Pixelated Path
Arts
Technology
Chris Abad
Pixelated Path is your map to navigate the exciting, sometimes challenging, journey of being a UX designer. We explore practical tips, share inspiring stories, and equip you with the tools to level up your skills and carve your own path to design mastery. www.pixelatedpath.com
Total 9 episodes
1
From Anthropology to Design Leadership: A Conversation with Peter Merholz
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 Introduction00:48 Discovering Design Through Books02:52 Transitioning from Web Development to Design03:44 Anthropology's Influence on Design06:39 Early Career and First Management Role09:32 Founding Adaptive Path16:06 Challenges and Evolution of Design Leadership32:12 Aligning on Values 33:21 Consulting Business Dynamics34:54 Innovative Approaches and Utilization Rates37:05 Transition and Exit from Adaptive Path38:26 Impact on User Experience Profession40:49 Writing and Impact of 'Design for Design Orgs'42:13 Challenges in Scaling Design Teams52:00 Recruiting and Hiring Practices56:59 Navigating the Interview Process01:03:37 Final Thoughts and Advice Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
01:08:4104/11/2024
Kai Haley: A Journey from Anthropology to Google Design Sprints
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 Introduction01:09 Early Creative Influences03:04 Exploring Architecture and Design04:23 Transitioning to UX Design09:06 Starting a Design Agency11:28 Lessons from Running a Business15:50 In-House Design Experience21:31 Balancing Work and Education25:31 Balancing Optimism and Realism25:49 Graduate School vs. Workforce26:17 The Value of a Master's Degree27:12 Building a Creative Foundation28:22 Community and Networking30:39 Transitioning to Management at Google33:44 Creating Unique Roles at Google37:28 Impact of Design Sprints44:36 Continuous Learning and Career Advice48:00 Connecting and Networking49:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
50:3928/10/2024
From Architecture to UX Design: A Conversation with Angel Steger
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 Introduction00:48 Discovering Architecture at RISD04:54 The Reality of an Architecture Career07:33 Transitioning from Architecture to Tech08:33 First Steps in the Tech World with MySpace17:06 Lessons in Leadership and Team Dynamics24:21 Joining 23andMe: Designing for Impact29:47 Diving into UX Design from Architecture30:48 The Influence of Architecture on UX32:11 Teamwork and Leadership in Design34:17 Navigating Career Transitions36:06 The Power of Networking40:03 Building a Strong Portfolio46:03 Insights on Hiring and Self-Initiated Work53:49 Embracing Diverse Backgrounds in Design Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
58:4421/10/2024
Michelle Morrison: From Dentistry Dreams to Design Ops at Google
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 Introduction00:53 Early Aspirations and Career Redirection03:42 Industrial Design and the Impact of the 2008 Recession05:51 Transition to Tech: Apple Store Experience10:50 Joining Square: From Retail to Tech Operations15:11 Challenges and Growth at Square19:14 Design Operations Across Different Companies28:14 Navigating Hyper Growth in Startups28:44 Effective Tools for Team Transition30:40 Rebuilding the Design Team at Dropbox32:00 Creative Strategies for Talent Acquisition32:36 Fostering Internal Culture and Community37:38 Lessons from Leading Design at Twitter42:23 Joining Google: Overcoming Insecurities49:18 Balancing Mental Health and Creative Work54:37 Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Design59:58 Advice for Aspiring DesignOps Professionals01:02:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
01:03:2607/10/2024
Jess Holbrook: Career Resilience and AI Innovation
Navigating the Crossroads of Psychology, Technology, and Art with Jess Holbrook In 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 Introduction01:25 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 Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
01:07:2711/09/2024
Jen Wong: Authenticity and Mental Health in UX Design
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 Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
01:07:1628/08/2024
Renda Morton: Career Transitions, Burnout, and Finding Balance
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 Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
49:4314/08/2024
Josh Silverman & Billie Mandel: Empowering the next generation of designers
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 Introduction02:12 The Early Days: How Josh and Billie Met07:12 Entrepreneurial Beginnings12:20 Josh's Leap into Schwadesign22:51 Billie's Path to Synesthetics32:22 First Professional Collaboration35:36 The Role of AI in Design36:50 The Importance of Buy-In and Culture Change37:38 Teaching and Mentoring in Design39:22 Navigating Workplace Politics41:03 Building Sustainable and Scalable Products42:49 Empowering Junior Designers45:09 The Value of Fresh Perspectives53:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Careers59:09 Launching a Group Coaching Club01:11:15 Words of Wisdom for New Designers Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
01:16:5729/07/2024
Josh Brewer: A journey of discovery, building trust, and leading by example
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.Chapters00:00 Intro01:51 Getting Started in UX Design04:59 Self-Education in Graphic and Web Design07:46 Transitioning to Startups and the Importance of Collaboration11:28 Confronting Challenges and Making Career Moves29:18 Building Trust and Leading by Example37:43 Navigating Career Transitions and Taking Risks47:25 Developing Business Acumen as a Designer49:54 The Value of Creating and Making Things57:18 Finding Enjoyment in the Work and Being True to Oneself01:04:54 The Unique Perspective of a Designer in Business Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe
01:11:0904/07/2024