UI/UX Articles and Interesting Tidbits of the Week
January//10//2025
Here are some interesting finds on UI/UX of the past week!
1.
Boost Design Critiques. One of the pieces of the Design World always worth revisiting, is the ability to provide and receive feedback. This article from author Yunjie Yao for the Dropbox Blog, provides some helpful tips/recommendations on how to handle Design critiques successfully. The article includes aspects such as Contextualizing the Situation and the Engagement, Strategizing sessions considering audiences in diverse geographical locations, Organizing feedback (and making it actionable), to name but a few. Ultimately it’s a healthy reminder that Designers and their work lives from the feedback that is provided by Users, Peers, Colleagues, all of whom are involved in the Design Process and the solutioning endeavor. Highlight of the article includes:
“None of us knows or has experienced everything in the world. A design critique can help us see perspectives we wouldn’t have seen otherwise and is one of the best ways to make sure a design doesn’t fail. That’s why I always appreciate it when people spend time listening to my presentation and offering their perspectives. What if there’s some negative or harsh feedback that hurts your feelings? Say “thank you” and don’t become defensive. Put your ego aside and remain open to criticism. You’ll grow faster as a designer.”
2.
UX as a Business Model. One of the recurring conversation topics when it comes to Design within organizations, is the ROI that Design and its practitioners bring to an Organization. This article from Devin Harold for People Nerds, dScout’s Blog, is a thorough and well positioned reflection on what Designers should consider when articulating a business strategy associated with what their practice does/delivers. The article highlights aspects such as Internal Customers and Influences, Value Propositions, Processes, Investments, providing along the way some pertinent examples. It’s an interesting insight into an issue that at times is far more complex, and that is tied with the DNA of an organization and its leadership. Highlight of the article includes:
“The winner of the global final was Soi Gamayon from the Philippines with his AgriConnect startup. The AI-powered app, inspired by watching his uncle’s struggle farming rice, allows farmers to monitor their crops, build resilience, and increase their yield. “My purpose is really to build something bigger than myself,” said Gamayon. “I’m doing this for Filipino farmers. This wasn’t just about competing or winning. It’s about sharing moments and memories with people who are like-minded. I share this with all the other teams who are here.””
3.
Tech Salary Report Analysis: Benefits. Interesting article from the Dice Career Advice blog, which analyzes the Tech Salary Report which they published (which can be checked on their blog). The article peppers great observations and highlights aspects that have become of great importance for workers in the Tech Industry (not limited to them, but it is the focal point of this particular article), namely Remote Work opportunities, Bonuses and Merit Increases, and the overall Benefits when it comes to Health Insurance, Retirement Funds and so on. It’s worth reading and understanding the output of what they researched. Highlight of the article includes:
“Remote work is a critical factor in job satisfaction in 2024, yet our data shows companies are moving in the opposite direction when it comes to employee preferences. Remote scheduling options decreased by 3 percentage points in 2024, while flexible scheduling arrangements fell by 4 points. This pullback comes despite clear evidence that flexible work arrangements remain highly valued, particularly among specific demographic groups. Our data shows that tech professionals with children in their household are more likely to have and utilize remote and flexible scheduling options. The reduction in these offerings may disproportionately impact working parents and could influence retention rates among this demographic. If working remotely for at least part of the week allows you to juggle professional and family obligations, and your employer suddenly wants you back in the office full-time, would you stick around in your current role?”
