Erin Weigel

Curious what's inside each module of Product Strategy for Designers? ✨ The course is packed with 6 modules. Together we'll go through 2 a week, including homework prompts, Notion templates and more. Let's dive in 🤿 Module 1: Introduction to Product • Build upon your understanding of the role and responsibilities of a PM • Confidence taking on PM responsibilities when needed • How to write a PRD (product requirements document) Module 2: Developing a product strategy • Confidence in contributing towards product strategy • How to use a product strategy to make decisions and set team priorities • How to influence product strategy through design • The difference between outcomes and output Module 3: Crafting principles • How to write principles • The importance of principles in decision making and alignment • What makes a good principle Module 4: Leading through communication • Create a foundation for successful collaboration with your peers • Become a proactive communicator • How to create a communication strategy Module 5: Become an engaging storyteller • Understand the components that make up a good story • Use the story formula as a foundation for any story • How to apply storytelling techniques to your internal presentations Module 6: Influencing design culture • How to bring ideas and suggestions to Design Leadership • Practical ideas and suggestions for initiatives you could own Cohort 4 is starting on July 1st and will run for 4 weeks! Join at https://lnkd.in/gQS6Ewvn

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📱 Curious about the differences between designing for native apps and web-based apps? I've just penned down the essentials! Read the full article on my website here: https://lnkd.in/eabqz3De Dive in to discover how to leverage OS-specific strengths for seamless user experiences or prioritize accessibility in the web ecosystem. Let's elevate our app design game together! 🚀 #AppDesign #UXDesign #NativeApps #WebApps #UserExperience

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Hey #UX Fam Have you ever worked with a ‘transformation focussed consultancy’ that has blown your mind, but in a good way? Yknow, with a bunch of people that actually present as human in how they communicate and work with you to solve complex problems? Perhaps they are a group of designers and researchers and strategists but most importantly, they’ve been around and have some awesome case studies to share. And they care. If so, please tag away. #ux #digitaltransformation #uxresearch

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Struggling to level up as a designer? Companies I work with have design teams eager to be heard and secure a spot at the 'grown-ups' table. BUT… 1. They don’t lead teams to success. 2. They neglect problem-solving and results. 3. They focus on delivering outputs. How do I build trust and get heard? I listen and diagnose problems. My best work comes from an 80% understanding of the problem and 20% uninterrupted work. How do I tap into the specifics? 1. Get the right people involved early. 2. Complete a detailed product spec. → Why are we doing this? → Who are we targeting? → What evidence or data do we have? → How will we measure success? → What are the key risks? → Are there any known limitations? 3. Focus on solving problems and delivering results. Without a deep understanding of what we are designing, I would waste company time, money and effort, not building the trust I need to get heard. It's 10x harder that way! --- 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲? ♻ Repost this post and comment "SPEC" (I'll send it to you)

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👀 UX is everywhere! 👀 Even in those storefront signs placed on sidewalks to attract foot traffic 🛍️🚶🏻‍♀️ Let's do a quick UX analysis🔎 of the one right in front of mintbrussels.com ⬇️ Positive Aspects: ✅ Clear Communication: Informs consumers that the store is open and highlights available categories ✅ Visual Appeal: Modern and attractive pastel gradient background ✅ Humor: 'Bad Vibes' toggle switch adds a playful touch ✅ Branding: Mint logo maintains brand identity ✅ QR Code: Easy access to more info or promotions online Areas for Improvement: 🔧 Readability: Increase text contrast for better visibility, especially outdoors 🔧 Toggle Switch Clarity: Indicators like checkmarks are more suitable in this context rather than toggle buttons 🔧 Consistent Colors: Stick to a single color for active & inactive categories 🔧 Layout and Space: Utilize space more efficiently for better balance 🔧 Text Hierarchy: Increase category text size for readability 🍜 Also, can we please talk about food as an additional category? Mint was a food place that transformed into a clothing store. Although context in design is an added value, in a highly touristic area, this info is rather irrelevant. 💡 Conclusion: Functional and Aesthetic Integration This sign has a solid foundation with its clear categories and modern look. While the toggle switches add a fun element, the color inconsistency can be confusing. Opt for a unified color scheme to improve visual logic. I would also recommend using consistent indicators such as checkmarks. Toggles are iOS-style, which is more suited for digital interfaces rather than graphic prints. Did I miss anything? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #UXDesign #Storefront #CustomerExperience #DesignThinking #Branding #UXAnalysis

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For neurodivergent professionals in UX research, having a robust support network can make a significant difference in navigating career challenges and opportunities. A support network can provide guidance, share resources, and offer emotional support, helping you thrive in your career. Here’s how you can build and make the most of these connections: ➡️ Connect with mentors: Seek out mentors who either share a similar neurodivergent background or are allies aware of the specific challenges you might face. A mentor can offer invaluable advice drawn from their own experiences and provide guidance tailored to your needs. ➡️ Join professional groups: There are many groups and forums online, including LinkedIn groups, dedicated to neurodivergent professionals or UX researchers. Participating in these groups can help you connect with peers, share experiences, and find professional opportunities. ➡️ Attend conferences and workshops: Engage in industry conferences and workshops, which are great places to meet like-minded professionals and expand your network. Many events now also offer virtual participation options, making them more accessible. ➡️ Use social Media to your advantage: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and specialized online communities can be powerful tools for connecting with other neurodivergent UX researchers. Follow topics, join discussions, and share your own insights and experiences. ➡️ Reach out for casual conversations: Sometimes, a casual conversation can lead to lasting professional relationships. If you’re a neurodivergent individual looking to chat about your experiences or just want to connect, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always open to discussing how we can support and learn from each other in our UX research journeys. ➡️ Offer support to others: While building your network, look for opportunities to support others. Whether it’s offering advice, sharing resources, or simply listening, your contributions can strengthen your connections and help build a supportive community. ✨ Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Building a network can help you navigate the complexities of being a neurodivergent UX researcher, providing not just professional but also personal growth opportunities. ✨ If you’re a neurodivergent UX'er looking for community or advice, or if you have tips on building a support network, please share your thoughts below! 👇 #ux #uxdesign #uxr #uxresearch #neurodiversity #networking #professionaldevelopment #neurodivergent

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Dear All, You all have "UX" in your title and designation, right? Did you ever learn how to execute UX which is absolutely evidence-based? Did you know how to execute UX with... Affirmed Decisions (Sources Identifications (recorded & documented) and Definitions) Informed Decisions (Synthesis Derivations - Logically connecting and scientifically synthesizing, rationalizing and reasoning out) Confirmed Decisions (Users validations and baselining) This ensures no speculations, no assumptions, no biases and no loopholes. Please DM me to learn more about such an authentic, true and real UX execution from the UXED Practicing Mentorship Program! Only a couple of seats left now!!! #ux #design #ui #job #designers #uxresearch #uxdesign #uxdesigner #uidesigner #uxjobs #uxstrategy #datavisualisation #designers #usability #userexperience #interactiondesign #uxresearch #uxresearcher #uxuidesign #uxdesigners #experiencedesign #experiencedesigner #research #mentoring #designleadership #designeducation #uxr #uxd #designforgood #ucd #coreux #productdesign #productdesigner #productdesigners #product #uxuidesign #uxui #uxuidesigner #uiux #uiuxdesign #uiuxdesigns #portfolio #portfoliodesign #uxcasestudy #uxtraining #designthinking #connections #uxlearning #googlegemini #uxbusiness #pedagogy #uxwriting #chatgpt #genai #uxinterview #visualdesign #anthropologist #googlegemini

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We’re less than 12 months away from the enforcement of the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Companies of all sizes will not only have to ensure that their products and services are accessible but establish systems and workflows that ensure continuous monitoring and compliance. We’ve written an introductory guide on how to achieve that with Stark. #accessibility #inclusivedesign

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I'm joining Femke for a 60-minute live event about building a culture of design in a startup as a team of one. Early-stage startups often have engineering-heavy teams with room for only a single designer or none at all. In an environment like this, designers need help to have their voices heard. It's challenging to build a design culture in companies like this and it presents the designers with a unique set of challenges. But it doesn't have to be like this. Designers can build a culture of design within a company by finding design champions in non-designers. These champions can be engineers, product managers, or other team members. They can help move design forward by their active participation in design. Join us live on Jun 5th ↓ https://lnkd.in/e6kExFqY P. S. 137 designers have already signed up.

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Research is the bedrock of any service design initiative. One aspect that always caused me confusion was the difference between quantitative statistics sample size and ethnographically inspired design research sample size. With quantitative statistics you need a sample size representative of the population. This is where I used to get hung up - statistical validity. Whereas with the ethnographic design research we use in service design, that’s not the goal. Instead, we are looking for recurring patterns. You do enough research through interviewing and observing users to see patterns emerge. We are not overly interested in accurate percentages of exactly the total number of users with an issue. It is more a starting point, a list of things we can ideate upon with confidence we are working on the right/ useful pain-point. In 1993 the usability researchers Nielson and Landauer published that a usability test with 5 users found 85% of problems. Whereas 15 users were needed to find all the problems. That’s an effort wasted in my view. Use a small, diverse set of participants. Once you see patterns, test them with the next batch and see if you have reached theoretical saturation (you more than likely will have). Then move on. #research #servicedesign #howmanyinterviewsisenough Thanks Marc Stickdorn for your book, this is service design doing, where I got the above. It's a great read.

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The problem with many UX bootcamps / courses is that they make design careers look easy. Like it is simply a series of steps that you go through as part of a process. Like there is just going to be a job waiting for you at the end The truth is that it is hard to break into and good design is is a bit like an iceberg. What you see is the end result. But getting that RIGHT end result often requires a lot of experience. The work you don’t see under the surface is: - Navigating political battles - Overcoming internal roadblocks - Encouraging collaboration - Telling the right story when presenting - (and lots more) As far as I am aware, these aren’t the things that Youtube videos and bootcamps are teaching or preparing their students for. Don’t get me wrong. I love that they are helping to spread awareness about design but now I wonder if they are causing more harm by setting false expectations and churning unprepared juniors out into an industry that is not in a position to accommodate them (for the most part). Thoughts? ↓ #Design

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We're just 1 year away from the European Accessibility Act (EAA)! Don't let inaction hold you back. Check out my latest article, "Deja Vu All Over Again," for essential guidelines on making your designs accessible from the start. Let's break the inaction chain and create inclusive experiences for all! #Accessibility #a11y #EAA2025 #UX #accessibledesign Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gHmEy3_i

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Heuristic Evaluation: A UX Essential Heuristic evaluation forms the backbone of a good UX strategy. As a UX/UI designer, I've found it to be an invaluable tool to preemptively catch usability issues. By applying established heuristics, you can quickly identify problem areas that might not be immediately obvious. This process not only saves time and resources but also enhances the user experience by making it more intuitive and user-friendly. I've personally seen the difference it makes in the refinement phase of design projects. It's an art that balances critical analysis with creative problem-solving. Have you incorporated heuristic evaluation in your design process yet? How has it changed the way you approach design? Let's discuss. #UXDesign #HeuristicEvaluation #UserExperience #Usability #DesignProcess #UXStrategy

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One of the greatest mistakes I see leaders make time and time again at organizations of all sizes and sectors is disempowering their accessibility teams to do what they need to do organization-wide. This post provides a great reminder that accessibility work in all kinds of organizations is SO MUCH MORE than just “bug fixes”. Accessibility isn’t a checkbox on a list of things. It’s a practice, a way of thinking, a way of creating… Accessibility in policy. Accessibility in procurement. Accessibility in research. Accessibility in design. Accessibility in content. Accessibility in requirements. Accessibility in marketing. Accessibility in brand. Accessibility in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Accessibility in HR. Accessibility in recruiting. Accessibility in tech. Accessibility in strategy. Accessibility in security. Accessibility in innovation. Accessibility in sales. Accessibility in BRGs. Accessibility in relationships. This is why accessibility maturity models have 10 or more checkpoints and product technology is only one of them. So, when you ask about how to level up your organization in terms of accessibility… consider the iceberg. You may only be scratching the surface. #A11y #Leadership #Accessibility #Disability #ProgramManagement #corporate

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My 2 cents - Do not rely on a portfolio to evaluate a candidate. When most organisation protect their project data behind client networks, non-disclosure agreements, and secure environments, the portfolio is never a reflection of the candidates actual work. I have seen many instances of people with dummy & shiny portfolios having their share of high res visuals, process diagrams, metrics, et al, have failed miserably in empathising with the users, managing stakeholder expectations communicating design ideas, and delivering simple, usable, accessible products, in real life projects. I have led and delivered multiple large transformation UX projects, across diverse domains, for two of the top-tier global software consultancy firms over the last 18 years. I did not have to rely on a portfolio to communicate my capabilities. My organisation clients have vouched for my capabilties, appreciated my attention to detail and have often asserted to retain my services. Even today, I don't have a portfolio. A resume' perhaps. At best let the portfolio supplement your decision process. Talk to the candidate, evaluate their aptitude, and approach towards breaking down & tackling problems. Trust your instincts. Invest time & effort to bring the right candidate up to your standards.

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Really annoyed at Figma's price gouging here. There is no reason other than greed: https://lnkd.in/gfdrEiWH Oh, and I emailed them about it and this line from their reply was particularly poignant: "Additionally the minimum for enterprise is a $5k invoice minimum. 6 enterprise seats or made up with other products." To put that in context... our monthly Adobe bill (for 8 CC, 7 PS, 6 Acrobat licenses) is ~NZ$2k... Amazing how quickly enshittification sets in... #Figma #Design #SoftwareLicensing

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Question to the Community: Implementing the European Accessibility Act (EAA) Dear Colleagues, Who among you has started implementing the European Accessibility Act (EAA) for your products, specifically in terms of product design and front-end development? 🛠️✨ My main question is: will the WCAG 2.2 A+AA standards meet the requirements of the EAA? 🤔 I have a few more questions and would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences you can share. 🙏 Thank you for your help! Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) W3 European Commission #ux #accessibility #productdesign #EAA #research #Europeanaccessibilityact

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Advancing your UX career means getting stakeholders on board. 4 ways to do it: — Know your audience. Everything depends on this. — Explain the "why" behind your design decisions. — Highlight the measurable impact of your work. — Share a story instead of describing features. These steps make a big difference. —- Want to advance your UX career faster? Grab a copy of the UX Storytelling Toolkit, your no-bs guide to land jobs, get promoted, and have a fulfilling design career. Hit the link on my profile to join 800+ students.

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**UX Researchers: Are You Your Own Worst Enemy? ** Even the best UX researchers can fall victim to confirmation bias, favoring information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can lead to skewed research and ultimately, bad design decisions! This post explores confirmation bias and how to avoid it: 1. What is confirmation bias? We all have it - it's our tendency to seek out data that confirms what we already think. 2. The dangers of confirmation bias in UX research: Misinterpreting data, overlooking problems, and recruiting biased participants can all lead to flawed research. 3. How to be a more objective UX researcher: Consider multiple perspectives, use reliable sources, question your assumptions, and debrief with colleagues. Remember: Great UX research is user-centred, not researcher-centered!

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