Josh LaMar

More UX and Product leaders need to hear Diana DeMarco Brown (she/her)'s wisdom. Diana is a pioneer in the UX field who takes a thoughtful and nuanced approach to assessing the current state of the tech industry. In our recent conversation, Diana shared many insights, including: - How to evaluate a company's culture during the hiring process - Why private equity ownership can result in design divestment - How Product and UX leaders can effectively influence business decisions - Why we don't need to panic with the rise of AI, but we need to think critically and prioritize regulation during this early stage Link to our full conversation: https://lnkd.in/eemDimVb

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Interesting article from the Shutterstock blog on the topic of color accessibility. Helpful reminders abound. https://lnkd.in/evC2SfhH #design #designthinking #designbuild #designstrategy #product #producctdesign #productmanagement #productstrategy #designprinciples #innovation #designers #digitaltransformation #ux #uxdesign #uiux #uidesign #designinnovation #application #software #softwaredesign #usability #userresearch #research #usercentereddesign #productleadership #uxwriting #designsystems #empathy #interfacedesign #usabilitytesting #userexperience #productdesign #accessibility #ui #ai #genai 

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Diversity in design isn't just a buzzword—it's a business imperative. 🌈 As a hiring manager, I've seen firsthand how diverse teams boost creativity, product quality, and profitability. I believe in building teams that reflect our users and bring fresh perspectives to every project. How do you ensure fairness during the hiring process when you have to look at portfolios? Here is my perspective on the challenges of inclusive hiring. #DiversityInDesign #InclusiveHiring #TeamBuilding

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Why AI in User Research? Incorporating AI in UX research can potentially drive research productivity. Experimenting with new tools and methodologies keeps UX researchers (and those wanting to or doing user research) at the forefront of the field, enabling you to explore new possibilities and stay competitive. Embracing AI-assisted tools is crucial for staying relevant. Figure this out, or somebody else will for you (like your Product team). This workshop aims to provide practical skills and an understanding of using AI tools to gather and interpret user data. This includes understanding user needs, preferences, and pain points with greater precision. These insights can inform design decisions, leading to more efficient data analysis and stakeholder decision support. https://lnkd.in/eBC6xSUH

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Let me rephrase this question. Should inclusivity be a product requirement? There are already models and tactical accessibility standards for digital design. They can be better, but they exist. We at least know how to talk about accessibility in digital design. But in terms of inclusivity, we got a ways to go. There are many examples of algorithmic racial bias. For instance, a clinical algorithm was making Black patients appear healthier than they were and that made it harder for them to covet a spot on the transplant list. Inclusivity is about being Human-centered and it’s beyond UI. Human centered begins at how we collect good learning data, how we consider cognition and user control, what is fraud and truth in AI outputs, how we address biases in algorithms by providing governing principles. It’s across our entire infrastructure. How many PMs have guiding principles about what it means to be human centered in their product? How many PMs consider exploitation of the users’ attention as a dark pattern? How many PMs ask the question of exclusion in data? I rephrased the question from the original post because if the product considers human value, then inclusivity becomes a priority, a clear intention in the product/program roadmap.

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Thanks so much to UX Magazine for featuring my article. “Are you doing too much research?“ I outline a prioritization framework and approach that can help you overcome common challenges like: - unclear responsibility for prioritization decisions - team members insisting on the importance of their studies - the perception that it's faster to run the study than have a discussion - constantly changing circumstances - conflicts between tactical and generative research Check out the article and let me know your thoughts!

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Interesting article with suggestions on powering through Design critique sessions. https://lnkd.in/eDSWrfZ2 #design #designthinking #designbuild #designstrategy #product #producctdesign #productmanagement #productstrategy #designprinciples #innovation #designers #digitaltransformation #ux #uxdesign #uiux #uidesign #designinnovation #application #software #softwaredesign #usability #userresearch #research #usercentereddesign #productleadership #uxwriting #designsystems #empathy #interfacedesign #usabilitytesting #userexperience #productdesign #accessibility #ui #ai #genai 

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#BadassBookAlert Jeremy Miller’s Beyond UX is a compelling guide that transcends the surface-level practices of user experience (UX) design and dives into the deeper strategies that shape impactful, human-centered solutions. Miller positions UX as more than a set of tools or methods—he frames it as a strategic discipline that can drive organizational change and innovation when implemented effectively. The book is rich with actionable insights, blending theory with real-world examples that resonate across industries. Miller emphasizes the importance of aligning design practices with business goals, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and embedding UX thinking into organizational culture. His writing strikes a balance between accessible advice for beginners and nuanced strategies for seasoned professionals. One of the standout aspects of Beyond UX is its practical approach. The frameworks and methodologies outlined are not only clear but adaptable to varying levels of organizational maturity. Miller’s focus on metrics and outcomes ensures that readers understand how to measure the impact of their UX efforts—a critical skill for gaining executive buy-in. Jeremy also delves into the often-overlooked dynamics of team collaboration, highlighting how empathy and communication can break down silos and enhance the effectiveness of design processes. His emphasis on storytelling and advocacy equips UX practitioners to champion their work within the complexities of corporate environments. Overall, Beyond UX is an essential read for UX professionals looking to level up their strategic impact. By addressing the "why" and "how" behind effective UX, Miller provides a roadmap for moving beyond the tactical execution of design work into the realm of business and organizational transformation. "Great UX isn't just about pleasing interfaces—it's about aligning design with purpose, bridging silos, and proving that empathy is a business strategy, not just a buzzword." —Jeremy. Ah, you're speaking my love language sir. Don't just take my word for it Tom Greever did the forward and says nice things too. And Jeremy didn't even pay either of us. But he did let me write a little bit about Power Mapping and Stakeholder management in it. Buy it now and Krampus won't come get you. It's the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who cares about experiences. In case you're too cheap to buy it, you can sample my bit in the comments. #UX #Innovation #Design #Craft

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Kicking off 2025 with a blog post that delves into ethics and compliance in UX Design. As the era of AI quickly evolves this is more important than ever. If you enjoy this blog post (and the others), please give a thumbs up and a little comment, it means a lot and makes a difference. Enjoy! #ethics #compliance #UXdesign #AI #darkpatterns #design #graphicdesign #empathy #accountability #blackmonday

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I just read Longing for Less: Living with Minimalism by Kyle Chayka, and it got me thinking about the power of minimalism—not just in art and architecture that you hear so much about, but in how we experience the world. Chayka's core message is that minimalism isn't just about reducing clutter—it's about creating space for clarity, intentionality, and deeper meaning... principles that really resonate with me and the UX design discipline. Here are some thoughts looking at Minimalism through the lens of user experience design: https://lnkd.in/gnmJGfyM

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"Accessibility isn’t just about individual products; it extends to social media, training materials, and internal tools. Comprehensive solutions require unified governance, centralized leadership, and consistent practices across teams."

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Wow, it is nice to see some of the impact the course I authored with Designlab is having on teams both big and small. Emilyann Gachko thank you for sharing this case study and how it was received by the team at The Home Depot :) If you are interested in increasing your design skills through #usability and #accessibility check out the course. #ux #design #hcd https://lnkd.in/gEdC3NBV

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Overheard yesterday at Hatch Design Leadership Ateliers: “Design systems are a luxury.” Not what Figma wants you to think definitely. But even though we had big UX and Product teams at the companies I worked before, design systems were always underdeveloped and out of date. The gap between best practices by design system gurus and actual reality is pretty large for most design teams. We can’t always afford to do all these best practices while managing business as usual. That does not mean we are not good designers. We are just not the fairytale version of them and that is fine. So yeah I think design systems are a luxury for many of us small design teams. That doesn’t mean we should not strive to be better but don’t beat yourself up over it. The usual disclaimer, just my own 2 cents, don’t follow every advice you read on LinkedIn.

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🚀 Join Our Webinar on Operations Thinking and ResearchOps: Scaling User Research for Impact 🎯 Are you a User Research professional, a leader of user research teams, or a UX design professional looking to optimize your research operations and scale your impact? This webinar is for you! 📅 Date: 15th January 2025 ⏰ Time: 19:00 hrs (London Time) 💻 Location: Online (Details provided upon registration) 👉 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eK6FpCSK 🔍 What You’ll Learn: What is Operations Thinking? Learn how this strategic approach helps organizations streamline, scale, and align research efforts with business goals. The Role of ResearchOps: Discover how ResearchOps enables scalability, improves efficiency, and ensures consistency in delivering actionable insights. Practical Strategies for Scaling User Research: Explore real-world examples, the 8 Ps frameworks and a unique set of canvases and tools to operationalize and optimize your user research processes. 🎙 Speaker: Peter Fossick – Author, Speaker, and Expert in ResearchOps and Operations Thinking, with 20 years of experience in user research, UX design, and team leadership. 👥 Who Should Attend? User Research professionals aiming to increase their team’s efficiency. Leaders of research and design teams looking to scale their capabilities. UX Design professionals interested in aligning research insights with design strategies. 💡 Let’s explore how Operations Thinking can transform your approach to user research and empower your team to deliver consistent, scalable, and impactful results. 👉 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eK6FpCSK Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your research operations and redefine how your team delivers value. Let’s unlock the full potential of your research efforts! #reops #userresearch #ucd #hcd #designoperations #uxdesign #uxui #servicedesign #designleadership

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🚀 Are Companies Cheating UX Maturity with Design Systems? In a recent blog post (https://lnkd.in/etYdAjDW), I shared how some companies attempt to fast-track their design maturity by adopting a design system before determining the best designs to use in the system. The result is a false sense of UX sophistication followed by surprise, and the system doesn't meet expectations. In a recent conversation, a startup was eager to purchase an out-of-the-box design system but still needed to define their product market fit, audience, or user flows. It's like handing over the keys to a Lamborghini to a first-time driver—exciting but potentially disastrous. Imagine trying to build a spaceship without a blueprint—you might end up with a shiny but ultimately useless rocket ship. A well-defined UX process ensures you have the right tools for your specific product needs suited to your brand. How is your organization focusing on the tools or cultivating a culture? If you need guidance on integrating a design system or getting your organization ready for one, feel free to reach out to @Akendi. We're here to help you navigate the journey to design maturity effectively. 🌟 #DesignSystems #UXMaturity #ProductDesign #DesignCulture #Startup #Akendi #UXDesign

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The Jobs to Be Done framework is crucial for product designers, especially as the line between product managers and designers continues to blur. This article can revolutionize how we approach problem discovery and opportunity identification, offering deeper insights during the design phase. It's a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their design process and deliver exceptional results.

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