In this conversation, Jonathan shares his journey from Australia to becoming the Head of Design for multiple organisations, discussing the evolution of UX in the Middle East and the challenges faced in research and acceptance. He emphasises the importance of shifting mindsets from execution to strategy, building trust, and the value of adaptability in design processes. The discussion also touches on work-life balance, the significance of community in design, and the future of design leadership, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary roles and the importance of storytelling in the design field.

Takeaways

• Jonathan's journey to Dubai was unexpected but rewarding.
• The UX field in the Middle East is still evolving.
• Research in UX is often misunderstood and undervalued.
• Designers need to shift from execution to strategic thinking.
• Building trust with stakeholders is crucial for UX success.
• Adaptability in design processes is essential for success.
• Work-life balance is a growing concern in the design industry.
• Community plays a vital role in the growth of designers.
• The future of design will require interdisciplinary skills.
• Leadership in design must evolve to meet new challenges.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey to Dubai: Introducing UX in an Unfamiliar Region
• 04:01 The Power of Usability Testing: Understanding User Behaviour
• 06:21 Going Beyond the Swim Lane: Understanding the Business and Product
• 11:20 Adapting and Evolving in a Saturated Design Industry
• 16:55 Focusing on Value and the Language of the Business
• 30:41 Defining Roles and Establishing Industry Standards
• 36:41 Building a Community: The Journey of HCD Meetup
• 49:41 Tips for Starting and Growing a Community
• 53:54 The Challenges and Rewards of Public Speaking
• 01:05:46 The Impact of the Pandemic on Events and the Shift to Online Platforms
• 01:08:59 The Value of Recording Talks and Building a Knowledge Library
• 01:10:38 Giving Opportunities to New Speakers and Fostering Growth
• 01:16:43 The Power of Mentorship and Tough Love
• 01:18:52 The Importance of Community and Networking
• 01:23:38 The Future of Design: Interdisciplinary Teams and Evolving Roles
• 01:26:16 Challenges and Importance of Design Leadership

Keywords UX design, Dubai, user experience, design community, leadership, service design, design research, design processes, work-life balance, design trends