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Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Chris Abad sits down with Dean Broadley, a design leader who transformed a banking design team of 150+ people and founded Designing Humans. Dean shares his unconventional journey from teenage comic book designer to design leadership, revealing why self-awareness is the missing ingredient in most design teams. Learn why Dean believes mistakes are your greatest assets, how to identify when designers are stuck, and practical techniques to foster growth through reframing and embracing discomfort.
About Dean BroadleyDean Broadley is the founder of Designing Humans, a consultancy focused on helping companies build effective design teams. With experience leading large design organizations across multiple countries, Dean specializes in helping designers break through career plateaus by focusing on self-awareness and relationship-building rather than rigid processes. His philosophy centers on the idea that "you're not designing experiences or products, you're designing humans."
Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 E019 Dean Broadley (Spotify)01:33 Early Influences and First Design Job03:03 University Challenges and Digital Shift06:24 Breaking Boundaries and Finding Opportunities14:29 Founding Designing Humans16:50 Implementing New Processes and Structures20:01 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Relationships20:10 Building Products People Love20:30 Team Dynamics and Self-Knowledge20:53 Honest Conversations with Customers23:25 Tools for Improving Self-Awareness25:16 Helping Others Overcome Challenges29:36 Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities33:37 Evolving Leadership Styles40:33 Advice for Early Career Designers42:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Key Quotes
"You cannot be in any effective relationship without knowing yourself really, really well." - Dean Broadley"We ask permission to participate in the lives of our customers. They're not thinking about us. And that's okay." - Dean Broadley"Nine times out of ten, when a system's not working, it has nothing to do with what you drew on a slide." - Dean Broadley"Just get stuck in. There's no time for perfection. There's only time for effectiveness." - Dean Broadley"I am long-term lazy. I will work very hard so I don't have to work again." - Dean Broadley"If it wasn't for my mistakes, I wouldn't know half the things I know." - Dean Broadley
Resources Mentioned
Johari Window - A self-awareness tool Dean uses for personal and team developmentFormula D Interactive - The company where Dean got his first professional design jobConnect with Dean Broadley
LinkedIn: Dean BroadleyTwitter/X: @BroadleySpokenConnect with Chris Abad
LinkedIn: Chris AbadTwitter/X: @chrisabadWebsite: pixelatedpath.comNewsletter: Pixelated Path on Substack -
In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad chats with Stefan Klosik, an expert in UX design, about what makes a portfolio stand out to hiring managers. Stefan shares key tips including the importance of storytelling, the relevance of showing before and after work, and focusing on a few strong projects rather than a broad array. The discussion also delves into the role of AI in design and the future skills designers will need. If you're looking to land your next UX job, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.00:00 Introduction01:02 College Days and Early Design Experiences03:41 First Job and Learning on the Job04:14 Navigating the Dot-Com Boom05:58 Building a Career in Design08:18 The Importance of a Strong Portfolio10:03 Tips for Crafting a Compelling Portfolio15:21 Evaluating Portfolios and Hiring Designers24:19 Training Recruiters and Final Thoughts29:03 Exploring Design Thinking Beyond School29:43 The Value of Constraints in Design Projects30:28 Balancing Real-World Constraints and Creativity33:27 The Role of AI in Modern Design35:04 Future Skills for Designers in an AI-Driven World46:55 Critical Thinking and Judgment in Design58:27 Practical Tips for Building a Design Portfolio01:03:46 Connecting and Sharing Your Work
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad talks with Jessica Sommer about the emotional and professional challenges of facing job loss in the tech industry. Jessica shares her journey from getting laid off to finding new opportunities, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adapting to change, and staying grounded in a rapidly evolving field. They discuss her educational background, including her love for research and interdisciplinary studies, and how her experiences in anthropology and statistics have shaped her career. Jessica also opens up about personal milestones, such as dealing with her mother's cancer diagnosis and balancing work during the pandemic while raising a child. This episode offers valuable insights for UX professionals on handling career setbacks, personal growth, and the significance of empathy and self-care in the workplace.00:00 Facing Job Loss in Tech: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity00:54 Jessica's Journey: From High School to University Research04:46 Navigating Early Career Challenges and Personal Loss08:44 The Importance of Empathy and Innovation in the Workplace13:22 Balancing Work, Personal Well-being, and Mentorship23:10 The Impact of Layoffs and the Future of Work in Tech28:15 Responding to Change: Advice for New Professionals29:19 Navigating Company Layoffs30:57 Personal Experience with Layoffs32:59 Starting Over: A New Beginning33:40 Lessons from Managing Layoffs35:18 Resilience and Positive Outlook42:29 Balancing Career and Parenthood47:34 Creating Safe Work Environments55:05 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
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In this candid interview, host Chris Abad sits down with Jason Bly, a seasoned design leader, to explore his journey from Jamaica to leading major design projects at Google. The episode delves into Jason's early struggles, his time at Kodak, and his transition to Google, where he contributed to the redesign of the Google homepage. Jason shares insights on the importance of taking risks, building resilience, and staying adaptable in an unpredictable career path. He also reflects on his recent layoff and how he's using this experience to plan his next steps thoughtfully. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone navigating uncertainty in their professional life.
00:00 Introduction to Jason Bly's Journey
01:27 Early Career and Internships
03:38 Discovering a Passion for Graphic Design
06:26 The Importance of Attention to Detail
12:06 Navigating Design Critiques
17:40 Transitioning to the U.S. for Education
26:46 From Print to Digital Design
31:23 First Full-Time Role at Kodak
35:09 Transitioning from Kodak to Effective
35:58 Navigating Career Growth and Titles
36:29 Challenges and Responsibilities at Kodak
39:19 Joining Google: The Journey Begins
39:58 Landing the Role at Google
44:14 Proudest Accomplishments at Google
53:00 The Impact of Layoffs
57:37 Processing the Layoff
01:01:51 Advice for Navigating Layoffs
01:04:54 What's Next: Future Plans
01:08:14 Conclusion: Embracing Change
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad explores the career transformation of Claire Snell-Rood, who transitioned from a successful academic career in anthropology to a dynamic role in UX and product research. Claire discusses her challenges and motivations in moving from academia to agency work and then to her current in-house role at Rippling. She shares valuable insights on applying research in real-world settings, the importance of networking and seeking mentorship, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Claire also highlights the differences between academic and industry research, offering practical tips for early career researchers and designers looking to navigate their own career transitions.00:00 Introduction to Claire's Academic Journey01:03 Discovering Anthropology04:07 Transitioning from Academia to UX04:57 Challenges in Academia05:41 The Shift to Industry08:36 Exploring UX and Product Research20:46 Networking and Career Advice27:26 Overcoming the Fear of Asking Questions28:00 Navigating Dumb Questions in UX Research29:17 Challenges in Tech Culture31:40 Transitioning from Agency to In-House33:51 Understanding Company Culture as a Field Site37:29 Excitement in Platform Research48:01 Advice for Early Career Researchers50:08 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome52:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of 'Pixelated Path,' host Chris Abad is joined by Matt Armstrong, an accomplished designer whose career journey spans from high school web projects to leading design systems at top-tier companies like Zendesk and Dropbox. Matt shares his personal experiences dealing with imposter syndrome, burnout, and the challenges of an ever-evolving tech landscape. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, authentic leadership, and personal growth in achieving a balanced professional life. Tune in to glean invaluable lessons for designers at any stage of their career and to understand the profound impact of personal resilience and vulnerability in the world of UX design.
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Matt Armstrong's Early Career at Dropbox
05:01 Discovering a Passion for Design
11:19 Learning from Diverse Inspirations
15:56 The Role of Critiques in Design
29:23 Transitioning to a Design Career at Zendesk
31:55 The Zendesk Rebrand Journey
33:08 Navigating Criticism and Design Twitter
34:39 Reflections on Design Choices
38:44 The Importance of Therapy and Mental Health
49:13 Imposter Syndrome in Design
01:02:07 Advice for New Designers
01:06:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this insightful episode of Pixelated Path, Chris Abad chats with Beril Maples about her unconventional journey from aspiring to be an architect to leading UX teams at top tech firms like Salesforce and Google. Beril shares her experiences of facing tech layoffs, transitioning between industries, and moving from individual contributor roles to management. Her candid advice on resilience, negotiation, and maintaining design quality amidst constraints provides invaluable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned UX professionals. Tune in for a story of growth, adaptability, and the importance of embracing change in a dynamic job market.
00:00 Introduction to Beril's Journey
00:53 Early Inspirations and Architectural Beginnings
01:44 Transition to Technology and UX
04:54 Skills and Resilience in UX
13:23 Navigating Career Challenges and Layoffs
22:17 Visa Challenges and Career Decisions
24:39 Transition to Management at Salesforce
30:52 Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help
31:36 Tips for Early Career Struggles
33:07 Balancing Design Purity and Business Needs
35:53 Navigating UX Constraints and Collaboration
39:50 Transitioning Between Industries
42:15 Advice for Shifting Career Paths
46:03 Crafting a Standout Resume and Portfolio
49:45 Differences Between Senior Manager and Director Roles
52:32 Mentoring and Team Management Insights
55:16 Handling Layoffs and Career Uncertainty
01:00:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect
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In this episode, we delve into Scott's transformative career transition from a small design studio to a global leadership role at IBM. Scott shares his experiences and insights on creative evolution, the importance of empathy in leadership, and taking risks in his design career. From working on digital transformations in various industries such as mining, retail, and finance, to forming impactful relationships and managing large teams, Scott's journey offers valuable lessons for both new and seasoned designers. Tune in for a story filled with inspiration and practical advice, and don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations.00:00 Introduction: From Boutique Design to IBM01:02 Early Inspirations and Shift to Design02:08 College Years: Exploring Different Mediums04:20 First Steps into the Professional World06:12 Joining IBM: A Controversial Move08:59 Adapting to Corporate Culture13:04 Leadership and Empathy in Design21:02 Navigating Layoffs and Career Transitions26:57 Creating a Culture of Empathy28:25 Using Design Methods Beyond UI30:12 Measuring Empathy in Organizations32:02 Navigating Career Changes34:35 Unexpected Opportunities in Mining37:05 Cross-Industry Design Experience44:05 The Intersection of Design and Product Management51:51 Advice for Aspiring Designers54:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Jenna Bilotta, a seasoned UX and product designer with experience at Google, YouTube, and Dropbox. Jenna shares insights on why focusing solely on the details can limit a designer's career and emphasizes the importance of understanding broader systems and frameworks. She recounts her journey into UX, beginning with a pivotal moment inspired by the art in movie title sequences and evolving through her education in net cultures. Reflecting on her transition from academia to industry, Jenna discusses the difficulties of adapting to real-world constraints and the value of a graduate education. The conversation also touches on the growing role of AI in UX, the importance of system and framework design, and Jenna's career trajectory from Google to starting her own company. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities in UX design and how to break through the glass ceiling of focusing on pixels.
00:00 Introduction: The Designer's Dilemma
00:58 Jenna Bilotta's Journey into UX
04:14 The Fascination with Human Behavior and Technology
07:37 Transitioning from Academia to the Workforce
10:38 The Value of Graduate Education in UX
14:28 The Evolution of UX Design with Emerging Technologies
20:53 The Importance of Logic Over Pixels in UX
25:35 Framework Design: Moving Beyond Pixels
27:38 Mapping Nouns and Verbs in System Design
28:06 Categorizing Objects and Altitudes
28:55 Game Design Analogy for Product Altitudes
30:04 Framework Design in Complex Projects
31:44 The Role of a Systems Designer
33:38 Career Launch at Google
37:53 Transition to Entrepreneurship
39:59 Balancing Design and Product Roles
43:47 Advice for Aspiring Designers and Product Managers
48:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode, host Chris Abad interviews Peter Merholz, an influential design executive and co-founder of Adaptive Path. Peter chats about his unconventional journey from an anthropology major to a design pioneer, and how his background uniquely impacted his approach to human-centered design. They discuss the challenges and insights gained from scaling design teams, spearheading innovation in user experience, and the evolving landscape of design leadership. For anyone curious about blending creativity, technology, and leadership in a design career, this conversation offers invaluable advice and inspiration.
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Discovering Design Through Books
02:52 Transitioning from Web Development to Design
03:44 Anthropology's Influence on Design
06:39 Early Career and First Management Role
09:32 Founding Adaptive Path
16:06 Challenges and Evolution of Design Leadership
32:12 Aligning on Values 33:21 Consulting Business Dynamics
34:54 Innovative Approaches and Utilization Rates
37:05 Transition and Exit from Adaptive Path
38:26 Impact on User Experience Profession
40:49 Writing and Impact of 'Design for Design Orgs'
42:13 Challenges in Scaling Design Teams
52:00 Recruiting and Hiring Practices
56:59 Navigating the Interview Process
01:03:37 Final Thoughts and Advice
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In this compelling episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Angel Steger, exploring her fascinating career evolution from architecture to leading roles in UX and product design at major tech companies. Angel shares how her architectural background provided a unique competitive edge in digital design, discusses her experiences at MySpace, Zoopit, and 23andMe, and offers practical advice for designers. Key topics include the importance of transferable skills, navigating internal company dynamics, fostering healthy work environments, and leveraging diverse experiences to enhance your design portfolio. Tune in to gain insights into transitioning between industries, building a strong network, and crafting impactful design work.
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Discovering Architecture at RISD
04:54 The Reality of an Architecture Career
07:33 Transitioning from Architecture to Tech
08:33 First Steps in the Tech World with MySpace
17:06 Lessons in Leadership and Team Dynamics
24:21 Joining 23andMe: Designing for Impact
29:47 Diving into UX Design from Architecture
30:48 The Influence of Architecture on UX
32:11 Teamwork and Leadership in Design
34:17 Navigating Career Transitions
36:06 The Power of Networking
40:03 Building a Strong Portfolio
46:03 Insights on Hiring and Self-Initiated Work
53:49 Embracing Diverse Backgrounds in Design
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This episode of Pixelated Path features Michelle Morrison, who shares her unique career trajectory from almost becoming a dentist to heading design operations at top tech companies like Square, Twitter, and Google. Hosted by Chris Abad, the conversation delves into Michelle's experiences navigating hyper-growth startups, shaping the future of design ops with AI at Google, and offering insights for forging a non-traditional tech career. Key discussions include the importance of operational excellence, the pivotal roles of mentorship and community, and strategies for adapting design practices to different company phases and challenges.
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Early Aspirations and Career Redirection
03:42 Industrial Design and the Impact of the 2008 Recession
05:51 Transition to Tech: Apple Store Experience
10:50 Joining Square: From Retail to Tech Operations
15:11 Challenges and Growth at Square
19:14 Design Operations Across Different Companies
28:14 Navigating Hyper Growth in Startups
28:44 Effective Tools for Team Transition
30:40 Rebuilding the Design Team at Dropbox
32:00 Creative Strategies for Talent Acquisition
32:36 Fostering Internal Culture and Community
37:38 Lessons from Leading Design at Twitter
42:23 Joining Google: Overcoming Insecurities
49:18 Balancing Mental Health and Creative Work
54:37 Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Design
59:58 Advice for Aspiring DesignOps Professionals
01:02:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Kai Haley, a prominent figure in UX design. Kai shares her remarkable journey from studying anthropology to becoming a pivotal force in shaping design sprints at Google. The conversation delves into her early passion for the creative arts, the transitions between different creative disciplines, and her continuous quest for self-challenge and growth. Kai offers insights into the importance of curiosity, resilience, and structured design processes. She also discusses the development of Google's Sprint Leadership Academy, her role in design sprints, and the evolution of her career through various in-house and agency roles. This episode is packedwith valuable lessons for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, strategy, and the evolving field of UX design.00:00 Introduction
01:09 Early Creative Influences
03:04 Exploring Architecture and Design
04:23 Transitioning to UX Design
09:06 Starting a Design Agency
11:28 Lessons from Running a Business
15:50 In-House Design Experience
21:31 Balancing Work and Education
25:31 Balancing Optimism and Realism
25:49 Graduate School vs. Workforce
26:17 The Value of a Master's Degree
27:12 Building a Creative Foundation
28:22 Community and Networking
30:39 Transitioning to Management at Google
33:44 Creating Unique Roles at Google
37:28 Impact of Design Sprints
44:36 Continuous Learning and Career Advice
48:00 Connecting and Networking
49:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Navigating the Crossroads of Psychology, Technology, and Art with Jess HolbrookIn this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad delves into the fascinating career journey of Jess Holbrook. With a background in psychology, technology, and art, Jess has become a pivotal figure in the field of responsible AI. From his formative experiences in human-computer interaction to influential roles at tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Meta, Jess shares insights on career growth, facing rejection, the evolution of AI, and the intersection of various disciplines. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on maintaining motivation, the significance of responsible AI, and advice for career navigation in the fast-changing tech industry.00:00 Introduction 01:25 Early Career and Internship Experience03:39 The Intersection of Art, Psychology, and Technology07:45 Navigating Career Challenges and Rejections14:15 Advice for Aspiring Researchers and PhD Candidates25:53 Transitioning to Management and Leadership34:15 Self-Doubt and Self-Destruction in the Workplace34:55 The Dangers of Overconfidence35:57 Balancing Humility and Self-Improvement36:15 Techniques for Improving Self-Awareness37:56 The Importance of Asking Questions39:00 Challenges of Qualitative Research at Amazon44:23 Transitioning to AI at Google49:08 The Role of Responsible AI51:31 Staying Sharp in a Dynamic Field01:01:46 Advice for Early Career Professionals in AI01:05:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews UX designer Jen Wong about her courageous transition from a successful role at Dropbox to pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams. Jen discusses her journey, including the foundational role her passion for foster care played, the challenges of navigating a career with ADHD, and her strategies for maintaining mental health. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI and UX design, the importance of authenticity, and valuable insights for early-career designers navigating the current tough job market.00:00 Introduction01:11 Early Career Struggles and Discovering Design02:07 Starting a Nonprofit and Learning UX05:26 The Importance of Being Authentic07:34 Pivotal Career Moments08:13 Leaving Dropbox for Entrepreneurship17:52 Joining Netflix and Balancing Mental Health22:27 Strategies for Managing Mental Health at Work28:12 The Role of a Senior Designer at Netflix32:52 Creativity and Challenging the Status Quo34:14 Navigating ADHD in a Professional Context35:43 Finding Your Flow: Hyper-Focus Strategies36:50 Dealing with Rejection Dysphoria38:18 Balancing Tasks in Large Companies39:59 The Power of Passion Projects41:35 Uncovering Insights Through Investigation44:24 Leveraging AI in UX Design45:53 Future of UX Design with AI53:52 Advice for Aspiring UX Designers57:23 Navigating the Job Market01:03:56 Wrap-Up
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Renda Morton about her journey from running a successful design studio in New York to taking on leadership roles at the New York Times and Dropbox. Renda shares her experiences of transitioning from a small studio environment to corporate settings, dealing with challenges, and avoiding burnout while maintaining creative energy. She also discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including the iPad era's impact on digital design, the Wirecutter acquisition, and her recent shift to a more balanced lifestyle as a certified coach. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating career leaps and sustaining passion in design.00:00 Introduction01:14 Early Interest in Art and Design04:11 First Job Abroad: Experience in Holland10:38 Transition to New York's Design Scene16:36 Starting and Running a Design Studio19:58 Challenges of Running a Design Business22:35 Decision to Move to the Corporate World24:55 Navigating Career Transitions27:38 Adjusting to a Corporate Environment32:10 Climbing the Leadership Ladder35:12 The Wirecutter Acquisition39:42 Experiencing and Overcoming Burnout41:24 A New Chapter: Embracing Coaching48:02 Advice for Career Pivots49:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad welcomes Josh Silverman and Billie Mandel, two seasoned professionals in UX design and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores their extensive careers, highlighting their roles in major tech companies and their commitment to mentorship and inclusive design. Josh and Billie share stories of their long-standing friendship and professional collaborations, the pivotal moments that defined their paths, and the lessons they've learned in the evolving field of UX. They also delve into the importance of self-leadership and offer valuable advice for upcoming designers. The episode wraps up with an exciting announcement about their new Group Coaching Club, aimed at fostering growth and support within the creative and technical community.
00:00 Introduction
02:12 The Early Days: How Josh and Billie Met
07:12 Entrepreneurial Beginnings
12:20 Josh's Leap into Schwadesign
22:51 Billie's Path to Synesthetics
32:22 First Professional Collaboration
35:36 The Role of AI in Design
36:50 The Importance of Buy-In and Culture Change
37:38 Teaching and Mentoring in Design
39:22 Navigating Workplace Politics
41:03 Building Sustainable and Scalable Products
42:49 Empowering Junior Designers
45:09 The Value of Fresh Perspectives
53:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Careers
59:09 Launching a Group Coaching Club
01:11:15 Words of Wisdom for New Designers
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Josh Brewer's career in design started with a transition from teaching to freelance work. He developed his skills through self-education and a deep dive into web and graphic design. His early experiences in collaboration with talented engineers shaped his understanding of the importance of design and engineering working together. He emphasized the need for honesty, trust, and integrity in professional relationships and the value of being open and transparent about project challenges.
Brewer's work at Twitter led to the genesis of Abstract, a tool that enables designers to work collaboratively and efficiently.
Josh Brewer shares his career journey from being a teacher to working at Twitter, starting his startup, and now helping startup founders. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between designers and engineers and the need for designers to understand the business side of things. He also talks about the challenges he faced in his career and the importance of being true to oneself.
Josh advises young designers to lean into their unique qualities, develop business acumen, and constantly create and learn.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:51 Getting Started in UX Design
04:59 Self-Education in Graphic and Web Design
07:46 Transitioning to Startups and the Importance of Collaboration
11:28 Confronting Challenges and Making Career Moves
29:18 Building Trust and Leading by Example
37:43 Navigating Career Transitions and Taking Risks
47:25 Developing Business Acumen as a Designer
49:54 The Value of Creating and Making Things
57:18 Finding Enjoyment in the Work and Being True to Oneself
01:04:54 The Unique Perspective of a Designer in Business
