UI/UX Articles and Interesting Tidbits of the Week
February//14//2025
Here are some interesting finds on UI/UX of the past week!
1.
AI Datasets and Huma Values. Interesting article from “The Next Web” on the topic of AI datasets and how they’re disregarding some of the fundamental values that makes Human Nature what it is. It’s an interesting reflection since it raises some concerns on the quality of the responses these models provide. The article advances some of the measures being put in motion to address this issue. The study underlying this article is also a great read (access it here). Highlight of the article includes:
“The imbalance of human values in datasets used to train AI could have significant implications for how AI systems interact with people and approach complex social issues. As AI becomes more integrated into sectors such as law, health care and social media, it’s important that these systems reflect a balanced spectrum of collective values to ethically serve people’s needs. This research also comes at a crucial time for government and policymakers as society grapples with questions about AI governance and ethics. Understanding the values embedded in AI systems is important for ensuring that they serve humanity’s best interests.”
2.
The Future of UX is Populated with Generalists. This article from dScout’s People Nerds Blog and author John Garvie, is an interesting reflection and opinion on what a future trend will be for UX professionals. However, it’s also a reminder, that generalizations are just that, something that while attempting to crystalize a massive movement, it may not be accurately representative of the reality. I’ve worked in well established companies, that even with internal training programs emphasizing Human Centered Design and its approach to problem solving, did not equate with Product or Development understanding what it actually meant, and what it implied from a behavioral and engagement with others perspective. The article does make good points in terms of the impact of AI and technology advancements on UX deliverables, and how professionals in this field need to keep that in mind. It’s a good, even if somewhat misaligned reflection, for what lies ahead. Highlight of the article includes:
“Over the last decade, countless business and product thought leaders have ingrained the idea that design thinking and human-centered approaches are valuable and worth using inside of broader business contexts. These efforts have been so successful that almost all top business and undergrad programs now teach design thinking and user-centered approaches to product development and innovation. Even for those who haven’t attended business or design schools recently, this philosophy has been entrenched in the culture of most product organizations. The result is a new generation of business executives, product managers, engineers, and entrepreneurs who know about, value, and use human-centered approaches. All this means is that human-centered culture is no longer owned solely by UX — the entire product organization now owns it.”
3.
Best Places to Work. Not a typical article per se, this listing is more representative of the relationship between employers and employees, of the respect that can and should be established between both. The full list of the 100 Best Companies to work at can be found here. It’s a healthy reminder that what most people look for tends to gravitate towards flexible work environments, with collaborative and supportive cultures. Just as I reinforced in my yearly retrospective for 2024: avoid Toxicity in the workplace. Worth reading through and checking the listing. Highlight of the article includes:
“The past year’s workplace resembled a “corporate seesaw,” where employers and employees teetered between control and collaboration. The return-to-office battle raged on as employers reasserted control and AI became a routine colleague for workers. Yet some companies proved that true workplace excellence isn’t about mandates but genuine connection and understanding. The most innovative companies didn’t just adapt to the changing landscape — they led through it. They each landed a spot as a top workplace based on a strong employee culture, quality leadership, and a commitment to work-life balance that goes beyond trendy policies. In a year of challenges, these companies stood out by truly listening, supporting, and valuing their most important asset: their employees.”
