Insights on Product Development

Improving Product Design with Futurism

When we think about design, we often focus on interfaces, interactions, and user journeys. But what if design could do more than just refine what exists? What if it could actively shape the future? Jod Kaftan, Head of Product Design & Research at Oracle, believes that futurism and design thinking are deeply intertwined. And by applying strategic foresight, designers can play an active role in shaping tomorrow’s products, industries, and even societies. At UXDX USA 2024, Kaftan shared how future

The Challenge of Process in Mature Organizations

Processes can be both a blessing and a burden. In mature organizations, they provide structure, continuity, and predictability. But they can also be rigid, bureaucratic, and resistant to change. At UXDX USA 2024, Chris Avore, Head of Design at Northwestern Mutual, tackled this challenge head-on in his talk, Implementing Product Process Change in a Mature Organization. Avore laid out a compelling case for why process should be seen as an enabler rather than an inhibitor of innovation. He explore

Design-Driven Leadership

“Good intentions aren’t enough—mechanisms work better.” This was one of the defining insights from Mrinali Kamath’s talk at UXDX USA 2024, where she shared how she navigated ambiguity, alignment challenges, and resource constraints to lead with design-driven leadership at Ford. In a world where UX isn’t just about designing products but also shaping business strategy, Mrinali’s journey is a powerful case study of how design thinking can create impact—not just for customers, but for teams and le

Motion for AI: Creating Empathy in Technology

What if motion design could bridge the gap between humans and artificial intelligence? Pavithra Ramamurthy, Lead Product Designer at Salesforce, shares how motion design enhances AI transparency, fosters user trust, and turns technology into an empathetic partner. The Challenge Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the technological landscape, but creating AI systems that connect emotionally with users remains a significant challenge. At UXDX USA 2024, Pavithra Ramamurthy, Lead Product

Transforming The New York Times: Empowering Evolution through UX

While everything is becoming more complex, The New York Times has mastered the art of clarity. From integrating playful games like Wordle into their serious news platform to adapting their homepage for 122 consecutive days during the pandemic, Kristen Dudish and Libby Gery show how UX at the Times is not just about design. It’s about purpose. Introduction: The Art of Clarity in a Complex World The New York Times is not just a newspaper; it’s an institution, a trusted voice guiding millions thro

Improving UX Research Quality with Cross-Department Collaboration

"You're not alone—collaboration across teams can transform UX research from a solitary struggle into a force for organizational success," says Kasey Canlas, Research Operations Manager at Genesys. In her talk, Kasey shared how breaking silos and leveraging cross-department relationships can elevate research quality and drive impactful results. In the current fast-paced, resource-strapped environments, UX researchers often find themselves overwhelmed. Teams are small, responsibilities vast, and

How to Build an AI-Powered Product Development Process

In the continues evolving landscape of product development, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic ambition, it’s a necessity. Anthony Maggio, Airtable's VP and Head of Product, revealed the transformative power of AI in creating a seamless, efficient, and innovative product development process. His insights show how organizations can empower teams, streamline workflows, and leverage AI to unlock new possibilities. The Challenge Product development teams these days

Building Design Systems that Work for Design and Dev

“Consistency isn’t something you enforce; it’s the natural byproduct of a well-structured system.” Parisa Bazl’s approach to design systems goes beyond aesthetics. In her talk at UXDX USA 2024, the Head of UX at Commvault shared a blueprint for creating scalable, modular systems that empower teams to focus on what truly matters: solving user problems. The Challenge: Scaling Design Across a Complex Ecosystem When Parisa Bazl joined Commvault in 2019, she was met with a daunting challenge. The

Transforming Complex Experiences: Pulling the Right Thread

How do you untangle a ball of thread when every pull seems to make the knots tighter? Jehad Affoneh, Chief Design Officer at Toast, faced this exact challenge—not with thread but with the complexities of supporting 100,000+ restaurants during their most chaotic moments. His solution? Find and pull the right thread to unravel the complexity, one layer at a time. In the fast-paced world of restaurants, chaos often reigns supreme during peak hours. Imagine a bustling kitchen at noon, orders flying

We're agile. So why haven't outcomes improved?

Agile is everywhere. Teams sprint, backlog, and iterate—but why do so few organizations achieve the outcomes they expect? I’ve learned that the answer is simple: “Agile isn’t broken. It’s how we’ve implemented it.” My approach focuses on enabling teams to overcome dependencies, align strategically, and deliver real value—not just outputs. Why Agile Outcomes Fall Short and How to Fix Them Agile adoption is almost everywhere. Ask any room of professionals if they work in an agile way, and over

Building Seamless Experiences Across Platforms: How Priceline Leverages Server-Driven UI

In an increasingly complex digital landscape, aligning customer experiences across platforms isn’t just a challenge—it’s a necessity. At UXDX USA 2024, Aadi Deshpande (VP of Engineering) and Anthony Padronaggio (Design Manager) from Priceline shared how their team tackles this through Server-Driven UI (SDUI). By fostering collaboration, rethinking design foundations, and embracing governance, Priceline is transforming the way users interact with their platform. What happens when your app and w

How T. Rowe Price Scaled a Design System by Treating It Like a Product

Design systems fail for one simple reason: they’re treated like projects, not products. At T. Rowe Price, this mindset shift led to explosive adoption, seamless scalability, and high performing empowered teams.

Embracing Leadership in Design: A Personal Journey to Humanize UX

At UXDX EMEA 2023 I explored design leadership's complexities, highlighting the importance of tools like spreadsheets and webflow, and the crucial role of being a 'treasure hunter' in this dynamic field.

Announcing UXDX Global Community Events: Starting in New York, Expanding to Over 50 Cities Worldwide.

The launch of the 2024 Global Community Events will bring top speakers from leading companies in the industry to cities around the world for in-person engagements.

2023 Tech Industry Review: AI Breakthroughs and Market Shifts

Explore 2023's pivotal tech events & innovations with UXDX. Insight into AI advancements, economic shifts & new strategies in product development