Writing
Articles, essays, and thoughts on UX design, design leadership, and building effective teams. RSS
- Nov 2025
Is UX Dead?
The InterconnectedUX faces decline as companies prioritize AI-generated mediocrity over human-centered design.
Read Article → - May 2025
Design teams as Total Football
The InterconnectedDesign teams should work fluidly rather than being siloed into strict roles.
Read Article → - Mar 2025
UX, AI, and the farsightedness of design
The InterconnectedAI solutions should solve real problems through thoughtful design, not be bolted on for hype.
Read Article → - Jan 2025
The Omelas Moment
The InterconnectedTech workers are rejecting the industry after witnessing unethical leadership.
Read Article → - Dec 2024
On Speed in UX Design
The InterconnectedGood design requires shared vision and planning, not just speed.
Read Article → - Jan 2023
On The Nature Of Pace
The InterconnectedFinding sustainable work-life balance after burnout, using soccer as a metaphor.
Read Article → - Jun 2022
On Pirates And Management
The InterconnectedManagement should prioritize trust and people-centered leadership over fear.
Read Article → - Dec 2021
The Open Questions the IA Institute Needs to Answer
MediumQuestions the IA Institute needs to address about its future direction.
Read Article → - Dec 2020
On Not Writing in 2020
The InterconnectedWhy it was okay for people to be unproductive during 2020.
Read Article → - May 2019
3 Things I Didn't Expect About Working Remote
The InterconnectedUnexpected lessons from a year of remote work as a design manager.
Read Article → - Apr 2019
Burnout and Shooting Zombies
The InterconnectedLessons learned from career-damaging burnout and how to avoid it.
Read Article → - Jan 2019
The End of Speaking
The InterconnectedConference speaking is economically unsustainable and excludes diverse voices.
Read Article → - Nov 2018
The persistence of point-of-sale chip readers
The InterconnectedPoor chip reader design creates unnecessary friction by prioritizing merchants over users.
Read Article → - Jul 2018
Chasing Titles
The InterconnectedPursuing meaningful work and impact matters more than chasing job titles.
Read Article → - May 2018
Going indie, one year later
MediumReflections on one year of independent consulting work.
Read Article → - May 2018
The Misspelled Portfolio
The InterconnectedTypos in portfolios matter less than demonstrating process and communication skills.
Read Article → - Apr 2018
The names we won't say
The InterconnectedWhy communities remain silent about known abusers instead of holding them accountable.
Read Article → - Jan 2018
Room for everyone: On designers doing user research
The InterconnectedUX designers should do basic research rather than waiting for specialists.
Read Article → - Nov 2017
Once more into the UX harassment breach
The InterconnectedUX conferences must address sexual harassment and predatory behavior in the industry.
Read Article → - Nov 2017
Putting some color in a conference presentation
The InterconnectedUsing diverse images in presentation slides to better represent the real world.
Read Article → - Oct 2017
In defense of design sprints
The InterconnectedDesign sprints are valuable tools when used appropriately, despite the criticism.
Read Article → - Sep 2017
An open letter to people who write open letters on Medium
MediumA satirical take on the open letter genre.
Read Article → - Sep 2017
Our False Enemy, Time
The InterconnectedExcessive work hours damage health and productivity; sustainable practices matter more.
Read Article → - Jun 2017
Stepping Out Of The Hole, or How I Learned To Save Myself
The InterconnectedQuitting a job after recognizing the warning signs of impending burnout.
Read Article → - May 2017
On UX in the Triage Room
The InterconnectedUX designers must prioritize user needs when competing for resources in product triage.
Read Article → - Apr 2017
Telling your story
The InterconnectedDesigners should master storytelling to explain their process from problem to solution.
Read Article → - Mar 2017
On IA Summit 2017 and Legacy
The InterconnectedReflections on generational legacy and the responsibility to mentor younger practitioners.
Read Article → - Jan 2017
The true tragedy of the commons
The InterconnectedLamenting how the early web's optimistic vision has been corrupted by hatred and misinformation.
Read Article → - Sep 2016
What makes a senior designer?
The InterconnectedSenior status should be measured by skills and growth, not arbitrary years of experience.
Read Article → - Aug 2016
Design and culture change
The InterconnectedDesign teams should evangelize by translating values into the organization's language.
Read Article → - Jul 2016
Pixel pushing
The InterconnectedUX extends beyond visual aesthetics; organizations often conflate UI with UX.
Read Article → - Jun 2016
Cicadas
The InterconnectedReflections on 17 years in web design and evolution versus stagnation.
Read Article → - Jun 2016
Put On Your Oxygen Mask First
The InterconnectedSelf-care is essential to being an effective leader for your team.
Read Article →
Speaking
In addition to writing, I speak at conferences including SXSW and Webvisions on topics like design leadership, building UX teams, and product strategy.
Get in touch if you'd like me to speak at your event.