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In this episode of The Ascend UX Podcast, we discuss the potential of AI to revolutionize the field of UX design. Our guest, Kelsey Ruger, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Hello Alice, shares his insights on how AI can augment our design process, help us create more personalized experiences, and even help us understand empathy in a more nuanced way.

For this episode of the Ascend UX Podcast, we delve into the essential role of UX research when discovering potential usability issues and uncovering design opportunities, and how it provides a voice for users in the design process. Our guest, Anoushka Shahane, a UX Researcher at PROS shares insights into her journey into the field and her thoughts on the research process.

In this episode of the UX Design Podcast, we explore the often overlooked but essential element of UX copywriting with guest Laura Ancian, discussing its importance in creating a meaningful conversation with users and how it's often left as an afterthought in the design process.

As Shakespeare once said, "A rose by another other name is still a rose" and for the latest episode of the Ascend UX Podcast, we wanted to see if those words ring true in the realm of Design. There are a lot of buzzwords out there today to explain the different roles of a Designer. For our latest episode, we (virtually) travelled to Lebanon, Spain and India to understand the role of a Product Designer. Check out the advice and insights shared with us from Alaa Kabalan co-founder at 247studios, Marynes Rojas Fidalgo Circular Designer & host of the podcast Podcast Diseño Circular and Jaivardhan Singh Channey founder of Studio Mesmer. As always remember to like, share and subscribe for future episodes as we uncover the experience of User Experience Design.

It’s easy to get caught up learning the latest design tools or staying ahead of the newest trends. But have you considered another activity that could really help your UX journey—participating in your local professional community? Helena Levison joins us as a special guest and shares her story of starting CPHUX, Denmark’s largest UX community. We cover a bunch of topics such as the valuable services a professional community can offer its members, learning what UX is really like from current professionals, overcoming shyness, and even what it takes to be a successful community organizer. So close your web browser, stop tinkering with your portfolio, and go meet some new designers! You might tap into the “hidden” job market and discover your next career opportunity. But more importantly, you might learn a lot and make some new friends along the way.

How much do you know about Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest invention? Even though we’re well into the 21st century, the resume still serves as an important communication tool when establishing new professional relationships. Learn how to write an effective resume and help it achieve its purpose–getting you as many design job opportunities as possible!

Getting a new job is quite common these days, but what if you're changing your field completely? It's hard to let go of the familiar and embrace a new domain in the pursuit of more job satisfaction, but many UX professionals have gone through this process. To explore this topic, we speak with guests Neila Romdane and Kate Benson; two people at opposite ends of the career transition spectrum. Neila is a former marketing director just starting her UX career, while Kate is a Lead UX Designer who successfully made the switch years ago.

Have you ever felt frustration attempting to unsubscribe from a product or service? Or perhaps confusion when managing data privacy settings? Those experiences were likely intentionally designed to mislead you by so called “dark patterns.” Our special guest Jennifer Li has researched this topic and discusses different types of deceptive design and their negative impact on the user experience. We also debate the UX Designer’s responsibility to themselves, their employer, and society when business and user goals collide.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the personal and professional lives of designers. It's harmed our ability to efficiently collaborate, gather user insights, keep a healthy work/life balance, or even maintain stable employment. Ayan and Evan discuss combating "Zoom fatigue," overwhelming meeting schedules, and substitutes for our beloved sticky notes and whiteboards. You'll also hear stories of hardship and hope from members of our community. Stay safe out there!

We continue our discussion with special guest Angela Schmeidel Randall on the state of UX education. Is getting a certification enough to get your first UX job? Why is it so confusing to get a decent education in user experience? How does one grow learn and grow beyond just UX design? We explore these topics and more. This is part two of a two-part episode.

Questions on design education are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear. University degrees, certifications, boot camps – there are a lot of options competing for your money and time. Which should you choose? Our special guest Angela Schmeidel Randall has years of university experience teaching students UX design. She provides helpful advice on not only evaluating UX educational paths, but also the need to evaluate yourself, too! This is part one of a two-part episode.

Looking for a UX job? Although job hunting can be a challenge, there are people who can help! Our special guest Crystal Pettibone is an Account Manager from Aquent who specializes in filling UX design roles. She explains how agency recruiters collaborate with hiring managers and coach designers to find the “perfect fit.”