UXLx Talks

We are solving the challenges of building and maintaining diverse teams. Slowly. As a result we find people from minority groups being the only ones of their kind in a team, project, or company. For some this is an opportunity to stand out and excel. Yet for others, particularly from under-represented minorities, it is a position of vulnerability. Being "one of a kind" stops them from bringing their whole authentic selves to work. "I'm the only ______ person here, if I say it, they won't understand." "If I say the wrong thing will they think it's because I'm a ______ person." "They only invited me because I'm a ______ person." In this talk, Farai traces his career journey from contributor to lead, during most of which he was the only one of his kind in the room. He also shares insights from interviews he's conducted with tech contributors and leaders around the world. The result is a session filled with tactics that leaders can use immediately to better understand, mentor, and sponsor the "one of a kind" folks in their teams to their full potential.

For a business to thrive, it must find and retain strong UX talent that creates customer-centered products and services. Most professionals don't have time to continually expand their knowledge of new technologies and tools, but their work relies on this currency. How can we stay up-to-date in a world constantly in flux? This talk explores techniques to build a culture of continuous learning in the workplace for new and seasoned professionals who want to stay current on emerging tools and avoid stagnation. Learn techniques that UX teams can use to be agile and resilient in the face of ever-evolving technologies.

In the world and work of "social design," participatory methods and strategic approaches have been deepening and maturing. Since all work is social to some degree, our teams and organizations can learn from those approaches. How do we listen to the system that surrounds our work? How can we craft invitations that bring people together as co-creators? What does it look like to involve the people who will "live the change" as full participants in the creative process? Through examples, method snapshots, and long-term cases, this talk offers a glimpse into the methods of participatory emergence.

Is technology killing empathy? Studies suggest that empathy is on the wane and technology might be partly to blame. From self-care to selfies, fail videos to filter bubbles, existential loneliness to righteous outrage, we are confronting the possibility that human-centered practice hasn't created human-centered technology.As if we needed more proof, technologists are now trying to solve the "empathy problem" with emotional AI, VR, and chatbots. One thing is clear, empathy is more than a step in the design process or a new feature to add on. In this talk, we'll consider what it might mean to design technology for cultivating a cohesive society where fellow feeling flourishes.