The Aligned Podcast Show
The Aligned Podcast Show, formerly DesignOps Aligned, is the essential listen for everyone who shapes digital products. From UX and UI creators to product managers, engineers, researchers, and delivery leads, we decode the playbooks, mindsets, and metrics that turn bold ideas into market-ready experiences. Expect candid conversations with trailblazing leaders and hands on practitioners, reusable frameworks that transform creativity into repeatable results, and a front row seat to the trends ranging from AI powered tools to outcome driven road mapping.
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The Aligned Podcast Show
Modus Operandi - Episode 3 - Alchemy of Influence - Feat. Miranda Slayter
Modus Operandi - Episode 3 - Alchemy of Influence - Featuring Miranda Slayter
In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Miranda Slayter delve into the evolving role of UX designers, emphasising the importance of education, strategic thinking, and collaboration within organisations. They discuss the challenges designers face in being recognised for their value, the impact of design systems on creativity, and the necessity of building trust with stakeholders. The dialogue underscores the importance of designers influencing product direction while holding leadership accountable for cultivating a culture that prioritises UX. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of long-term thinking in design and the role of designers as disruptors in the industry.
Takeaways
- UX designers must educate stakeholders about the value they bring.
- Design maturity varies significantly across organisations.
- Many designers feel underutilised in their roles.
- Strategic thinking is becoming essential for UX designers.
- Design systems can limit creativity and flexibility.
- Building trust with stakeholders is crucial for influence.
- Setting boundaries is essential for the designer's well-being.
- Long-term thinking is often neglected in product management.
- Modernising UI can be challenging to quantify in business value.
- Design leadership should take responsibility for educating the organisation.
Chapters
01:12 – The Role of UX Designers in Education
10:45 – The Shift Towards Strategic UX
17:56 – The Impact of Design Systems on Creativity
27:53 – Influencing Stakeholders in UX Design
30:36 – Modernising Legacy Interfaces
32:23 – Involvement in Planning Meetings
35:54 – Navigating Stakeholder Relationships
37:06 – Challenging Bad Ideas
40:55 – Building Trust as a Designer
46:07 – Setting Boundaries in Design
49:09 – Proving Value as a Designer
50:56 – Accountability in Design Leadership
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