UX Fika Podcast

In this episode of the UX Fika Podcast, I sit down with Cheryl Platz — actress, designer, author, and creative director for the Game Studio at The Pokémon Company International — whose career has spanned everything from The Sims and Alexa to Marvel Strike Force and Pokémon TCG Live.We talk about what games can teach us about human behaviour, creativity, and community, and why the future of design may have more in common with game design than we think. Cheryl shares her journey from UX and voice design to the world of live service games, and how play, self-expression, and connection are becoming the real motivators behind why people play.We also dive into her two books — Design Beyond Devices and The Game Development Strategy Guide — and how she’s applying user-centered thinking to game creation, community design, and even how teams work together. Cheryl opens up about resilience through layoffs, learning to “be right less of the time,” and how curiosity and collaboration fuel both her work and her recovery.It’s a warm, honest, and fascinating conversation about storytelling, games, and why designing for play might just help us design better futures — for products, teams, and people.Plus:☕️ Why a nice cup of coffee or a peppermint tea is her go to fika⭐ Why people’s perception does not control your potential is her life advice as well as why you should be less right at workWhat we cover:02:22 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past05:22 Books and Their Impact on Design07:45 Navigating Personal Challenges and Health Issues11:19 Career Transitions and Lessons Learned14:18 The Importance of Community and Support17:08 Facing Layoffs and Finding New Opportunities20:16 Building a Career in the Gaming Industry29:42 Navigating Team Dynamics in Game Design30:12 Lessons from Live Service Games31:59 The Journey to Pokémon Company38:18 User Experience vs. Game Design41:12 Modern Motivators of Play45:20 The Role of AI in Gaming Companionship49:20 Addressing Toxicity in Gaming Communities57:35 The Evolution of Immersive Gaming Experiences01:04:50 The Art of Podcasting and Production Challenges01:09:26 Writing Books: The Journey from First to Second01:21:21 The Intersection of UX and Game Design01:26:28 Advice for Transitioning into Game Design01:33:17 Life Lessons and Final ThoughtsWhere you'll find Cheryl:LinkedInBlueSkyBook/Podcast websitePersonal websiteCompany websiteInquire about a talk, workshop, or interviewInstagramTikTokLinktree TwitchDesign portfolioMedium articlesYouTube (design) Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UX Fika website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I sit down with Josh Clark and Veronika Kindred from Big Medium — design leaders and co-authors of the upcoming book Sentient Design.We talk about what it’s like to work and write a book together as father and daughter, and how that partnership has shaped both their working relationships and their ideas about what design needs next. They share how Sentient Design frames AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a new design material — one that lets us create experiences that are intelligent and radically adaptive.We explore the concept of “practical magic,” why sometimes wheels on a suitcase are enough, and when it’s worth reaching for the flying version. Josh and Veronika also walk through some of the 14 new patterns they’ve identified for AI experiences, like the “Pinocchio” pattern. We talk about the future of interfaces, navigating characters and relationships with AI and LLMs, and what all of this means for the future of design teams, businesses, and everyday products.It’s a conversation about invention, responsibility, and designing futures that are as humane as they are intelligent. And it’s one to watch, as they share a few examples.Plus:☕️ Why cinnamon roll is Veronika’s go to fika and home made turkey sandwich is Josh’s⭐ Why “If it passes me, it wasn’t meant for me” is Veronika’s advice and “You have time” and “You are not your work” is Josh’sWhat we cover:02:30 Introduction and Family Dynamics05:23 Veronika's Journey into Design08:20 Navigating Family and Professional Relationships11:24 The Book Writing Process14:21 Sentient Design: Concept and Challenges17:16 Future-Proofing Design in a Rapidly Changing Landscape20:11 The Role of AI in Design23:08 Magic and Practicality in Design26:16 AI as a Design Material28:56 The Importance of Intent in AI Interfaces32:03 Cultural Shifts in AI Adoption34:48 Balancing AI Innovation and Responsibility37:52 Design Patterns for AI Integration48:16 The Value of Sketching in Design50:54 The Shift from Tool-Based Design to Conceptual Thinking52:12 AI-Mediated Design: A New Era of Innovation54:46 Radically Adaptive Experiences in Design58:35 The Future of Interfaces and User Experience01:02:27 Navigating Relationships with AI and LLMs01:11:35 The Impact of AI on Future Generations01:18:04 Life Lessons and Reflections on GrowthWhere you’ll find Josh & Veronika:Josh's bio Veronika bioBig MediumSentient Design book info"A Little Big Medium" our occasional email newsletterVeronika Kindred on LinkedInJosh Clark on LinkedIn Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UX Fika website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

Welcome to episode 15 of the UX Fika podcast. In this conversation sit down with Giles Colborne — design leader, strategist, author of Simple and Usable, and now founder of Made Simple.We talk about his journey from studying physics to co-founding cxpartners, what it meant to grow it into one of the UK’s leading design consultancies, and the mixed emotions of eventually letting it go. Giles shares what he’s learned about leadership from both raising kids and leading teams, and why stepping back is sometimes the most powerful thing you can do.Giles shares the three values he’s taken with him from cxpartners and what they actually mean, from making it easy for people to do great work, to how to be truly user centred, and lastly, find clarity and simplicity.We also dive into why so many organisations still struggle to link design delivery with leadership goals, how AI is forcing companies to rethink the way they work, and what an AI-native organisation might look like.It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, letting go, and designing organisations with the same care we bring to designing products.Plus:☕️ Why smoked salmon bagels is his go to fika⭐ Why the best place for a fika is sometimes your own sofaWhat we cover: 00:00 Introduction and Background07:05 The Journey to cxpartners12:01 Transitioning from cxpartners16:51 Reflections on Human-Centered Design21:42 The Impact of AI on User Experience26:46 Core Values and Creating a Productive Environment33:32 Understanding Human-Centered Design37:59 The Role of AI in User Experience41:18 The Future of Browsing and User Interaction44:40 Finding Clarity and Simplicity in Design54:00 Bridging the Gap Between Management and Delivery Teams59:50 The Impact of AI on Organizational Structure01:03:30 Agility in the Age of AI01:06:48 Leadership and AI: A Shift in Dynamics01:08:46 Empowering Teams: The Role of Trust01:11:38 Creativity and Innovation in Design01:14:48 The Future of Design: Embracing Change01:18:45 Ethics and Human-Centered Design01:20:09 Fika: A Personal Touch in ConversationsWhere you’ll find Giles:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simple and Usable bookWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I sit down with Jared Spool — Maker of Awesomeness at Center Centre, designer, speaker, and someone who’s been shaping the field of UX for nearly 5 decades.We talk about how the role of UX has shifted (and in some cases shrunk) over the years, why so many UX teams still struggle to show their value, why measuring success only through conversion rates is misleading, and why designers should focus on experiences instead of products, and step up to become the world’s foremost experts on their users.Jared shares why proactive UX matters more than waiting for instructions, and how being strategic, understanding the business side of design, and being able to demonstrate our value, is key to keeping our seat at the table, and a starting point for change.It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation about the challenges we face as a profession, what the history of magic — yes, stage magic — can teach us, and about how to keep pushing our practice forward while learning from what’s come before.Plus:☕️ Why apple cake, or any cake, and darjeeling tea is his go to fika⭐ Why you should try a cup of first flush darjeeling teaWhat we cover:01:04 Introduction to UX Fika Podcast and Guest Background04:58 The Evolution of UX Conferences08:14 The Shift in UX Education and Value Communication10:23 Understanding UX Metrics and Outcomes13:32 The Importance of Proactive UX Strategies16:29 Building Expertise in UX Organizations22:27 Measuring Success Beyond Conversion Rates25:30 Measuring The Right Things31:30 The role of UX for AI design37:34 The Future of AI In Healthcare And UX42:50 The Three Things To Focus On43:42 What The Adelaide Score Teaches Us About Solving Problems48:44 Understanding the Bigger Picture and Business Side of UX49:48 The Magic of Experience53:01 Jared's History With Magic56:18 The Dying Art of Magic58:56 Lessons from the History of Magic01:10:26 The Illusion of Real-Time Communication01:13:29 Making Your Audience And The People You Work With Look Good01:18:31 Proactive UX Research01:18:54 Why You Should Help Others Get Better Instead of Stopping Them Doing "Your" Work01:23:50 The Science of the Obvious01:27:38 The Importance of Clear Communication in Donations01:32:38 Understanding UX Outcomes and Their Impact01:36:04 Future Plans And Thinking in Design and UX01:40:35 The Joy of Continuous Learning and Exploration01:41:00 The Hunt For Fika01:49:15 Life Lessons and Personal ReflectionsWhere you’ll find Jared:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedInBlueSkyLeaders of Awesomeness CommunityCenter CentreWhere you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Jonty Sharples – product, design, and business leader, and now consulting CPO working from a wooden box at the bottom of his garden. When we first spoke in 2021, Jonty was at Where Is My Transport, building products for emerging markets.Four years later, we catch up on where he is now, what he learned from building and scaling teams across continents, why checking your privilege and context matters when working globally, and how he’s been refining his niche as a generalist with deep specialist interests.We also dive into climbing walls, disinformation through trusted sources, the challenges of job titles, the reality of today’s hiring market, doing outreach, and how a lot of people – even the really successful ones – are struggling to find work, even if they don’t openly share.As ever with Jonty, it’s a conversation full of sharp insights, practical lessons, and reflections on how design and leadership can (and must) adapt to change, and why writing and storytelling are underrated skills for anyone in design and leadership.Plus:☕️ Why black coffee is now his go to fika and not tea⭐ Why you should surround yourself with smart people, ask questions, and listenWhat we cover:02:01 Introduction and Catching Up02:22 Working From A Wooden Box04:49 Reflections on Remote Work and Team Dynamics10:56 Career Transitions and Learning Experiences11:30 Understanding eSIM Technology and Market Dynamics17:46 Navigating Career Breaks and Job Market Changes20:11 Building a Niche and Consulting Strategies27:59 Job Titles and Industry Trends41:56 The Evolution of UX Design Roles44:20 Leadership in Design: The Player-Coach Dilemma45:13 The Future of Work: AI and Human Collaboration47:44 Communication Skills in a Globalized Workforce49:30 Navigating Change: The Impact of AI on Jobs53:23 Education and the Role of Design in Shaping Futures58:04 Personal Growth and Career Transitions01:03:51 The Importance of Hiring Smart01:09:21 Job Market Realities and Networking StrategiesWhere you’ll find Jonty:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#innovation, #business, #technology, #Hactar, #globalteams, #designleadership #careertransitions #scaleups #ai #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jontysharples

In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I catch up again with Jason Mesut – creative coach, strategic consultant, and long-time shaper of designers. When we first spoke in 2021, Jason was stepping into coaching, deep into writing his ‘Shaping Design’ book, and exploring new ways of working. Four years later, we catch up on everything that’s happened since.Jason shares why he ultimately stepped away from publishing the book, how he got diagnosed with ADHD, and how that diagnosis, and the medication, has impacted his work, creativity and public speaking.We also talk about looping music tracks, how his approach to coaching has evolved, what he’s learned about finding focus, and about getting hands-on again, returning to old tools with a new perspective, and why community – whether it’s professional or personal – plays such a vital role.It’s a truly honest conversation where I’ve left more pauses in than usual. Mostly for the viewing experience.Plus:☕️ Why almond croissant and a full fat flat white, not oat milk is his go-to fika nowadays⭐ Why 180 House is now his favourite (fika) placeWhat we cover:01:51 Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth04:38 The Journey of Coaching and Self-Discovery07:24 ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact10:15 Understanding ADHD: Traits and Misconceptions13:26 Creativity and ADHD: Harnessing Strengths16:20 The Role of Medication in Managing ADHD19:03 Rejection Sensitivity and Emotional Challenges22:05 Finding Balance: Creativity vs. Contentment34:32 The Power of Externalization in Design39:42 The Importance of Physical Tools in Design43:11 Balancing Coaching and Consulting47:02 Navigating Professional Loneliness and Community52:06 The Role of Gratitude in Professional Life01:07:17 Interactive Tools and Techniques in Presentations01:09:13 Navigating New Roles and Responsibilities01:11:06 Creative Processes and Music Production01:12:43 The Importance of Completion in Creative Work01:15:06 Health Journey and Dietary Changes01:17:30 Favorite Workspaces and Productivity01:20:09 The Meaning Behind Names and Identity01:24:21 Hope in Design and Future OpportunitiesWhere you’ll find Jason:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Jason’s linktree⁠⁠Medium⁠⁠Shaping Design series⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠Soundcloud⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠InstagramIf you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #productdesign #business, #technology, #shapingdesign, #coaching #adhd #adhddiagnosis #productdesign #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #jasonmesut

In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Andy Budd – design leader, coach, investor, and long-time advocate for the design community. When we last spoke in 2021, Andy had just stepped away from Clearleft, the agency he co-founded, and was embracing a new chapter. Four years on, we catch up on what’s happened since.We talk about his transition from agency founder to solo coach and advisor, how a “serendipity break” turned into new opportunities, and the accidental path that led him to write his new book, The Growth Equation. Andy shares why he believes design is at a turning point, why AI tools are accelerating the commoditisation of design, what he’s seeing inside the startup ecosystem, and the ways design leaders can better communicate their value in increasingly complex organisations.It’s a conversation about reinvention, relevance, and what he’s learning from being bad at something again – whether that’s flying planes, or playing the drums.Plus:☕️ Why the coffee shop the Onion in Seoul in South Korea is his favourite🌟 Why not to ask a coach for life adviceWhat we cover:01:37 The Journey of ClearLeft and Employee Ownership03:34 Navigating a Serendipity Break07:28 Rediscovering Passions: Flying and Drumming10:33 Transitioning to Venture Capital and Coaching14:23 The Birth of a Book: Insights and Lessons22:29 The Power of Writing in Design and Leadership25:59 Gathering Around Design Tools31:34 The Future of Design Profession in The Time of AI48:13 Investing in Designer Skills53:08 Experiencing Failure and Culture Change54:44 The Future of Entrepreneurship and Design57:32 Challenges for Designers as Founders01:02:45 Communication and Influence in Design01:09:25 Reflections on Life and AdviceWhere to find Andy:⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Website⁠⁠Stacklist⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review.~#uxdesign, #productdesign #business, #technology, #adventure, #serendipitybreak #productdesign #seedcamp #thegrowthequation #ai #designleadership #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #andybudd #clearleft