👋 Hi, I'm Amy! 💁🏻♀️ I'm a Seattle-based Senior Product Designer, mentor & team builder with 6 years of experience delivering impactful B2B & B2C facing products & innovative solutions for nonprofits, startups, agencies & enterprise level companies in e-commerce & SaaS. I am currently shaping Design Systems in the healthcare / health tech space at my day job, and enjoy providing mentorship & leading UX workshops on the side! My background in business management, customer service, mentorship, & the arts constantly influences my approach to crafting human-centric experiences that balance the needs & goals of both the business and the user. As someone who has navigated a career transition, I have worked both as a freelancer as well as in-house designer. I will be happy to guide you on what steps you should take in order to move your design career forward! ✨
My Mentoring Topics
- Case Study Reviews
- Portfolio Reviews
- Resume Reviews
- Design Systems
- Figma
- Prototyping
- UX Research Methods & Strategy
- Career Advice
J.
14.December 2023Amy had great advice for me as I start on this new project. She pointed out great tips and brought out points I haven't really thought of before. She was also friendly and easy to converse with. I learned a lot and I'm grateful for her to take the time to chat!
A.
25.November 2023Amy is very educated and helpful in answering my in depth questions about the field. Amy also looked over my case studies while asking in depth questions about how I can improve on them. She is pretty informative!
S.
21.November 2023Amy is an empathetic UX Designer mentor! She understands how multiple industries work within the UX Design and the UI Design world. She has explained very well on the Figma concepts that I have been struggling to grasp like auto-layout.
J.
8.November 2023Amy is a truly exceptional mentor. She is very attentive and approachable. She was able to provide an objective view of various UX approaches for a problem I was trying to solve, and this made for an invaluable experience. I will definitely continue to work with her, and will recommend her to any mentee. Thanks Amy!
S.
6.November 2023S.
31.October 2023Thorough and detailed feedback on the case study. Appreciation on the good work and pointed out where I can do better. Fruitful discussion.
J.
31.October 2023Me encanto la tutoria Amy Ogg es una gran mentora me encantaron sus consejos.
S.
23.October 2023The mentor was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. She was thorough with the explanations and gave some great advice. And to top it all off she was very friendly. Will be booking more sessions with her for sure.
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Don't Make Me Think - A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability
Steve Krug
Key Facts and Insights from "Don't Make Me Think" Usability is king: A website should be self-explanatory and easy to navigate for users. Don't make users think: The more a user has to think about how to use a website, the less likely they are to enjoy their experience. Krug's First Law of Usability: A web page should be obvious and self-explanatory. Design for scanning, not reading: Users typically scan web pages rather than reading them in-depth. Eliminate distractions: Unnecessary elements on a page can distract from its main purpose and decrease usability. Effective navigation: Navigation should be consistent, clear, and visible across all pages. Homepage importance: The homepage is your company's face to the world and should clearly communicate its purpose. Usability testing: Regular testing is important to identify and fix usability issues. Mobile usability: With the increase in mobile browsing, mobile usability is as important as desktop usability. Accessibility: Websites should be designed to be accessible to as many users as possible, including those with disabilities. An In-Depth Look at "Don't Make Me Think" Steve Krug's "Don't Make Me Think" is a seminal work in the field of web usability, which places emphasis on the fact that a user's experience on a website should be as effortless as possible. The title itself is a fundamental principle of the book - users should not have to think about how to navigate a website or understand its content. In accordance with Krug's First Law of Usability, Krug argues that a good web page should be self-evident, where users understand its functionality without needing explanations. If a self-evident design isn't achievable, a web page should at least be self-explanatory, providing users with answers as soon as questions arise. A design that requires users to puzzle over how to use it fails the usability test. The book highlights that users generally don't read web pages, they scan them. Therefore, a vital tactic in web design is ensuring web pages support scanning rather than reading. This can be achieved through the use of headings, bullet points, and highlighting keywords. This aligns with the concept of information foraging theory, which suggests that users behave like wild animals hunting for information - they want to expend as little effort as possible to get what they need. An important aspect the book tackles is the elimination of unnecessary elements on a web page. Each added element on a page, whether it's a button, image, or a piece of text, competes with the important elements and can distract the users from their goal. This relates to the Hick's Law in cognitive psychology, which states that the time it takes for an individual to make a decision increases with the number and complexity of choices. Krug insists on the importance of clear and consistent navigation. This consistency allows users to develop a set of expectations as they move between pages, making the navigation process easier. This resonates with the concept of cognitive load theory, which suggests that human cognitive processing capacity is limited, so the less mental effort required, the better the user experience. The book places significant importance on the homepage. According to Krug, a well-designed homepage answers the questions: What is this? What can I do here? and Why should I be here? It should also provide users with a clear starting point. This aligns with the information scent theory, which suggests users follow clues to find the information they need. A clear, well-designed homepage provides a strong 'scent' for users to follow. Krug also discusses the importance of usability testing and how it can be done on a shoestring budget. He suggests that it's better to conduct small, quick tests and iterate on the design based on feedback. This aligns with the lean UX methodology, which emphasizes iterative design and constant feedback. In the updated edition of the book, Krug acknowledges the rise of mobile browsing and the importance of mobile usability. He suggests that the principles of desktop usability still apply, but the constraints and context of use are different. This resonates with the concept of responsive design, which aims to ensure a consistent user experience across different device types. Finally, the book stresses the importance of designing for accessibility. Inclusive design aims to ensure as many people as possible can use a website, including people with disabilities. This is not only a moral obligation but can also increase your potential audience and improve SEO. In conclusion, "Don't Make Me Think" is a must-read for anyone involved in web design or concerned with creating user-friendly websites. The book's principles and insights are backed by established theories and concepts in psychology and design, making it an invaluable resource in the field of web usability.
ViewThe Design of Everyday Things - Revised and Expanded Edition
Don Norman
Key Insights from "The Design of Everyday Things" The importance of user-centered design: Good design always puts the user at the center and considers their needs, preferences, and goals. The concept of affordances: Affordances are the potential actions that can be performed with an object. They guide the user on how to interact with the object. The role of signifiers: Signifiers indicate where the action should take place. They are crucial in guiding the user on what to do and where to do it. Error and fault tolerance: Good design should anticipate possible errors and include mechanisms to prevent them or make recovery easy. The principle of mapping: Mapping refers to the relationship between controls and their effects. Good mapping makes a product intuitive to use. Feedback and visibility: Users should receive immediate feedback on their actions. Visibility of the system’s status helps users understand what is happening. The concept of conceptual models: A conceptual model is the user’s understanding of how a product works. Good design helps users build accurate conceptual models. Inclusive design: Designs should be usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability, or situation. The importance of constraints: Constraints limit the actions that can be performed and guide the user towards correct use. Iterative design and testing: Design is a process that involves creating prototypes, testing them, and refining based on feedback. An In-Depth Analysis of "The Design of Everyday Things" "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles that should guide good design. At its core, the book emphasizes the importance of user-centered design. This concept is not only about making things aesthetically pleasing but also about ensuring they are functional, intuitive, and easy to use for the user. It is the bridge between the user and the object's functionality. The book introduces the concept of affordances, which are the possible actions that a user can perform with an object. For example, a button affords pushing, and a door handle affords pulling or pushing. Affordances guide the user on how to interact with the object, making the design more intuitive. Complementing affordances are signifiers, which indicate where the action should take place. For instance, a handle on a door is a signifier that communicates to the user where to push or pull. These signifiers are crucial in guiding the user on what to do and where to do it. Norman also emphasizes the importance of error and fault tolerance in design. A well-designed object anticipates the possible errors a user might make and includes measures to prevent these errors or make recovery easy. This can be seen in software applications that offer undo functions or confirmation prompts before deleting files. The principle of mapping, another key concept, refers to the relationship between controls and their effects. Good mapping ensures that a product is intuitive to use. For instance, the controls on a stove should be arranged in the same layout as the burners they control. Norman also stresses the importance of feedback and visibility. Users should receive immediate feedback on their actions, and the system’s status should be visible at all times. This helps users understand what is happening and reinforces their sense of control. The concept of conceptual models is also central to Norman's thesis. A conceptual model is the user’s understanding of how a product works. Good design helps users build accurate conceptual models, making the product easier to use. The book also explores the idea of inclusive design. Designs should be usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, ability, or situation. This pushes designers to think beyond the 'average' user and consider a broad range of use scenarios. Norman also discusses the importance of constraints in guiding user behavior. Constraints limit the actions that can be performed and guide the user towards correct use. They can be physical, psychological, or cultural. Finally, the book emphasizes the importance of iterative design and testing. Design is a process that involves creating prototypes, testing them, and refining based on feedback. This process ensures that the final product is as user-friendly and effective as possible. Through these principles, "The Design of Everyday Things" offers vital insights on how to create products that are not just functional and beautiful, but also intuitive and pleasurable to use. It encourages designers to empathize with users, understand their needs and behaviors, and design products that make their lives easier and more enjoyable. As such, it is a must-read for anyone interested in design, usability, or human-computer interaction.
ViewBuild Better Products - A Modern Approach to Building Successful User-Centered Products
Laura Klein
Key Insights from "Build Better Products" User-Centered Design: The need for understanding user needs and integrating user feedback throughout the product development cycle. Empathy: The crucial role of empathy in understanding user needs and behavior, and its impact on the success of a product. Data-Informed Decisions: The importance of using qualitative and quantitative data to guide product decisions. Product Validation: The need for testing and validating product ideas early and often. Collaborative Design: The benefits of cross-functional team collaboration in product design and development. Risk Management: The importance of managing risks and uncertainties in the product development process. Product Vision: The creation of a compelling and shared product vision to guide the team. Continuous Improvement: The need for continuous learning and improvement in product development. Lean Startup Methodology: The application of lean startup principles in product development. Product Metrics: The understanding and use of appropriate metrics to measure product success. User Experience (UX) Design: The importance of UX design in creating successful products. Detailed Summary and Analysis "Build Better Products - A Modern Approach to Building Successful User-Centered Products" by Laura Klein is a comprehensive guide to modern product development practices. It emphasizes the need for a user-centered approach, which places the user's needs and experiences at the core of product design and development. This approach, according to Klein, is key to building successful products in today's competitive market. The book begins by highlighting the importance of understanding user needs. Klein argues that understanding what users need, how they behave, and what they value is the foundation of successful product development. This insight resonates with the concept of 'empathic design', which advocates for a deep understanding of the user to design better products. Klein also emphasizes the need for empathy in understanding user needs and behaviors. She suggests that designers and product managers need to empathize with users to understand their problems and needs. This aligns with the principles of human-centered design, which emphasizes empathy as a key tool in understanding and addressing user needs. The book also advocates for making data-informed decisions in product development. According to Klein, qualitative and quantitative data should guide product decisions, from design to implementation. This approach aligns with the concept of 'data-driven design', where decisions are based on user data and metrics. Klein also discusses the importance of validating product ideas early and often. She suggests that product ideas should be tested with users early in the process to validate their viability and usefulness. This approach aligns with the principles of the lean startup methodology, which advocates for early and continuous validation of product ideas. The book also highlights the benefits of collaborative design in product development. Klein argues that cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and product managers, should collaborate in the design and development process. This approach is in line with the principles of agile development, which emphasizes cross-functional collaboration and iterative development. Klein also discusses the importance of managing risks in product development. She suggests that teams should identify and manage risks and uncertainties throughout the process. This approach is consistent with the principles of risk management in project management, which advocates for the proactive identification and management of risks. The author also emphasizes the need for a clear and shared product vision to guide the team. She suggests that a compelling vision can align the team and guide their decisions. This aligns with the principles of strategic management, which emphasize the importance of vision in guiding organizational decision-making. The book also advocates for continuous learning and improvement in product development. According to Klein, teams should continually learn from their experiences and iterate on their products. This approach is in line with the principles of continuous improvement, which emphasizes learning and improvement as key to organizational success. The author also discusses the application of lean startup principles in product development. She suggests that teams should build minimum viable products (MVPs), measure their success, and learn from the results. This approach is consistent with the principles of lean startup methodology, which emphasizes the build-measure-learn feedback loop. The book also discusses the understanding and use of appropriate product metrics. According to Klein, teams should understand and use metrics that truly measure the success of their products. This aligns with the principles of performance management, which emphasizes the use of appropriate metrics to monitor and improve performance. Lastly, Klein discusses the importance of UX design in creating successful products. She suggests that enhancing the user experience can significantly improve the success of a product. This aligns with the principles of UX design, which emphasizes the importance of creating intuitive and enjoyable user experiences. In conclusion, "Build Better Products" offers a comprehensive guide to modern product development practices. It emphasizes a user-centered approach, empathy, data-informed decisions, product validation, collaborative design, risk management, a clear product vision, continuous improvement, lean startup principles, appropriate product metrics, and UX design. These insights and approaches can equip readers with the knowledge and skills to build successful products in today's competitive market.
ViewLean Vs. Agile Vs. Design Thinking - What You Really Need to Know to Build High-Performing Digital Product Teams
Jeff Gothelf
Key Insights from the Book: Interdisciplinary approach: The book emphasizes the importance of blending different methodologies rather than sticking to only one. Agile, Lean, and Design Thinking all have their strengths and weaknesses, and it's about how to leverage each method appropriately. Major differences between Lean, Agile and Design Thinking: Each methodology offers a unique approach to product development. Agile focuses on the iterative development and continuous feedback, Lean stresses on waste reduction and efficiency, while Design Thinking places human experience at the center of the product. Team structure: The composition of high-performing teams, according to the book, should be cross-functional, empowered, and self-organizing. Role of feedback: Gothelf emphasizes the importance of continuous feedback in all three methodologies to ensure the product is on the right track. Value of empathy: Understanding customers' needs and experiences is crucial in creating successful digital products. This is a core principle of Design Thinking. Importance of experimentation: Gothelf encourages teams to embrace a culture of experimentation, learning, and adaptation. Balance between methodologies: The book advises against becoming too rigid in adhering to one methodology. Instead, it promotes a balance and flexibility in applying Lean, Agile, and Design Thinking where they make the most sense. Continuous learning: The book emphasizes that continuous learning and adaptation are key to the success of any digital product team. Customer-centric approach: A successful digital product team should always prioritize customer needs and experiences. Role of leadership: Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a culture that facilitates the implementation of these methodologies. In-Depth Summary and Analysis: Jeff Gothelf's book "Lean Vs. Agile Vs. Design Thinking - What You Really Need to Know to Build High-Performing Digital Product Teams" is a comprehensive guide that equips you with knowledge about three influential methodologies in today's product development landscape: Lean, Agile, and Design Thinking. The book opens with a discussion on the interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the importance of blending different methodologies. This is a critical insight as it moves us away from the traditional silos and encourages us to see the value in each methodology. It aligns with my experience as a professor where I have observed that the most successful projects are those that leverage multiple methodologies. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to explaining the major differences between Lean, Agile and Design Thinking. Lean is rooted in Toyota's production system and focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency. Agile, on the other hand, is about iterative development and continuous feedback. Design Thinking is a human-centered approach that places users' needs and experiences at the forefront. I found this delineation helpful in understanding the unique value each methodology brings to a team. Gothelf discusses the importance of team structure, positing that high-performing teams should be cross-functional, empowered, and self-organizing. This aligns with my observations where teams with diverse skills, autonomy, and the ability to self-manage often outperform others. The role of feedback is another crucial point Gothelf emphasizes. In all three methodologies, feedback is a central element. It helps teams to stay on track and continuously improve the product, which is essential in the fast-paced digital product landscape. The value of empathy in understanding customers' needs and experiences is another critical insight from the book. Empathy is at the core of Design Thinking and is instrumental in creating meaningful products. Gothelf encourages teams to embrace a culture of experimentation, learning, and adaptation. This advice is particularly relevant in the digital product development context, where products must evolve with changing user needs and technological advancements. The book emphasizes the importance of balance between methodologies. It warns against becoming too rigid in adhering to one methodology and promotes flexibility in applying Lean, Agile, and Design Thinking where they make the most sense. Continuous learning, as the book suggests, is key to the success of any digital product team. This aligns with the principles of lifelong learning and growth mindset, which I have always advocated for. The customer-centric approach is another key takeaway from the book. A successful digital product team should always prioritize customer needs and experiences. Lastly, the role of leadership is not to be underestimated. Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a culture that facilitates the implementation of these methodologies. Leadership is about enabling and empowering teams to succeed. In conclusion, Gothelf's book offers invaluable insights into the application of Lean, Agile, and Design Thinking methodologies in building high-performing digital product teams. It encourages an interdisciplinary approach, continuous feedback, empathy, experimentation, balance between methodologies, continuous learning, a customer-centric approach, and strong leadership. These insights align with my experience and observations as a professor and provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to excel in digital product development.
ViewArticulating Design Decisions - Communicate with Stakeholders, Keep Your Sanity, and Deliver the Best User Experience
Tom Greever
Key Insights from "Articulating Design Decisions" Communication is crucial: One of the most important aspects of design work is being able to clearly articulate your design decisions to stakeholders. Empathy is key: Understanding the perspective of stakeholders, including their concerns and objectives, is critical to successful design communication. Stakeholders are not the enemy: Stakeholders are a vital part of the design process. Their feedback can be invaluable in refining the final product. Don't defend, explain: When presenting design decisions, the aim should be to explain reasoning, not defend actions. Objective over subjective: Design decisions should be based on objective data, not personal opinion or aesthetic preference. Use visual aids: Visual aids can be a powerful tool in communicating design decisions and a great way to bridge any gaps in understanding. Practice makes perfect: Regular practice of articulating design decisions will enhance your communication skills and increase your confidence in front of stakeholders. Design is a process: Design is not a one-off event but a continuous process of iteration and improvement. Feedback is a gift: Receiving and implementing feedback is a crucial part of the design process and should be embraced, not avoided. Design with intent: Every design decision should have a clear and purposeful intent. Speak their language: Understanding and using the language of your stakeholders can help bridge communication gaps and foster better relationships. Detailed Summary and Analysis "Articulating Design Decisions" by Tom Greever, a seasoned UX professional, provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively communicate design decisions to stakeholders. It explores the vital role of communication in design work and how empathy, understanding, and effective articulation can make or break a design project. Communication is crucial in design work. The ability to articulate design decisions clearly and effectively is a key skill that all designers should cultivate. Greever emphasizes that designers are not just creators; they are also advocates for their work. This advocacy requires the ability to express design rationale to a diverse group of stakeholders, including clients, peers, and management. Greever emphasizes the importance of empathy in design communication. This empathy is not just for the users of the design but also for the stakeholders involved in the project. Understanding the perspectives, concerns, and objectives of stakeholders is key to successful design communication. Stakeholders are not the enemy, as Greever points out. Instead, they can provide invaluable feedback that can help refine the final product. The author encourages designers to view stakeholders as allies in the design process, not adversaries. This shift in perspective can lead to more productive conversations and better collaboration. When presenting design decisions, designers should not be defensive. Instead, the aim should be to explain the reasoning behind these decisions. This approach fosters understanding and buy-in from stakeholders. Objective data should underpin design decisions, not personal opinion or aesthetic preference. This objectivity lends credibility to design decisions and makes them more persuasive to stakeholders. Visual aids can be a powerful tool in communicating design decisions. They can help bridge any gaps in understanding and make abstract concepts more concrete. Greever encourages designers to use sketches, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate their design rationale. Regular practice of articulating design decisions can enhance communication skills and increase confidence when presenting to stakeholders. Greever suggests practicing with peers or even alone to hone these skills. Design is a process, not a one-off event, according to Greever. This process involves iteration, refinement, and continuous improvement. Every design decision should be seen as part of this ongoing process. Feedback should be embraced, not avoided. It is a crucial part of the design process that can lead to better design outcomes. Greever encourages designers to view feedback as a gift that can help them refine their work and grow as professionals. Design with intent is a key message from Greever. Every design decision should have a clear and purposeful intent. This intent should be communicated to stakeholders to help them understand the rationale behind design decisions. Finally, designers should strive to speak the language of their stakeholders. Understanding and using the language of stakeholders can help bridge communication gaps and foster better relationships. This language is not just about jargon but also about understanding the concerns, objectives, and perspectives of stakeholders. In conclusion, "Articulating Design Decisions" provides a valuable guide for designers on how to effectively communicate their design decisions. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, objectivity, visual aids, and feedback in design communication. By applying these principles, designers can enhance their communication skills, build better relationships with stakeholders, deliver better design outcomes, and maintain their sanity in the process.
ViewCreative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All
David Kelley, Tom Kelley
Key Insights from "Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" Creativity is inherent in everyone: The book asserts that everyone has creative potential, it's just a matter of unlocking it. Overcoming the fear of failure: The authors emphasize the importance of moving past the fear of failure to foster creativity. Embrace a growth mindset: This refers to the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Iterative process: The book introduces the concept of an iterative process, in which ideas are developed, tested, refined, and tested again. Importance of empathy: The authors highlight empathy as a crucial component in the creative process and innovation. Role of collaboration: The value of working as a team to generate and refine ideas is emphasized. Design Thinking: The book provides an in-depth explanation of the Design Thinking methodology. Human-Centered Design: The authors advocate for designs that prioritize human needs and experiences. Prototyping is crucial: The book stresses the importance of creating prototypes to test ideas. Reframing problems: The authors suggest that looking at a problem from different perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Importance of storytelling: The book highlights how compelling narratives can foster creativity and innovation. An In-Depth Analysis of "Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" "Creative Confidence" by David Kelley and Tom Kelley is a compelling piece of work that seeks to debunk the myth that creativity is the preserve of a select few. The book argues that creativity is inherent in everyone and can be harnessed with the right mindset and approach. The authors, renowned for establishing the d.school at Stanford University and the global design company IDEO, introduce the concept of Design Thinking, an innovative problem-solving approach that combines empathy, creativity, and rationality. This methodology is rooted in a human-centered design philosophy that prioritizes people's needs and experiences. One of the main barriers to creativity, as identified in the book, is the fear of failure. The authors suggest that this fear stems from societal conditioning that punishes mistakes rather than viewing them as learning opportunities. To overcome this, they propose embracing a growth mindset, which posits that abilities can be honed through effort and perseverance. This perspective encourages risk-taking and experimentation, essential conditions for creativity and innovation to thrive. The book also underscores the value of an iterative process in the creative journey. This involves generating ideas, testing them, refining based on feedback, and testing again. Prototyping is highlighted as a crucial step in this process, allowing for early detection and rectification of flaws before the final product or solution is developed. Empathy plays a central role in the Design Thinking methodology as presented in the book. By understanding people's needs, emotions, and experiences, we can develop solutions that truly resonate with them. This approach fosters deeper connections and promotes innovative solutions that are user-centric. The authors also highlight the importance of collaboration in the creative process. They argue that diverse perspectives can enrich the ideation process, leading to more comprehensive and innovative solutions. Reframing problems is another powerful strategy proposed in the book. By changing our perspective, we can uncover hidden opportunities and come up with novel solutions. The authors provide numerous examples to illustrate how this reframing can lead to breakthrough innovations. Finally, the authors emphasize the importance of storytelling in fostering creativity and innovation. They argue that a well-crafted narrative can inspire, motivate, and engage, thus driving the creative process forward. In conclusion, "Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All" is a thought-provoking book that provides valuable insights and practical tips on nurturing creativity. It encourages us to challenge our assumptions, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and adopt a human-centered approach to problem-solving. By doing so, we can unlock our inherent creative potential and drive innovation in our personal and professional lives.
ViewSurrounded by Idiots - The Four Types of Human Behaviour (or, How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood)
Thomas Erikson
Key Facts and Insights from the Book: Four types of human behaviour: The book is based on the concept of four main types of human behaviour, which is rooted in the DISC theory. These types are referred to as Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Red Behaviour: People with red behaviour are dominant, driven, ambitious, and competitive. They are task-oriented rather than people-oriented. Yellow Behaviour: Yellow behaviour individuals are extroverted and social. They love to interact with others, are open-minded, and are often the center of attention. Green Behaviour: Green behaviour people are calm, patient, and self-content. They are good listeners, supportive, and prefer stability and harmony. Blue Behaviour: Blue behaviour individuals are analytical, precise, and reliable. They are introverted, detail-oriented, and prefer structure and clear parameters. Understanding others: The main purpose of understanding these behaviours is to better comprehend the people around us, their motivations, how they communicate, and how we can adapt our own behaviour to communicate with them more effectively. Adapting communication: By understanding someone's behaviour type, we can adapt our communication, expectations, and interactions to better suit their needs and create more effective, harmonious relationships. Recognizing our own behaviour: It's not just about understanding others - it's also about acknowledging our own behaviour type and how it affects our interactions. No type is superior: The book emphasizes that no behaviour type is superior or inferior to others. They are merely different ways of interacting with the world. Application in various life areas: The concepts can be applied in various areas of life, including personal relationships, professional interactions, and self-development. An In-depth Analysis of the Book's Contents: The book "Surrounded by Idiots - The Four Types of Human Behaviour" is a fascinating exploration of human behaviour, communication, and relationships. The author, Thomas Erikson, utilizes the DISC psychological model, which categorizes people into four main behaviour types - Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue. Red behaviour individuals are typically dominant, task-oriented, and competitive. They value results and efficiency, often cutting through social niceties to achieve their goals. In the context of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), they align closely with the ESTJ type (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging). Yellow behaviour types, on the other hand, are social butterflies. They thrive on interaction and are often open-minded and enthusiastic. They enjoy being the center of attention and are usually quite persuasive. In the MBTI framework, they are similar to the ESFP type (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving). Green behaviour people are calm, patient, and laid-back. They value harmony, stability, and are highly supportive of others. These individuals tend to avoid confrontation and prefer to work within established systems and routines. They align closely with the ISFJ type (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging) in the MBTI. Blue behaviour individuals are analytical, detail-oriented, and introverted. They value precision, clear parameters, and are often meticulous in their work. They would equate to the ISTJ type (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Judging) in the MBTI. The purpose of understanding these behavioural types is not to box people into certain categories, but to provide a framework for understanding their motivations, communication styles, and how they perceive the world. By understanding these behavioural types, we can adapt our communication and interactions to better meet their needs, promoting more effective and harmonious relationships. Understanding our own behaviour type is equally important. By recognizing our own tendencies and biases, we can learn to better manage our behaviour, improve our communication, and foster more effective relationships. It's important to note that the book doesn't promote a hierarchy of behaviour types. No type is inherently superior or inferior to others. Instead, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and the key is to leverage these traits to foster effective communication and relationships. Finally, the concepts in the book can be applied in various areas of life. Whether it's in personal relationships, professional interactions, or self-development, understanding human behaviour can provide invaluable insights. In conclusion, "Surrounded by Idiots - The Four Types of Human Behaviour" offers a compelling and accessible exploration of human behaviour. By understanding and adapting to these behaviour types, we can enhance our interpersonal relationships, improve our communication, and navigate the world with greater ease and understanding.
ViewLean UX
Jeff Gothelf, Josh Seiden
Key Facts or Insights from "Lean UX" Lean UX is an approach to user experience design that is rooted in principles of Lean Start-up, Agile development, and Design Thinking. The book redefines the role of a designer in a Lean UX team as a problem solver rather than a deliverables creator. The core concept is to minimize waste in the design process through continuous experimentation and learning. One of the book's main points is the value of collaboration. It encourages collaboration between team members in different roles and departments. The authors emphasize the importance of validating assumptions through user research and feedback. Iterative design is another fundamental principle in Lean UX. It involves designing, testing, learning, and iterating on a product until it meets user needs. Lean UX discourages the use of heavy documentation and encourages working with a minimum viable product (MVP) to learn quickly and iterate based on feedback. Adopting Lean UX requires a cultural shift in organizations, which involves embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Lean UX involves measuring outcomes rather than outputs. This means focusing on the impact of design decisions on users rather than the number of features or updates released. The book provides practical strategies and techniques for implementing Lean UX in real-world projects, including design studios, collaboration, MVPs, and A/B testing. An In-depth Summary and Analysis of "Lean UX" "Lean UX" by Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden is a compelling read for anyone interested in modern product design principles and practices. The authors merge the principles of Lean Start-up, Agile development, and Design Thinking to form a user-centric design methodology that encourages rapid experimentation and learning. The book asserts that the role of a designer in a Lean UX team is not just to create deliverables but also to solve problems. This role shift requires designers to think more about the impact of their design decisions on users and less about deliverables such as wireframes, mockups, or specifications. Minimizing waste in the design process is central to Lean UX. The methodology encourages the reduction of everything that doesn't provide value to users or the business, such as unnecessary documentation or features. Instead, it advocates for continuous experimentation and learning through iterative design and testing. A key insight from the book is the importance of collaboration. Lean UX encourages cross-functional collaboration, where team members in different roles and departments work closely together in the design process. This promotes diversity of thought and can lead to innovative solutions. The authors stress the need for validating assumptions, reminding readers that assumptions are merely educated guesses. They recommend validating these assumptions through user research and feedback, which can prevent wasteful investment in features or solutions that users don't want or need. Iterative design is another fundamental principle in Lean UX. The authors propose a "build-measure-learn" cycle, where a product is designed, tested, adjusted based on feedback, and then re-designed. This iterative process continues until the product meets user needs. The concept of working with a minimum viable product (MVP) is also central to Lean UX. An MVP is a version of a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future product development. The authors advocate for MVPs because they allow teams to learn quickly and iterate based on feedback. Adopting Lean UX requires a cultural shift within organizations. This culture embraces failure as a learning opportunity and values team collaboration, user feedback, and continuous improvement. Measuring outcomes, not outputs, is another crucial aspect of Lean UX. This means focusing on how design decisions impact users instead of the number of features or updates released. This outcome-driven approach ensures that design efforts are aligned with user needs and business goals. Finally, the book provides practical strategies and techniques for implementing Lean UX in real-world projects. These include design studios, where teams collaboratively sketch and discuss design solutions; collaboration, which involves working together in cross-functional teams; MVPs, or minimum viable products, which allow teams to test and learn quickly; and A/B testing, a method of comparing two versions of a product or feature to see which performs better. In summary, "Lean UX" offers a comprehensive guide to a modern, user-centric design methodology that promotes rapid experimentation, continuous learning, and collaboration. By adopting Lean UX, teams can create products that truly meet user needs, minimize waste, and drive business success.
ViewEmotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things
Don Norman
Key Insights from "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things" Emotion and Design: Design should elicit emotions, as emotions have a significant role in decision-making and perception of usability. Three Levels of Design: Norman identifies visceral, behavioral, and reflective as the three levels of emotional design. Importance of Aesthetics: Aesthetics matter as they can impact the perceived usability of a product. Positive Emotions and Problem-Solving: Positive emotions broaden cognitive abilities and improve problem-solving skills. Attractive Things Work Better: People tend to believe attractive products function better, a concept known as the aesthetic-usability effect. Emotional Ties to Objects: People often create emotional ties to objects, which can impact their long-term usage and perception of these objects. Design for Emotional Impact: Designers should aim to create an emotional impact, not just functional usability. The Role of Culture in Emotional Design: Cultural context is essential in emotional design, as different cultures may perceive and respond to design elements differently. Emotions and Memory: Emotions play a significant role in memory formation, thus impacting how users remember their interactions with a product. Designing for User Experience: Emotional design is a crucial aspect of enhancing the overall user experience. Role of Negative Emotion: Negative emotions can also be useful in design, as they can serve as motivators for change. An In-Depth Analysis of "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things" In "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things," Don Norman elucidates the essence of designing products that elicit emotions, highlighting the role of emotions in shaping user experience and decision-making. He postulates that design is not merely about functionality; instead, it is about creating an emotional experience that enhances the overall usability and perception of a product. Norman delineates emotional design into three levels: visceral, behavioral, and reflective. The visceral design pertains to the initial impact of a product, its look, and feel. This level of design is about immediate emotional reaction, which is inherently subconscious and universal across cultures. On the other hand, the behavioral design is about the use and experience of a product. It concerns how the product works, its functionality, and its performance. The reflective design, the highest level, considers the rationalization and intellectualization of a product. It involves the conscious thought, the story one tells oneself about the product, its use, and the meaning it brings into one's life. Norman argues that aesthetics significantly influence a product's perceived usability. Beautiful things seem to work better, a phenomenon he attributes to the aesthetic-usability effect. This concept underscores that people have a tendency to believe attractive products are more user-friendly, even if they are not. This insight should prompt designers to consider aesthetics in their designs, not just functionality. Emphasizing the role of positive emotions, Norman states that they broaden cognitive abilities and improve problem-solving skills. Thus, a well-designed product that elicits positive emotions can make users more tolerant of minor difficulties they may encounter while using it. Norman further discusses the emotional ties people often establish with objects. These emotional bonds can significantly influence the long-term usage and perception of these objects. Hence, designing for emotional impact is not just about creating a positive initial reaction but also about fostering a lasting emotional relationship with the product. The role of culture in emotional design is also highlighted. Norman emphasizes that cultural context is critical, as different cultures may perceive and respond to design elements differently. Consequently, a good design should take into account the cultural background of its target users. Emotions also play a significant role in memory formation. Users are likely to remember their interactions with a product more vividly and accurately if they experienced strong emotions during those interactions. This understanding can be leveraged in design to create memorable user experiences. Norman concludes by stressing the importance of emotional design in enhancing the overall user experience. While usability is important, it is the emotional design that truly makes a product enjoyable, memorable, and desirable. Interestingly, Norman also points out that negative emotions have a place in design. They can serve as motivators for change, pushing users to seek solutions and improve their situation. Thus, evoking negative emotions at the right moment can be a useful design strategy. In sum, "Emotional Design - Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things" provides valuable insights into the role of emotions in design and how they can be leveraged to create better user experiences. The book emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to design, one that considers not just the functional aspects but also the emotional impact of a product.
ViewThe Imposter Cure - Escape the mind-trap of imposter syndrome
Dr. Jessamy Hibberd
Key Facts and Insights: Imposter Syndrome is a common psychological phenomenon that affects people of all ages and from all walks of life, making them feel like they are frauds or imposters in their own lives. The book provides practical strategies to overcome Imposter Syndrome, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Imposter Syndrome can be triggered by various factors including societal pressures, perfectionism, fear of failure, and self-doubt. It affects both men and women equally, contrary to the common misconception that it is primarily a women’s issue. The book underscores the importance of understanding the root cause of Imposter Syndrome, which often lies in childhood experiences and conditioning. Imposter Syndrome can have detrimental effects on an individual's personal and professional life, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Self-acceptance and self-compassion are key to overcoming Imposter Syndrome. The book provides real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the prevalence and impact of Imposter Syndrome. Dr. Hibberd suggests that open conversations about the issue can help in normalizing the phenomenon and reducing the stigma associated with it. The book is not just for those suffering from Imposter Syndrome but also for therapists, coaches, and leaders who might encounter this issue in their work. Lastly, the book emphasizes that progress, not perfection, should be the goal in dealing with Imposter Syndrome. In-Depth Analysis: "The Imposter Cure" by Dr. Jessamy Hibberd is a comprehensive guide on understanding and overcoming the crippling mind-trap of Imposter Syndrome. The author, a clinical psychologist, starts by demystifying this psychological phenomenon. She explains Imposter Syndrome as a pervasive feeling of self-doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence to the contrary. This is a universal experience, affecting people regardless of their age, profession, or gender. This fact in itself is reassuring, as it normalizes the experience and reduces feelings of isolation. The book is enriched with real-life examples and case studies, making the content relatable and the strategies applicable. Dr. Hibberd discusses various triggers of Imposter Syndrome, including societal pressures, perfectionism, fear of failure, and self-doubt. The role of childhood experiences and conditioning in shaping our self-perception is also explored in depth. One of the key strengths of the book lies in its practical approach to tackling Imposter Syndrome. Dr. Hibberd presents a range of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that are practical, actionable, and proven to be effective in combating this syndrome. These include challenging negative self-beliefs, developing self-compassion, and focusing on progress rather than perfection. The author also addresses the consequences of Imposter Syndrome, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. This understanding is crucial, as it emphasizes the need for intervention and the importance of seeking help. Dr. Hibberd encourages open conversations about Imposter Syndrome, both in personal and professional settings. This not only helps in reducing the stigma associated with it but also fosters a supportive environment for those dealing with this issue. In conclusion, "The Imposter Cure" provides a well-rounded understanding of Imposter Syndrome, along with practical strategies to overcome it. Whether you are struggling with Imposter Syndrome yourself or are a professional working with individuals facing this issue, this book serves as a valuable resource. It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and progress over perfection, providing hope and guidance to those trapped in the mind-trap of Imposter Syndrome.
ViewAtomic Habits
James Clear
Key Facts and Insights The power of small, everyday habits and their cumulative impact on our lives. The concept of habit stacking, where you layer a new habit onto an existing one to make it easier to adopt. The idea of making good habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. The importance of focusing on systems rather than goals. The role of environment and context in shaping our habits. The difference between outcome-based habits and identity-based habits. The concept of the two-minute rule for establishing new habits. How habits can lead to compound growth in personal and professional development. The significance of the feedback loop in habit formation and breaking bad habits. Understanding the role of dopamine and reward in developing and maintaining habits. The importance of tracking and accountability in habit formation. An In-depth Analysis of Atomic Habits In the book, James Clear posits on the power of small daily habits and their cumulative impact. It underlines the idea that success is not a matter of grand actions or drastic changes, but rather the product of small, incremental habits applied consistently over time. This concept aligns with the theory of marginal gains, a concept often applied in business and sports, which emphasizes on making small, 1% improvements in everything you do. The author introduces the concept of "habit stacking", where a new habit is layered onto an existing one to ensure its adoption. For example, if you already have a habit of brushing your teeth every morning, you could stack a new habit of flossing right after. This is based on the psychological principle of classical conditioning, where a response to a stimulus becomes associated with another stimulus. Clear asserts that for habits to stick, they need to be obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. This principle resonates with B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning theory in psychology, which stipulates that behavior is more likely to recur if it is followed by a reward. Making a habit satisfying or rewarding is crucial for its reinforcement and repetition. Interestingly, Clear argues for focusing on systems rather than goals. Goals, he asserts, are about the results you want to achieve, while systems are about the processes that lead to those results. This perspective aligns with Deming's System of Profound Knowledge which stresses on understanding and improving systems, rather than solely focusing on outcomes. The role of environment and context in shaping our habits is another noteworthy insight. Clear suggests that by altering our physical environment, we can make the desired habits more convenient and the undesirable habits more inconvenient. This approach aligns with the field of environmental psychology, which studies the interplay between individuals and their surroundings. Clear also distinguishes between outcome-based habits and identity-based habits. While the former focuses on what you want to achieve, the latter emphasizes on who you wish to become. This insight is pivotal in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), where changing one's self-identity is often a key step towards changing behavior. The two-minute rule is a practical tool offered by Clear to establish new habits. The rule suggests that when starting a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do. This concept is rooted in the principle of shaping in behavior modification, where a complex behavior is broken down into manageable steps and then gradually built up. The book also explores the phenomenon of compound growth in personal and professional development as a result of consistent habits. This principle mirrors the financial concept of compound interest, where small, regular investments can lead to significant growth over time due to the power of exponential growth. The significance of the feedback loop in habit formation is also explored. Clear discusses the importance of immediate feedback in reinforcing or eliminating a habit. This concept is a cornerstone in cybernetics and systems theory, where feedback loops are used to adjust and control system behavior. Clear also discusses the role of dopamine and reward in habit formation. The release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, reinforces the habit loop. This is a fundamental principle in neuroscience and has been extensively studied in addiction research. Finally, Clear underscores the importance of tracking and accountability in habit formation. Logging your progress and having someone to answer to can be powerful motivators for maintaining good habits. This idea is supported by research in the field of behavior analysis, which has shown that monitoring and accountability can significantly impact behavior change. In conclusion, Atomic Habits goes beyond the usual advice on habit formation and offers a comprehensive framework grounded in scientific research. Its principles and strategies, if applied consistently, can lead to significant personal and professional growth. It's a testament to the power of small, everyday habits in shaping our lives.
ViewDesign That Scales - Creating a Sustainable Design System Practice
Dan Mall
Importance of a sustainable design system Integrating design systems into existing workflows Collaboration between designers and developers Scalability and adaptability of design systems Role of documentation in design systems Governance and maintenance of design systems Measuring the success of a design system Design tokens and their significance Tools and technologies that support design systems Future trends in design systems In-depth Summary and Analysis A sustainable design system is crucial for maintaining consistency and efficiency in the design and development process. This concept emphasizes the need for a robust framework that can grow and adapt over time, ensuring that the design system remains relevant and effective. Sustainable design systems are not one-time projects but ongoing practices that require continuous attention and improvement. Integrating design systems into existing workflows can be challenging but is essential for their success. This involves aligning the design system with the company's current processes and tools, ensuring that it complements rather than disrupts the workflow. By carefully planning the integration, teams can smoothly transition to using the design system, leading to better collaboration and efficiency. Collaboration between designers and developers is a cornerstone of successful design systems. Both groups need to work closely to ensure that the design system is practical and usable from both a design and technical perspective. Effective communication and shared goals can help bridge the gap between design and development, leading to a more cohesive and functional system. Scalability and adaptability are crucial for design systems to remain relevant as organizations grow and evolve. A scalable design system can handle an increasing number of components and use cases, while an adaptable system can be easily modified to meet new requirements or challenges. These qualities ensure that the design system can support the organization's needs both now and in the future. Documentation plays a critical role in design systems by providing a clear and accessible reference for users. Good documentation helps team members understand how to use and contribute to the design system, promoting consistency and reducing the learning curve. Comprehensive documentation should include guidelines, best practices, and examples to support users at all levels of expertise. Governance and maintenance are essential for the long-term success of a design system. Governance involves establishing rules and processes for how the design system is used and updated, ensuring that it remains consistent and effective. Maintenance involves regularly reviewing and updating the design system to address any issues or new requirements, keeping it up-to-date and relevant. Measuring the success of a design system is important for understanding its impact and identifying areas for improvement. Key performance indicators (KPIs) can help quantify the design system's effectiveness, such as time savings, consistency, and user satisfaction. Regularly evaluating these metrics can provide valuable insights into how the design system is performing and where it can be enhanced. Design tokens are a fundamental aspect of modern design systems, representing the core values of design elements such as colors, typography, and spacing. They enable consistency across different platforms and devices by providing a single source of truth for design decisions. Design tokens also facilitate easier updates and modifications, as changes can be made centrally and propagated throughout the system. Tools and technologies that support design systems are constantly evolving, offering new ways to create, manage, and distribute design assets. These tools can streamline the design process, improve collaboration, and enhance the overall efficiency of the design system. Staying informed about the latest tools and technologies can help teams leverage the best solutions for their needs. Future trends in design systems point towards increased automation, greater integration with development workflows, and more emphasis on user experience. As design systems continue to mature, they will likely become even more integral to the design and development process, driving innovation and improving the quality of digital products. In conclusion, a successful design system practice requires a holistic approach that encompasses sustainability, integration, collaboration, scalability, documentation, governance, measurement, design tokens, and the latest tools and technologies. By understanding and applying these concepts, teams can create and maintain design systems that are effective, efficient, and adaptable to future needs.
ViewBuilding Design Systems - Unify User Experiences through a Shared Design Language
Sarrah Vesselov, Taurie Davis
Building Design Systems Building Design Systems: Unify User Experiences through a Shared Design Language Key Facts and Insights Definition and Purpose of Design Systems Benefits of Implementing a Design System Components and Patterns Design Tokens Documentation and Governance Collaboration between Designers and Developers Scaling and Maintaining Design Systems Adoption and Buy-In from Stakeholders Case Studies and Real-World Applications In-Depth Summary The book, "Building Design Systems - Unify User Experiences through a Shared Design Language" by Sarrah Vesselov and Taurie Davis, offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing design systems within an organization. This summary provides an analysis of the key concepts and insights presented in the book, aiming to equip readers with the knowledge necessary to apply these principles effectively. Definition and Purpose of Design Systems The book begins by defining what design systems are and their primary purpose. A design system is a collection of reusable components, guided by clear standards, that can be assembled together to build any number of applications. The primary purpose of a design system is to create a unified and cohesive user experience across different platforms and products. This unification is achieved through a shared design language, which ensures consistency and efficiency in design and development processes. Benefits of Implementing a Design System One of the critical insights from the book is the numerous benefits that come from implementing a design system. These benefits include: Consistency: Ensuring a consistent look and feel across all products. Efficiency: Reducing the time and effort needed to create new designs and products. Scalability: Making it easier to scale design efforts as the organization grows. Collaboration: Enhancing collaboration between teams by providing a common language and set of tools. Components and Patterns The book emphasizes the importance of components and patterns in a design system. Components are reusable building blocks of design, such as buttons, forms, and navigation elements. Patterns are recurring solutions to common design problems. Both components and patterns help in maintaining consistency and efficiency in the design process. Design Tokens Design tokens are a core concept discussed in the book. They are the smallest pieces of a design system, representing values like colors, typography, spacing, and other design properties. Design tokens ensure that these values are consistent across different platforms and can be easily updated throughout the system. Documentation and Governance Effective documentation and governance are crucial for the success of a design system. The book outlines best practices for documenting design systems, including creating comprehensive and accessible guidelines. Governance involves establishing rules and processes for maintaining and updating the design system, ensuring its integrity and relevance over time. Collaboration between Designers and Developers The book highlights the importance of collaboration between designers and developers. A successful design system requires both parties to work closely together, leveraging their respective expertise to create a cohesive and functional product. Effective communication and collaboration tools are essential for this process. Scaling and Maintaining Design Systems As organizations grow, their design systems must scale accordingly. The book provides strategies for scaling design systems, including modular design, flexible components, and regular updates. Maintaining a design system involves continuous monitoring, feedback, and iteration to ensure that it remains effective and up-to-date. Adoption and Buy-In from Stakeholders Gaining adoption and buy-in from stakeholders is a significant challenge in implementing a design system. The book offers practical advice on how to communicate the value of a design system to stakeholders and secure their support. This involves demonstrating the tangible benefits, such as improved efficiency and consistency, and providing clear examples of successful implementations. Case Studies and Real-World Applications To illustrate the concepts discussed, the book includes case studies and real-world applications of design systems. These examples provide valuable insights into how different organizations have successfully implemented and benefited from design systems, offering practical lessons and inspiration for readers. In conclusion, the book "Building Design Systems - Unify User Experiences through a Shared Design Language" is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand and implement design systems. By covering key concepts such as components, design tokens, documentation, collaboration, and scaling, the book provides a comprehensive guide to creating a cohesive and efficient design system that enhances user experience and supports organizational growth.
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M.
12.March 2024Amy was absolutely fantastic! She is really tied in to the product design industry and understands all of the ins and outs. She was extremely friendly and passionate about product design. She has a diverse set of experiences within the industry and it was extremely helpful speaking with her. Thanks, Amy!