Education
The IBM Think portal serves as a comprehensive hub for exploring the intersection of technology and business strategy. It provides access to a wealth of expert insights, from technical explainers and research reports to in-depth podcasts and webinars. Whether you are looking for the latest developments in agentic AI, hybrid cloud, or quantum computing, this resource offers the guidance needed to navigate the complexities of modern digital transformation.
The Google UX Design Professional Certificate is an online programme designed to provide job-ready skills in user experience design through hands-on practice with tools like Figma and Adobe XD. It covers the end-to-end design process, from initial user research and wireframing to creating high-fidelity prototypes and conducting usability studies. I finished the Google UX design certificate, here’s my honest take by Hizkia St.
The Nielsen Norman Group YouTube channel is a reliable source for UX guidance. NNGroup brings over 25 years of research-based insights to design and research professionals. Their videos break down complex UX concepts into practical, actionable advice you can apply immediately.
The Interaction Design Foundation is an educational organisation which produces open access educational materials online with the stated goal of democratising education by making world-class educational materials free for anyone, anywhere.
The PlaybookUX YouTube channel is an essential resource for all things user experience (UX), product and service design. PlaybookUX demystifies the complexities of design through videos that provide step-by-step guidance and clear, methodical insights.
Timeless lessons from 147 books across 18 leadership disciplines for modern leaders navigating change, complexity, and AI by Gaurav Jain
Agile Leadership. Managing the system, not the people. Management 3.0 is an ever-changing collection of games, tools, and practices to help any worker to manage the organization. It is a way of looking at work systems.
UXTools.co is a comprehensive resource dedicated to tracking industry trends and comparing the various software and methodologies used in user experience design. Their "UX Challenges" section provides structured, real-world design prompts based on common business problems. Each exercise includes a project brief, specific constraints, and a list of tasks, making it a practical resource for anyone looking to practise their problem-solving skills or develop new case studies for a professional portfolio.
Design leaders studio is an online video course for designers who want to learn more about design management. Pricing £300 inc VAT.
This learning hub accompanies Brené Brown's 2018 book, "Dare to Lead" and is packed full of useful information and resources to go along with the book.
A vast collection of free, high-quality, easily accessible and professionally crafted illustrations designed specifically for documentation, frameworks, and design systems.
This UX Planet article by Denys Sergushkin highlights eight essential websites for mastering UI/UX design. It provides a curated list of resources that cover everything from interface psychology and design laws to UI component libraries and ethical design standards. It is a practical reference for anyone looking to sharpen their technical skills and apply professional industry methods to their work.
5 frameworks that will save your butt… and help you kick some by Jon Daiello.
This Notion document is an extensive FAQ guide created for aspiring and new UX designers. It provides structured answers to common industry questions, covering everything from foundational design principles and documentation strategies to career advice for breaking into the field. It serves as a comprehensive knowledge base for anyone seeking clarity on the practical and professional aspects of a career in user experience.
In this video, the Nielsen Norman Group encourages new UX designers to prioritise incremental progress over the pursuit of perfection. Advice focuses on balancing user needs with practical business goals and highlights why being an effective, credible collaborator is often more impactful than simply having the right answer.
In an article from 2024, Vinita Bansal states that making good decisions under stress is a super skill that can get your attention, make you stand out, and build credibility at work. The article provides a guide to making better decisions under stressful circumstances. It emphasises the importance of slowing down, asking questions, considering long-term consequences, recognising biases, and learning from mistakes. By following these principles, decision-making skills can be improved leading to better outcomes.
In an article from 2020, Amir Shevat shares his observations collected over 20 years in the tech industry. Key insights include the potential for good technology to be misused, the lasting impact of early technical decisions, the pain of technology migrations, the fear of new technologies, and the importance of communication and collaboration in teams.
In an article from 2024, Alicia Drinkwater provides a practical guide to effective product documentation. The article advocates for creating a centralised "project hub" that links to relevant documents tailored to different stakeholder needs. By focusing on clarity, consistency, and user experience, product managers can save time, improve collaboration, and reduce unnecessary meetings.
In an article from 2024, Martyn Reding writes that design leaders' careers and place in the world of technology has changed and is not coming back. The article states that it's time for leaders to adapt to new demands and new opportunities and argues that the traditional role of design leadership is evolving. As the tech industry matures and the demand for rapid innovation increases, design leaders are expected to be more adaptable, versatile, and technically proficient. They must be able to navigate changing market dynamics, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and leverage emerging technologies like AI to drive product development. By focusing on practical skills, embracing new workflows, and staying updated on industry trends, design leaders can thrive in this new era.
"Become a product connoisseur. One of the most effective ways to establish yourself as a connoisseur of product design, is to build a practice of actively seeking out new apps, services and products and regularly bringing your observations back to your team. Making it part of your job to share examples of good UI, interaction and content design with your team is a simple method for establishing a quality bar and demonstrating your knowledge, without undermining your team’s skills. Survival tip : Set a quarterly reminder to download the top 3 apps each month. Take a grab of any interesting elements and share them with your team." - Martyn Reding
In an article from 2024, Beth Ann Mayer discusses the effectiveness of "I statements" in resolving arguments. By focusing on personal feelings and needs rather than blaming others, I statements can help de-escalate tensions and promote constructive dialogue. The article provides examples of I statements that can be used in both professional and personal settings, emphasising the importance of clear communication and empathy. "The term 'I statement' refers to a communication technique that expresses thoughts, feelings and needs assertively rather than aggressively," says Dr. Kamran Eshtehardi, Ph.D., a California-based clinical psychologist. "I statements typically begin with the word 'I' and focus on the speaker's own experience."
This article states that the top reasons designers fail in organisations according to research are:
People in non-design roles making design decisions
Managers making design decisions w/o design training
Designers don't seek enough data before designing
No time is provided for long term thinking
Designers not receptive to critical feedback
Lack of awareness of the business fundamentals
Only lip-service is paid to "User cantered design"
Designer's power diluted by too many cooks
Poor collaboration skills
Poor persuasion / idea pitching skills
Big Ego / Expects others to cater to their whims
Some timeless lessons-learned over a long career of leading software product development. Some of them are funny, all of them can improve how you manage your next project!
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