In this episode, Reginé Gilbert discusses the importance of accessibility in design, the current state of awareness, and the challenges designers and product managers face. She emphasises the need for a shift in mindset towards accessibility as a core aspect of design rather than an afterthought. The conversation explores the ROI of accessibility, the importance of user testing, and practical steps for advocates within organisations. Reginé also shares insights on learning resources and her upcoming books, highlighting the future of accessibility in the design industry.

Takeaways

• Accessibility is becoming a requirement for digital products.

• Awareness of accessibility varies greatly among designers.

• Implementing accessibility can initially seem like extra work, but it becomes easier over time.

• Product managers often view accessibility as an additional requirement to push to later releases.

• Quantifying the benefits of accessibility can be challenging but is essential for buy-in.

• User testing with real people is crucial for understanding accessibility needs.

• Starting with small changes can lead to significant improvements in accessibility.

• There are certifications available for accessibility professionals.

• YouTube and online resources are great starting points for learning about accessibility.

• Building political capital is key to advocating for accessibility in organisations.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Accessibility in Design

01:10 - The Current State of Accessibility Awareness

02:55 - Designers' Responsibility Towards Accessibility

04:42 - Product Managers and Accessibility Challenges

08:51 - Quantifying the ROI of Accessibility

10:36 - Gathering User Feedback for Accessibility

13:07 - Advocating for Accessibility in Teams

16:19 - The Impact of Personal Experience on Accessibility Awareness

18:37 - Creativity Within Constraints

22:19 - The Role of AI in Accessibility

23:36 - Testing with Real Users for Accessibility

25:55 - Understanding Accessibility Through Personal Experiences

28:07 - Starting Your Journey in Accessibility

30:23 - The Value of Certifications in Accessibility

31:44 - Reginé's Upcoming Books and Their Impact

34:18 - The Future of Accessibility Legislation

39:24 - Navigating Organizational Change for Accessibility

45:22 - Connecting with Reginé Gilbert

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“Unlocking the Power of Workshops in Design” – Act 02 – Scene 39 – Amanda Gelb

Amanda's LinkedIn Profile: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gelb/⁠ Amanda's company: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/aha-studio-inc/⁠

Summary

In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Amanda Gelb discuss the critical role of workshops in design and the importance of stakeholder buy-in, exploring strategies for effectively communicating the value of workshops, managing group dynamics, and harnessing divergent opinions. They emphasize the necessity of clear agendas and objectives, understanding participants' needs, and the significance of collaboration and the role of play in fostering creativity. Amanda highlights the importance of workshop facilitation skills as a bridge from individual contributor to design leader, sharing insights on navigating conflicts, enhancing collaboration and decision-making within organizations, and providing practical techniques for successful workshop facilitation. The discussion also touches on the need for better representation of workshop skills in design education and social media, while emphasizing the necessity of being a leader in the design space.

Takeaways

· Workshops can be a waste of time if not structured properly.

· Clear objectives and next steps are crucial for effective workshops.

· Diverse opinions can lead to conflict, but they can also drive innovation.

· Facilitators should give themselves permission to interrupt when necessary.

· Using playful methods like Lego can enhance engagement in workshops.

· Understanding your audience is key to successful facilitation.

· Conflict capture techniques can help manage disagreements.

· Workshops should be designed with the end goal in mind.

· Collaboration skills are essential for effective workshop facilitation.

· Leaders must be proactive in guiding discussions and decisions.

Chapters

00:48 - Exploring Key Themes

01:49 - Setting the Stage for a Comfortable Conversation

03:44 - The Importance of Workshops in Design

06:49 - Understanding the Role of a Workshop Facilitator

09:54 - Navigating Workshop Dynamics and Decision-Making

12:51 - Balancing Inclusivity and Efficiency in Workshops

15:57 - Strategies for Effective Workshop Outcomes

18:51 - Overcoming FOMO and Ensuring Engagement

21:43 - The Leadership Role in Workshop Facilitation

24:59 - The Importance of Workshops in Leadership

28:23 - Creating Collaborative Spaces for Effective Workshops

33:47 - Navigating Conflict and Divergent Opinions

40:01 - Building Confidence in Moderation and Collaboration

44:15 - The Role of Cross-Functional Leadership

46:40 - Innovative Workshop Techniques: LEGO Serious Play

44:42 - The Importance of Stakeholder Buy-In

51:21 - Effective Communication in Workshops

54:32 - The Role of Workshops in Design

54:32 - Evangelizing Workshop Skills

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“LinkedIn Brand-building for Designers” – Act 02 – Scene 40 – Thijs Kraan

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Naresh Shan and Thijs Kraan explore the evolving landscape of design, the importance of leveraging LinkedIn for personal branding, and the challenges of content creation. Thijs shares insights on how to effectively communicate the value of design, the long-term commitment required for successful content creation, and the balance between authenticity and professionalism on social media. They discuss the role of AI in writing, the significance of building a standout LinkedIn profile, and strategies for maximising audience engagement. The conversation emphasises the need for designers to educate others about their value and adapt to the changing dynamics of the job market.

Takeaways

• Design is increasingly recognised as a key value driver in organisations.
• LinkedIn is a powerful platform for building a personal brand and attracting opportunities.
• Content creation is a long-term commitment that requires consistency and patience.
• Educating your audience about your value is crucial for success.
• AI tools can assist in writing, but should not replace personal thought and creativity.
• Venting on professional platforms like LinkedIn should be approached with caution.
• Building a standout LinkedIn profile requires clarity about your unique value proposition.
• Quality content is essential, but quantity can also play a role in visibility.
• Engagement strategies should focus on the audience's needs and interests.
• The landscape of content creation is evolving, and adapting to changes is necessary.

Chapters

00:48 – Introduction and Setting the Stage

01:02 – The Importance of Design Education

03:00 – Transitioning to Freelance in Design

04:48 – Overcoming Content Creation Challenges

08:57 – The Long Game of Content Creation

11:05 – Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth

14:04 – Building a Standout LinkedIn Profile

17:49 – The Art of Venting vs. Professionalism

21:03 – Navigating AI Tools in Writing

25:53 – The Craft of Writing and Continuous Improvement

35:46 – The Journey of Content Creation

38:52 – Building a Personal Brand vs. Being an Influencer

44:33 – The Shift to Video Content

47:08 – Navigating LinkedIn’s Algorithm

53:00 – Maximising Content Posting Strategies

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