuss using OOUX to organize your team, why your O's, R's, C's, and A's are your competitive advantage, plus thoughts on OOUX and AI!
LINKS:
Connect with Ghyslain on LinkedIn
Sign up for the OOUX for AI & AI for OOUX Meetup event, Thursday May 16, 3:00-5:00PM
Up-level your career with The Self-Paced OOUX Masterclass!
Continue the conversation on the OOUX Forum!