UX Fika Podcast

In this episode I sit down with Paulina Modlitba, AI strategist, angel investor, author of 'Vad fan ska vi med AI till?' (“What the hell do we need AI for?”), and one of Sweden’s leading voices on technology and innovation.We talk about how AI makes us feel and why Paulina believes it’s ultimately a deeply human topic. She shares her journey from studying human–robot interaction at MIT Media Lab to writing a practical guide that makes AI accessible for everyone, and why she sees it less as a threat and more as a partner for creativity and growth.We dive into how AI can help us see new patterns, find meaning in data, and free up time for the work that matters, but also why we need boundaries, better guardrails, and new measures of success that go beyond productivity. Paulina also shares stories from her book, from municipalities using AI, to a man who built a “mom bot” that unexpectedly became therapy.We also explore why most companies are still failing to get value from AI, the need for collaboration between technology and people, the role of AI in organisations, and the importance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world.It’s a lively, thought-provoking conversation about curiosity, complexity, and why the real challenge isn’t making AI smarter — it’s helping humans use it wisely. Plus the Stockholm café where most of her book was written.Plus:☕️ Why decaf coffee and a cinnamon roll is her go to fika,⭐ Why when AI gets smarter, humans has to get wiserWhat we cover:02:20 Introduction to AI and Its Human Impact04:01 The Book: What the Hell Do We Need AI For?06:44 Paulina's Background and Journey in Tech12:51 The Role of AI in Organizations18:34 AI's Potential for Human Enhancement24:31 Generative AI: A Tool for Creativity30:24 Boundaries and Ethics in AI Usage36:30 AI in Education and Its Future42:28 The Human Element in AI Interactions48:28 The Balance of AI in Daily Life54:23 The Future of Work and AI Integration01:00:09 Final Thoughts and Life AdviceWhere you'll find Paulina:⁠Linkedin⁠⁠Vad fan ska vi med AI till?⁠ (book)⁠Substack newsletter⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UX Fika website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I sit down with Josh Clark and Veronika Kindred from Big Medium — design leaders and co-authors of the upcoming book Sentient Design.We talk about what it’s like to work and write a book together as father and daughter, and how that partnership has shaped both their working relationships and their ideas about what design needs next. They share how Sentient Design frames AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a new design material — one that lets us create experiences that are intelligent and radically adaptive.We explore the concept of “practical magic,” why sometimes wheels on a suitcase are enough, and when it’s worth reaching for the flying version. Josh and Veronika also walk through some of the 14 new patterns they’ve identified for AI experiences, like the “Pinocchio” pattern. We talk about the future of interfaces, navigating characters and relationships with AI and LLMs, and what all of this means for the future of design teams, businesses, and everyday products.It’s a conversation about invention, responsibility, and designing futures that are as humane as they are intelligent. And it’s one to watch, as they share a few examples.Plus:☕️ Why cinnamon roll is Veronika’s go to fika and home made turkey sandwich is Josh’s⭐ Why “If it passes me, it wasn’t meant for me” is Veronika’s advice and “You have time” and “You are not your work” is Josh’sWhat we cover:02:30 Introduction and Family Dynamics05:23 Veronika's Journey into Design08:20 Navigating Family and Professional Relationships11:24 The Book Writing Process14:21 Sentient Design: Concept and Challenges17:16 Future-Proofing Design in a Rapidly Changing Landscape20:11 The Role of AI in Design23:08 Magic and Practicality in Design26:16 AI as a Design Material28:56 The Importance of Intent in AI Interfaces32:03 Cultural Shifts in AI Adoption34:48 Balancing AI Innovation and Responsibility37:52 Design Patterns for AI Integration48:16 The Value of Sketching in Design50:54 The Shift from Tool-Based Design to Conceptual Thinking52:12 AI-Mediated Design: A New Era of Innovation54:46 Radically Adaptive Experiences in Design58:35 The Future of Interfaces and User Experience01:02:27 Navigating Relationships with AI and LLMs01:11:35 The Impact of AI on Future Generations01:18:04 Life Lessons and Reflections on GrowthWhere you’ll find Josh & Veronika:Josh's bio Veronika bioBig MediumSentient Design book info"A Little Big Medium" our occasional email newsletterVeronika Kindred on LinkedInJosh Clark on LinkedIn Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UX Fika website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Melissa Perri, a strategic adviser, author, and CEO of Produx Labs, discusses the evolving landscape of product management in the age of AI. She emphasizes the critical need for strong leadership and strategy, cautioning against the 'build trap' where output is mistaken for value. Melissa also shares insights from her diverse projects, including opening a restaurant with her sister, illustrating how hands-on work keeps her inspired. Her advice? Ignore the naysayers and focus on tangible outcomes to truly innovate.

Welcome to episode 15 of the UX Fika podcast. In this conversation sit down with Giles Colborne — design leader, strategist, author of Simple and Usable, and now founder of Made Simple.We talk about his journey from studying physics to co-founding cxpartners, what it meant to grow it into one of the UK’s leading design consultancies, and the mixed emotions of eventually letting it go. Giles shares what he’s learned about leadership from both raising kids and leading teams, and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful thing you can do.Giles shares the three values he’s taken with him from cxpartners and what they actually mean, from making it easy for people to do great work, to how to be truly user centred, and lastly, find clarity and simplicity.We also dive into why so many organisations still struggle to link design delivery with leadership goals, how AI is forcing companies to rethink the way they work, and what an AI-native organisation might look like.It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, letting go, and designing organisations with the same care we bring to designing products.Plus:☕️ Why smoked salmon bagels is his go to fika⭐ Why the best place for a fika is sometimes your own sofaWhat we cover: 00:00 Introduction and Background07:05 The Journey to cxpartners12:01 Transitioning from cxpartners16:51 Reflections on Human-Centered Design21:42 The Impact of AI on User Experience26:46 Core Values and Creating a Productive Environment33:32 Understanding Human-Centered Design37:59 The Role of AI in User Experience41:18 The Future of Browsing and User Interaction44:40 Finding Clarity and Simplicity in Design54:00 Bridging the Gap Between Management and Delivery Teams59:50 The Impact of AI on Organizational Structure01:03:30 Agility in the Age of AI01:06:48 Leadership and AI: A Shift in Dynamics01:08:46 Empowering Teams: The Role of Trust01:11:38 Creativity and Innovation in Design01:14:48 The Future of Design: Embracing Change01:18:45 Ethics and Human-Centered Design01:20:09 Fika: A Personal Touch in ConversationsWhere you’ll find Giles:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simple and Usable bookWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Richard Banfield — author, advisor, and co-founder of Second Harvest, a retreat and coaching venture that believes the second half of life can be the most creative, exciting, and rewarding.We talk about how the idea for Second Harvest came from Richard’s own transitions, and how he’s now applying the UX toolbox — mapping assumptions, testing hypotheses, running small experiments — to the story arc of people’s lives. He shares why the concept of product–market fit is just as relevant for humans as it is for startups, and why sometimes the challenge isn’t changing yourself to fit the world, but reshaping your environment to fit the identity you want to step into.Richard shares his own moments of identity override, what he’s learned from hosting retreats in places like the Austrian Alps, and how designing experiences without gurus or PowerPoints creates the conditions for people to truly connect —with themselves and with others. We also touch on the bigger picture: what human evolution might look like in an age of AI, and why learning to take things in your stride remains one of the most important skills of all.It’s an honest, reflective conversation about reinvention, resilience, and how to write your next chapter—whether that’s starting a business, rediscovering creativity, or simply finding the community you want to journey with.Plus:☕️ Why a flat white is his go to fika, and La Fabrica in Girona is his favourite café⭐ Why “The farmers will make a plan” is his adviceWhat we cover:00:00 Reconnecting After Years: A Warm Welcome04:59 Introducing Second Harvest: A New Journey08:14 Life Transitions: Embracing Change and New Beginnings11:10 The Concept of Retirement: Redefining Purpose in Later Life14:00 Finding Community: The Importance of Connection17:07 The Participants of Second Harvest: Diverse Backgrounds and Shared Goals20:03 The Power of Reinvention: Embracing New Identities23:01 Design Thinking in Life: Applying Methodologies to Personal Growth25:56 Challenging Assumptions: The Experimentation of Second Harvest29:08 Creating Meaningful Experiences: The Role of Environment32:00 The Importance of Reflection: Understanding Our Stories35:00 The Future of Connection: Embracing Analog Experiences38:13 Awakening the Senses: The Body-Mind Connection40:59 Conclusion: The Journey Ahead45:28 The Human Connection in Healthcare47:40 Teaching Human Skills for the Future48:39 Adapting to Environmental Challenges51:33 Divergent Evolution and Future Possibilities54:28 The Role of Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World56:21 Embracing Change and New Experiences01:01:43 Curating Meaningful Connections01:08:09 The Importance of Staying Connected01:12:26 Finding Purpose in the Second Harvest of LifeWhere you'll find Richard: LinkedIn⁠NewsletterSecond HarvestArtRichard on InstagramSecond Harvest on InstagramWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I sit down with Jared Spool — Maker of Awesomeness at Center Centre, designer, speaker, and someone who’s been shaping the field of UX for nearly 5 decades.We talk about how the role of UX has shifted (and in some cases shrunk) over the years, why so many UX teams still struggle to show their value, why measuring success only through conversion rates is misleading, and why designers should focus on experiences instead of products, and step up to become the world’s foremost experts on their users.Jared shares why proactive UX matters more than waiting for instructions, and how being strategic, understanding the business side of design, and being able to demonstrate our value, is key to keeping our seat at the table, and a starting point for change.It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the challenges we face as a profession, what the history of magic — yes, stage magic — can teach us, and about how to keep pushing our practice forward while learning from what’s come before.Plus:☕️ Why apple cake, or any cake, and darjeeling tea is his go to fika⭐ Why you should try a cup of first flush darjeeling teaWhat we cover:01:04 Introduction to UX Fika Podcast and Guest Background04:58 The Evolution of UX Conferences08:14 The Shift in UX Education and Value Communication10:23 Understanding UX Metrics and Outcomes13:32 The Importance of Proactive UX Strategies16:29 Building Expertise in UX Organizations22:27 Measuring Success Beyond Conversion Rates25:30 Measuring The Right Things31:30 The role of UX for AI design37:34 The Future of AI In Healthcare And UX42:50 The Three Things To Focus On43:42 What The Adelaide Score Teaches Us About Solving Problems48:44 Understanding the Bigger Picture and Business Side of UX49:48 The Magic of Experience53:01 Jared's History With Magic56:18 The Dying Art of Magic58:56 Lessons from the History of Magic01:10:26 The Illusion of Real-Time Communication01:13:29 Making Your Audience And The People You Work With Look Good01:18:31 Proactive UX Research01:18:54 Why You Should Help Others Get Better Instead of Stopping Them Doing "Your" Work01:23:50 The Science of the Obvious01:27:38 The Importance of Clear Communication in Donations01:32:38 Understanding UX Outcomes and Their Impact01:36:04 Future Plans And Thinking in Design and UX01:40:35 The Joy of Continuous Learning and Exploration01:41:00 The Hunt For Fika01:49:15 Life Lessons and Personal ReflectionsWhere you’ll find Jared:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedInBlueSkyLeaders of Awesomeness CommunityCenter CentreWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Hi and welcome to season 3 of the UX Fika podcast. I'm your host Anna and I knew I wanted to do this podcast but I had no idea just how much I would love it. Re-listening to the chats from 2021 and then doing the the catch up chats in season 2 has given me so much and I'm pleased to share that as of today episodes of season 3 will start to be released.Season 3 is called the ‘Conference people’ and include conversations with some of the people I've met and gotten to know whilst speaking at conferences. The list is long, and it's an exciting one. We'll see just how many I'll include in season 3, as there is some urgency to the guests I want to speak to in season 4, but what's sure is that episodes will be released each Tuesday. And just as with the guests of season 1 and 2, it's people that I in one way or another know. Some fairly well, some less so, but through these chats I'll get to know them a whole lot more, and I hope you will too.

In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Jonty Sharples – product, design, and business leader, and now consulting CPO working from a wooden box at the bottom of his garden. When we first spoke in 2021, Jonty was at Where Is My Transport, building products for emerging markets.Four years later, we catch up on where he is now, what he learned from building and scaling teams across continents, why checking your privilege and context matters when working globally, and how he’s been refining his niche as a generalist with deep specialist interests.We also dive into climbing walls, disinformation through trusted sources, the challenges of job titles, the reality of today’s hiring market, doing outreach, and how a lot of people – even the really successful ones – are struggling to find work, even if they don’t openly share.As ever with Jonty, it’s a conversation full of sharp insights, practical lessons, and reflections on how design and leadership can (and must) adapt to change, and why writing and storytelling are underrated skills for anyone in design and leadership.Plus:☕️ Why black coffee is now his go to fika and not tea⭐ Why you should surround yourself with smart people, ask questions, and listenWhat we cover:02:01 Introduction and Catching Up02:22 Working From A Wooden Box04:49 Reflections on Remote Work and Team Dynamics10:56 Career Transitions and Learning Experiences11:30 Understanding eSIM Technology and Market Dynamics17:46 Navigating Career Breaks and Job Market Changes20:11 Building a Niche and Consulting Strategies27:59 Job Titles and Industry Trends41:56 The Evolution of UX Design Roles44:20 Leadership in Design: The Player-Coach Dilemma45:13 The Future of Work: AI and Human Collaboration47:44 Communication Skills in a Globalized Workforce49:30 Navigating Change: The Impact of AI on Jobs53:23 Education and the Role of Design in Shaping Futures58:04 Personal Growth and Career Transitions01:03:51 The Importance of Hiring Smart01:09:21 Job Market Realities and Networking StrategiesWhere you’ll find Jonty:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#innovation, #business, #technology, #Hactar, #globalteams, #designleadership #careertransitions #scaleups #ai #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jontysharples

In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Be Kaler Pilgrim – founder of Smithfield Search and long-time leader in the digital recruitment world. When we last spoke in 2021, Be was still running Futureheads Recruitment, navigating a pandemic and a shifting job market. Four years later, we catch up on what’s changed, not the least in recruitment.We talk about why she launched a new business focused on executive search, what lies ahead for design leaders, and hiring over all. We talk about the similarities between the early days of digital and right now with AI, how AI is shaping the skills companies are looking for, and why building relationships still matters more than anything else.It’s also a conversation about life post 40, motherhood and the constant juggle between work and home life, parenting in this day and age, and about learning to drive later in life. And last but not least, how small rituals – from gardening to wellness drinks – help her stay grounded.Plus:☕️ Why wellness drinks is now her go-to fika⭐ Why give it a go is her adviceWhat we cover:01:46 Life Changes and New Beginnings03:42 Market Trends and Business Insights07:35 Navigating Job Market Challenges10:31 Personal Experiences and Parenting Challenges18:05 Navigating Motherhood and Career Challenges21:12 Launching a New Business: Smithfield Search24:42 The Role of AI in Upskilling and Job Security33:45 Reflections on Age and Personal Growth40:48 Navigating the Hiring Landscape43:25 The Role of Freelancers and Consultants44:49 Career Transitions for Experienced Designers47:21 The Impact of COVID on Junior Talent51:17 Advice for Job Seekers in a Competitive Market53:18 Understanding Executive Search Dynamics56:00 Building a Personal Brand and Business57:06 Executive Search58:18 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges01:01:24 Personal Growth Through Life ExperiencesWhere you’ll find Be:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smithfield Search Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Futureheads Website⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#recruitment #futureheads #uxdesign #agencies #business #technology #careeradvice #productdesign #tech #scaleups #empathy #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #bekalerpilgrim #smithfieldsearch

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I catch up again with Jason Mesut – creative coach, strategic consultant, and long-time shaper of designers. When we first spoke in 2021, Jason was stepping into coaching, deep into writing his ‘Shaping Design’ book, and exploring new ways of working. Four years later, we catch up on everything that’s happened since.Jason shares why he ultimately stepped away from publishing the book, how he got diagnosed with ADHD, and how that diagnosis, and the medication, has impacted his work, creativity and public speaking.We also talk about looping music tracks, how his approach to coaching has evolved, what he’s learned about finding focus, and about getting hands-on again, returning to old tools with a new perspective, and why community – whether it’s professional or personal – plays such a vital role.It’s a truly honest conversation where I’ve left more pauses in than usual. Mostly for the viewing experience.Plus:☕️ Why almond croissant and a full fat flat white, not oat milk is his go-to fika nowadays⭐ Why 180 House is now his favourite (fika) placeWhat we cover:01:51 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth04:38 The Journey of Coaching and Self-Discovery07:24 ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact10:15 Understanding ADHD: Traits and Misconceptions13:26 Creativity and ADHD: Harnessing Strengths16:20 The Role of Medication in Managing ADHD19:03 Rejection Sensitivity and Emotional Challenges22:05 Finding Balance: Creativity vs. Contentment34:32 The Power of Externalization in Design39:42 The Importance of Physical Tools in Design43:11 Balancing Coaching and Consulting47:02 Navigating Professional Loneliness and Community52:06 The Role of Gratitude in Professional Life01:07:17 Interactive Tools and Techniques in Presentations01:09:13 Navigating New Roles and Responsibilities01:11:06 Creative Processes and Music Production01:12:43 The Importance of Completion in Creative Work01:15:06 Health Journey and Dietary Changes01:17:30 Favorite Workspaces and Productivity01:20:09 The Meaning Behind Names and Identity01:24:21 Hope in Design and Future OpportunitiesWhere you’ll find Jason:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Jason’s linktree⁠⁠Medium⁠⁠Shaping Design series⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠Soundcloud⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠InstagramIf you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #productdesign #business, #technology, #shapingdesign, #coaching #adhd #adhddiagnosis #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jasonmesut