Are Core Fundamental Design Skills Currently Undervalued?

“The New Landscape of Design” – Act 02 – Scene 33 – Thomas Wilson In this episode, Naresh Shan and Thomas discuss the evolving landscape of UX design, emphasising the shift from traditional UI roles to strategic positions within organisations. They explore the impact of AI on design, the importance of understanding business fundamentals, and the need for designers to build trust and influence within their teams. The conversation highlights the necessity for UX professionals to adapt to changing market demands and develop hybrid skills that incorporate design and business acumen. Takeaways: • UX is moving towards a more strategic role within organisations. • AI tools are changing the landscape of UX design. • Designers need to understand business metrics like ROI and P&L. • Fundamentals of design are crucial for success in the field. • Building trust and influence is essential for design leaders. • Designers should learn to communicate in business language. • The design community is facing challenges due to a lack of fundamentals. • Ethics in design is becoming increasingly important. • Collaboration and sharing insights can enhance team dynamics. • Continuous learning and adaptation are key to staying relevant in UX. Chapters: 00:48 - Understanding Power Dynamics in Design Conversations 02:16 - The Evolution of UX Design Strategy 05:16 - The Impact of AI on UX Roles 07:57 - Navigating the Post-Zerp Landscape 11:00 - The Rise of Boot Camps and Portfolio Challenges 14:03 - The Importance of Fundamentals in Design 17:07 - Intrinsic Motivation and Continuous Learning 23:01 - The Responsibility of Learning 24:19 - Intrinsic Learning and Skill Development 25:07 - The Importance of Data-Driven Design 26:25 - Strategic Readiness in UX Design 28:18 - The Role of Design Leaders 29:13 - Communicating in Business Language 31:22 - Navigating Organisational Dynamics 34:57 - The Need for Continuous Discovery 38:18 - Underutilization of Design Skills 42:23 - Building Trust and Influence 45:21 - Navigating Workplace Dynamics 48:11 - The Role of Design Leaders 50:50 - Building Collaborative Boundaries 54:35 - The Future of UX in a Product-First World 59:40 - Ethics and Career Choices in Design 01:03:52 - The Importance of Following the Right Leaders