#7 Finding my path in UX, Icarus and vulnerability in leadership – Joe Knowles
In this episode, I sit down with *Joe Knowles* to explore his career journey, where he grappled with the challenges of a fast-paced UX career. We reflect on his *”Icarus moment”*—the point where his professional climb led to a personal re-evaluation—and discuss the honest struggles of *UX leadership*. Joe opens up about the intersection of *introversion and authenticity*, and the power of being *vulnerable* in an industry that can often feel like a performance. This conversation is for anyone navigating their own path and seeking a more human-centered approach to their work.
Joe Knowles
LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-knowles-41a80a20/
Danny Hearn
Substack – https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com
Web – https://www.dannyhearn.me
LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:34 The Icarus Metaphor: Balancing Career and Personal Life
06:26 The Weight of Responsibility in Leadership
09:34 Navigating Job Security and Market Anxiety
12:27 Authentic Leadership in Uncertain Times
15:41 The Challenges of Introversion in Leadership
18:29 Vulnerability and Its Impact on Team Dynamics
21:33 Burnout: Understanding and Addressing It
24:33 Reflections on Personal Experiences with Burnout
32:13 The Human Element in Work Relationships
34:32 Motivation and Ownership in Work
38:07 Identity and Career Choices
39:37 Public vs. Private Sector Dynamics
42:41 Long-term Commitment in Public Sector Work
44:44 Impact Measurement in Public Sector Projects
48:58 GDS Methodology: Pros and Cons
52:43 Navigating Constraints in Public Sector Design
55:31 The Importance of Adaptability in Design Careers
#6 AI, design, burnout and everything else – Gavin Elliot
In this conversation, we explore themes ranging from AI and the future of design to the more personal side of the industry – mental health and the importance of support. Gavin highlights the often-overlooked need for personal and professional care, especially for those just starting out.
We also discuss how to build environments that foster growth and make the design industry more sustainable for everyone.
Gavin Elliot
Web – https://gavinelliott.co.uk/
LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-elliott-x/
Danny Hearn
Substack – https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com
Web – https://www.dannyhearn.me
LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/
00:00 – Supporting newcomers in design
00:30 – Gavin’s career journey
02:00 – Teenage gaming project goes global
06:00 – Early internet vs. today’s AI
09:50 – Risk-taking: youth vs. adults
11:30 – Running into AI headfirst
15:00 – Learning to build with Cursor
20:00 – Are we designing backwards?
23:00 – The AI divide in design
27:50 – Why Figma still matters
32:00 – Service design & frayed edges
36:00 – Burnout stories & recovery
43:00 – The power of support & mentors
52:00 – Neurodiversity & late diagnosis
1:03:00 – Imposter syndrome & speaking
1:05:00 – Advice for early-career designers
1:07:00 – Why design’s future is exciting
#DesignIndustry #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #Support
#5 Design culture in an age of change – Chris Compston
Chris Compston
Substack – https://chriscompston.substack.com |
Web – https://chriscompston.com/
LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscompston
Danny Hearn
Substack – https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com
Web – https://www.dannyhearn.me
LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/
In this insightful episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of design roles and the increasing specialisation within the industry. Join Chris Compston and me as we explore the dynamics of inclusivity in design leadership, reflecting on personal experiences and the subtle power shifts in remote meetings. Discover how these changes are shaping the future of design and the importance of taking action to foster a more inclusive environment. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and inspires reflection on our roles within the design community.
*Chapters*
00:00 The Journey of Chris Compston
06:01 The Evolution of UX Design
12:58 The State of Product Design Today
20:58 AI’s Impact on Design and Product Management
26:50 Navigating Change in the Design Landscape
28:15 The Value of Human Contribution in a Capitalist Society
29:58 Defining Personal and Organizational Values
31:26 The Importance of Inclusivity in Innovation
33:22 The Shift in Hiring Practices and Candidate Experience
37:24 Rethinking Interview Processes for Inclusivity
44:34 Understanding Product Operations
49:02 Building Confidence as a Consultant
53:02 Creating Psychological Safety in Teams
#4 Navigating the UX Landscape – Carmen Brion
In this conversation, Carmen and I explore the evolution of UX design, the importance of user research, and the challenges faced in the current job market. They discuss the impact of AI on the industry, the role of imposter syndrome, and the significance of outcomes in design. Carmen shares her insights on the changing landscape of product design and the need for innovation in a challenging economy, emphasising the value of research in shaping successful products.
*Chapters*
00:00 Carmen’s Journey into UX Design
02:48 The Evolution of Information Architecture to UX
05:45 Understanding Design Thinking and User Research
08:50 The Importance of Learning and Theory in UX
11:57 Navigating Real-World Constraints in UX
14:46 The Challenge of Measuring UX Outcomes
17:49 The Current Job Market and Economic Factors
20:51 AI’s Impact on the UX Industry
34:38 The Role of AI in Job Security
38:37 The Impact of Fear on Creativity
42:32 Innovation in a Changing Economy
46:38 Imposter Syndrome and Its Role in Design
01:00:22 The Value of Research in Design
*Keywords*
UX design, information architecture, user research, design thinking, AI impact, imposter syndrome, product design, innovation, career insights, learning in UX
#3 In design it’s still detective work – with Kirtika
In this engaging conversation, Kirtika and I explore the multifaceted world of UX design, discussing the importance of discovery, research, and empathy in creating user-centered solutions. Kirtika shares her journey from graphic design to UX, emphasising the value of questioning and understanding both user and business needs. They delve into the challenges of company culture, the interview process, and the balance between creative expression and professional growth. The discussion culminates in reflections on personal experiences and aspirations in the design field.
*About Kirtika*
Her amazing artwork – https://www.instagram.com/dirtykirti/
*LinkedIN -*
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkir/
*Takeaways*
* Kirtika identifies as a ‘jack of all trades’ in UX design.
* The discovery phase is crucial for understanding user needs.
* Empathy is key in UX research and design.
* Company culture significantly impacts design work.
* Balancing business goals with user needs is essential.
* The interview process for designers often lacks depth.
* Creative expression is important for personal fulfillment.
* Dyslexia can provide unique insights in design.
* Questioning the status quo is vital in design.
* Freelancing offers flexibility and resilience in a changing job market.
*Chapters*
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:34 Understanding UX Design
06:43 The Role of a UX Designer
09:43 The Importance of Discovery
12:02 Diverging vs. Converging in Design
15:07 The Evolution of UX Roles
18:12 Balancing Business and User Needs
20:58 Research Methodologies in UX
23:53 The Impact of Dyslexia on Design Thinking
26:46 Cultivating a Supportive Design Culture
28:15 Empowerment and Support in the Workplace
30:09 The Importance of Autonomy and Trust
32:33 Problem-Solving Mindset in Design
34:48 The Art of Listening and Communication
38:08 Navigating Workplace Dynamics
40:59 The Value of Experience and Portfolio
44:57 The Illusion of Job Security
48:03 Pursuing Passion and Overcoming Fear
#1 Welcome to the podcast
Welcome to the deeply human design podcast. In this short introduction, I invite you to explore the heart and soul of working in design. My aim is to create a space for authentic conversations about the messy, inspiring, and very human side of our work. Join me as we uncover the stories and insights that make design a truly human experience.
Substack – https://deeplyhumandesign.substack.com
Web – https://www.dannyhearn.me
LinkedIN – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/
#2 Building, Designing, and Staying Human with Gavin
In this first episode, I sit down with Gavin, a designer, builder and creator of Figma plugins downloaded over 600,000 times. We talk about the messy, emotional side of design: instinct, burnout, psychological safety and how our environments shape the work we do. Gavin shares his journey from Rolls Royce to government projects to building tools for designers, and we explore what it takes to balance empathy, pragmatism and craft in today’s shifting UX landscape.
*Gavin’s figma plugins*
https://www.figma.com/@gavinmcfarland
*Gavins website*
https://gavinmcfarland.co.uk/
*Gavins LinkedIN*
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinmcfarland/
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:51 The Role of Design in Engineering
06:46 Navigating Job Titles and Industry Changes
09:27 AI’s Impact on Design and Decision Making
12:40 Emotional Intelligence in Design
15:49 Burnout and Mental Health in Design
26:25 Navigating Operational Challenges in Design
30:21 The Role of Psychological Safety in Design Environments
35:38 Building Authentic Client Relationships
39:44 Influential Figures in Design Practice
43:54 Proud Achievements in Design
46:50 Current Projects and Future Aspirations
49:44 NEWCHAPTER