The DesignOps Aligned Podcast Show

The Aligned Podcast Show
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The Aligned Podcast Show, formerly DesignOps Aligned, is the essential listen for everyone who shapes digital products. From UX and UI creators to product managers, engineers, researchers, and delivery leads, we decode the playbooks, mindsets, and metrics that turn bold ideas into market-ready experiences. Expect candid conversations with trailblazing leaders and hands on practitioners, reusable frameworks that transform creativity into repeatable results, and a front row seat to the trends ranging from AI powered tools to outcome driven road mapping.  If you build, ship, or champion digital products, hit Subscribe and turn every episode into an edge that levels up your craft and drives real business impact.

  1. “Understanding Burnout in UX: A Deep Dive” – Meltem Naz Kaso & Javier Bargas-Avila

    JAN 22

    “Understanding Burnout in UX: A Deep Dive” – Meltem Naz Kaso & Javier Bargas-Avila

    “Understanding Burnout in UX: A Deep Dive” – Meltem Naz Kaso & Javier Bargas-Avila Meltem Naz Kaso https://www.linkedin.com/in/meltemnaz/ JJavier Andrés Bargas-Avila https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierbargas/ In this conversation, we delve into the pressing issue of burnout within the UX field, exploring its causes, personal experiences, and the distinction between stress and burnout. They discuss the importance of research in understanding burnout, the role of design leaders in preventing it, and the impact of job insecurity and layoffs on team dynamics. The conversation emphasises the need for psychological safety in the workplace and the importance of community support for UX professionals. In this conversation, Javier Bargas-Avila and Meltem discuss the critical issues surrounding job security, psychological safety, and burnout in the UX field. They explore how the erosion of job security undermines psychological safety, fostering a culture of fear and risk aversion. The discussion emphasises the importance of preparing for potential layoffs and fostering a supportive environment. They also delve into the nuances of burnout, highlighting its spectrum and the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. The conversation concludes with a call for organisational responsibility in addressing these issues and for seeking help and developing personal resilience strategies.   Takeaways ·      Burnout is a growing concern in the UX field. ·      Personal experiences with burnout can inform professional practices. ·      There is a clear distinction between stress and burnout. ·      Workload is not the only factor contributing to burnout. ·      Research methodology included interviews and surveys with UX professionals. ·      Misdiagnosing burnout as merely workload can lead to ineffective solutions. ·      Design leaders play a crucial role in protecting their teams from burnout. ·      Power dynamics in the workplace affect how individuals respond to stress. ·      Job insecurity and layoffs contribute significantly to burnout. ·      Psychological safety is essential for a healthy work environment. Job security is essential for psychological safety. ·      Erosion of job security leads to fear of taking risks. ·      Preparation for layoffs is crucial for employees. ·      Burnout can occur even in stable jobs. ·      Neurodivergent individuals may face unique burnout challenges. ·      Organizations must take responsibility for employee well-being. ·      Soft skills training is lacking in UX education. ·      Burnout is a spectrum, not a binary state. ·      Setting boundaries is vital to prevent burnout. ·      Engaging in personal projects can help mitigate burnout.     Chapters 00:00 - The Importance of Discussing Burnout in UX 02:27 - Personal Experiences with Burnout 05:37 - Understanding Burnout vs. Stress 08:22 - Research Methodology and Findings 11:43 - Key Factors Contributing to Burnout 14:24 - Misdiagnosing Burnout: Workload vs. Other Factors 17:30 - The Role of Leadership in Addressing Burnout 20:33 - Cultural Perceptions of Burnout 23:26 - The Need for Change in UX Culture 2 Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    1h 36m
  2. “Breaking Barriers in Digital Design” – Reginé Gilbert

    12/11/2025

    “Breaking Barriers in Digital Design” – Reginé Gilbert

    “Breaking Barriers in Digital Design” – Act 03 – Scene 41 – Reginé Gilbert In this episode, Reginé Gilbert discusses the importance of accessibility in design, the current state of awareness, and the challenges designers and product managers face. She emphasises the need for a shift in mindset towards accessibility as a core aspect of design rather than an afterthought. The conversation explores the ROI of accessibility, the importance of user testing, and practical steps for advocates within organisations. Reginé also shares insights on learning resources and her upcoming books, highlighting the future of accessibility in the design industry.   Takeaways •               Accessibility is becoming a requirement for digital products. •               Awareness of accessibility varies greatly among designers. •               Implementing accessibility can initially seem like extra work, but it becomes easier over time. •               Product managers often view accessibility as an additional requirement to push to later releases. •               Quantifying the benefits of accessibility can be challenging but is essential for buy-in. •               User testing with real people is crucial for understanding accessibility needs. •               Starting with small changes can lead to significant improvements in accessibility. •               There are certifications available for accessibility professionals. •               YouTube and online resources are great starting points for learning about accessibility. •               Building political capital is key to advocating for accessibility in organisations.     Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Accessibility in Design 01:10 - The Current State of Accessibility Awareness 02:55 - Designers' Responsibility Towards Accessibility 04:42 - Product Managers and Accessibility Challenges 08:51 - Quantifying the ROI of Accessibility 10:36 - Gathering User Feedback for Accessibility 13:07 - Advocating for Accessibility in Teams 16:19 - The Impact of Personal Experience on Accessibility Awareness 18:37 - Creativity Within Constraints 22:19 - The Role of AI in Accessibility 23:36 - Testing with Real Users for Accessibility 25:55 - Understanding Accessibility Through Personal Experiences 28:07 - Starting Your Journey in Accessibility 30:23 - The Value of Certifications in Accessibility 31:44 - Reginé's Upcoming Books and Their Impact 34:18 - The Future of Accessibility Legislation 39:24 - Navigating Organizational Change for Accessibility 45:22 - Connecting with Reginé Gilbert Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    48 min
  3. “Unlocking the Power of Workshops in Design” – Amanda Gelb

    07/25/2025

    “Unlocking the Power of Workshops in Design” – Amanda Gelb

    “Unlocking the Power of Workshops in Design” – Act 02 – Scene 39 – Amanda Gelb Amanda's LinkedIn Profile: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gelb/⁠ Amanda's company: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/aha-studio-inc/⁠ Summary In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Amanda Gelb discuss the critical role of workshops in design and the importance of stakeholder buy-in, exploring strategies for effectively communicating the value of workshops, managing group dynamics, and harnessing divergent opinions. They emphasize the necessity of clear agendas and objectives, understanding participants' needs, and the significance of collaboration and the role of play in fostering creativity. Amanda highlights the importance of workshop facilitation skills as a bridge from individual contributor to design leader, sharing insights on navigating conflicts, enhancing collaboration and decision-making within organizations, and providing practical techniques for successful workshop facilitation. The discussion also touches on the need for better representation of workshop skills in design education and social media, while emphasizing the necessity of being a leader in the design space. Takeaways ·      Workshops can be a waste of time if not structured properly. ·      Clear objectives and next steps are crucial for effective workshops. ·      Diverse opinions can lead to conflict, but they can also drive innovation. ·      Facilitators should give themselves permission to interrupt when necessary. ·      Using playful methods like Lego can enhance engagement in workshops. ·      Understanding your audience is key to successful facilitation. ·      Conflict capture techniques can help manage disagreements. ·      Workshops should be designed with the end goal in mind. ·      Collaboration skills are essential for effective workshop facilitation. ·      Leaders must be proactive in guiding discussions and decisions.   Chapters 00:48 - Exploring Key Themes 01:49 - Setting the Stage for a Comfortable Conversation 03:44 - The Importance of Workshops in Design 06:49 - Understanding the Role of a Workshop Facilitator 09:54 - Navigating Workshop Dynamics and Decision-Making 12:51 - Balancing Inclusivity and Efficiency in Workshops 15:57 - Strategies for Effective Workshop Outcomes 18:51 - Overcoming FOMO and Ensuring Engagement 21:43 - The Leadership Role in Workshop Facilitation 24:59 - The Importance of Workshops in Leadership 28:23 - Creating Collaborative Spaces for Effective Workshops 33:47 - Navigating Conflict and Divergent Opinions 40:01 - Building Confidence in Moderation and Collaboration 44:15 - The Role of Cross-Functional Leadership 46:40 - Innovative Workshop Techniques: LEGO Serious Play 44:42 - The Importance of Stakeholder Buy-In  51:21 - Effective Communication in Workshops  54:32 - The Role of Workshops in Design  54:32 - Evangelizing Workshop Skills   Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    1h 1m
  4. LinkedIn Brand-building for Designers – Thijs Kraan

    07/24/2025

    LinkedIn Brand-building for Designers – Thijs Kraan

    “LinkedIn Brand-building for Designers” – Act 02 – Scene 40 – Thijs Kraan Summary In this engaging conversation, Naresh Shan and Thijs Kraan explore the evolving landscape of design, the importance of leveraging LinkedIn for personal branding, and the challenges of content creation. Thijs shares insights on how to effectively communicate the value of design, the long-term commitment required for successful content creation, and the balance between authenticity and professionalism on social media. They discuss the role of AI in writing, the significance of building a standout LinkedIn profile, and strategies for maximising audience engagement. The conversation emphasises the need for designers to educate others about their value and adapt to the changing dynamics of the job market. Takeaways Design is increasingly recognised as a key value driver in organisations.LinkedIn is a powerful platform for building a personal brand and attracting opportunities.Content creation is a long-term commitment that requires consistency and patience.Educating your audience about your value is crucial for success.AI tools can assist in writing, but should not replace personal thought and creativity.Venting on professional platforms like LinkedIn should be approached with caution.Building a standout LinkedIn profile requires clarity about your unique value proposition.Quality content is essential, but quantity can also play a role in visibility.Engagement strategies should focus on the audience's needs and interests.The landscape of content creation is evolving, and adapting to changes is necessary.Chapters 00:48 – Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:02 – The Importance of Design Education 03:00 – Transitioning to Freelance in Design 04:48 – Overcoming Content Creation Challenges 08:57 – The Long Game of Content Creation 11:05 – Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth 14:04 – Building a Standout LinkedIn Profile 17:49 – The Art of Venting vs. Professionalism 21:03 – Navigating AI Tools in Writing 25:53 – The Craft of Writing and Continuous Improvement 35:46 – The Journey of Content Creation 38:52 – Building a Personal Brand vs. Being an Influencer 44:33 – The Shift to Video Content 47:08 – Navigating LinkedIn’s Algorithm 53:00 – Maximising Content Posting Strategies Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    1h 1m
  5. Modus Operandi – Episode 7 - Luminous Fragments – Miranda Slayter

    07/17/2025

    Modus Operandi – Episode 7 - Luminous Fragments – Miranda Slayter

    Modus Operandi – Episode 7 - Luminous Fragments – Miranda Slayter In this engaging conversation, Naresh Shan and Miranda Slayter explore the current job market's challenges, ethical dilemmas in design, and the impact of AI on the industry. They discuss the importance of transparency, the role of designers in measuring impact, and the need for strong design leadership. The conversation also explores the importance of creating compelling portfolios and the evolving nature of UX design in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Takeaways The job market is dire, leading many to compromise on ethics.Navigating ethical dilemmas in employment is a complex issue.Transparency in career choices can help mitigate the impact of CV stains from controversial companies.AI is transforming the workplace, but it won't replace UX design.Designers must articulate their decisions with data and insights.The importance of measuring design impact is crucial for career growth.Design leaders play a crucial role in advocating for the value of design.A compelling portfolio should showcase design thinking and impact.AI fatigue is real; the hype may not match the reality.Designers must continually evolve their skills to remain relevant in the job market. Chapters 00:00 - Coffee Conversations and Introductions 01:32  -Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Job Markets 05:24 - The Balance of Ethics and Survival 07:42 - Transparency in Career Choices 10:04 - The Impact of Company Ethics on Work Culture 11:48 - Data Breaches vs. Animal Testing: A Moral Comparison 15:06 - The Rise of AI and Ethical Concerns 19:22 - AI Fatigue: The Overhyped Reality 23:58 - Adapting to AI: The Future of Design 26:22 - The Evolution of Jobs in the Age of AI 28:01 - AI's Impact on Product Development 30:09 - Critical Thinking in Design with AI 33:23 - Standing Out in a Competitive Job Market 40:56 - Crafting a Compelling Portfolio 43:57 - Defining Design Impact: Designers vs. Product Managers 50:41 - Articulating Design Decisions 55:45 - Building Political Capital in Design 01:01:01 - The Art of Presenting Design Ideas 01:05:47 - Learning from Bad Leadership 01:10:03  - The Role of Design Leaders in Business Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    1h 16m
  6. Modus Operandi – Episode 6 - Whisper Gallery – Noelle Lansford

    06/27/2025

    Modus Operandi – Episode 6 - Whisper Gallery – Noelle Lansford

    Modus Operandi – Episode 6 - Whisper Gallery – Noelle Lansford Summary In this episode of the Modus Operandi podcast, hosts Naresh Shan and Noelle Lansford delve into the complexities of collaboration between designers and developers, highlighting the challenges of communication, onboarding, and the impact of daily design changes on development processes. They discuss the importance of understanding MVP in product management, the need for governance in product backlogs, and the role of UX in product strategy. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for designers to learn to say no, the value of data-driven decisions, and the future of UX in organizations, particularly at the C-suite level.   Takeaways ·      Collaboration issues between designers and developers stem from cultural differences. ·      Onboarding processes are often inadequate, leading to confusion and inefficiency. ·      Effective communication is crucial for successful handovers between design and development teams. ·      Daily changes in design can complicate development processes and lead to scope creep. ·      Learning to say no is essential for designers to maintain project integrity. ·      Understanding the concept of MVP is critical for product managers and designers alike. ·      Governance in product backlogs can help streamline processes and improve outcomes. ·      UX should be recognized as a vital component of product strategy at the C-suite level. ·      Data-driven decisions can enhance the influence of design in product development. ·      The future of UX may involve more strategic roles within organizations.     Chapters 01:23 - Introduction to Unscripted Conversations 01:44 - Collaboration Challenges Between Designers and Developers 05:29 - The Importance of Onboarding in Design and Development 07:58 - Communication and Handover Processes 11:29 - Managing Design Changes and Scope Creep 17:25 - Setting Boundaries in Design 23:54 - Understanding MVP vs. MDP 30:54 - Governance in Product Backlogs 32:47 - Governance and Lead Time in Product Development 34:58 - The Cost of Pivoting and Its Cultural Implications 38:52 - Using Numbers Wisely in Design 41:58 - The Role of Product Managers and Long-Term Strategy 45:55 - The Gap Between Design and Business Strategy 49:58 - The Need for Dedicated UX Product Teams 55:53 - The Importance of Proving UX Value to the C-Suite Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    1h 1m
  7. "Should Everybody Do Research?" - Kate Towsey

    06/18/2025

    "Should Everybody Do Research?" - Kate Towsey

    "Should Everybody Do Research?" - Act 02 - Scene 38 - Kate Towsey Summary In this episode of the DesignOps Aligned podcast, Naresh Shan speaks with Kate Towsey, a prominent figure in the field of research operations. They discuss the evolution and current state of research ops, the importance of democratizing research, and the role of researchers in product development. Kate emphasises the need for strong research leadership and the integration of AI as a strategic partner in research processes. The conversation also touches on the future of research methodologies and the importance of building effective research repositories to enhance organisational knowledge. Takeaways Kate Towsey is a well-known figure in the field of research operations.Research ops is growing despite layoffs in the industry.Companies recognise the need for research, but may not see the need for dedicated researchers.Democratisation of research allows various roles to conduct research.Research leaders play a crucial role in guiding research strategy.AI can enhance research processes, but should be viewed as a teammate.Effective research repositories are crucial for knowledge sharing.Research methodologies will evolve with the integration of artificial intelligence.Building relationships with stakeholders is crucial to shaping the research culture.Understanding organisational priorities can help researchers align their efforts.  Chapters 00:48 - Introduction and Setting the Stage 02:18 - Kate Towsey's Journey into Research Operations 05:22 - The Current State of Research Ops 08:17 - Democratisation of Research and Its Implications 11:21 - Quality of Research in a Democratized Environment 14:14 - The Role of Researchers in Organisations 17:18 - Challenges and Opportunities for Research Ops 19:49 - The Role of Researchers in Product Development 21:47 - Rethinking Product Development Life Cycle 23:58 - The Need for Research Leadership 26:39 - Translating Research into Business Language 29:20 - Leveraging AI in Research 34:30 - AI as a Team Member in Research 38:47 - Synthetic Users and Research Optimisation 43:10 - The Evolving Role of Research in Design 45:14 - Methodologies in Flux: The Future of Research 48:37 - Research as the Spine of Organisations 53:59 - Influencing Change: The Path to Research Integration Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    1h 6m
  8. Modus Operandi - Episode 3 - Alchemy of Influence - Feat. Miranda Slayter

    06/04/2025

    Modus Operandi - Episode 3 - Alchemy of Influence - Feat. Miranda Slayter

    Modus Operandi - Episode 3 - Alchemy of Influence - Featuring Miranda Slayter In this conversation, Naresh Shan and Miranda Slayter delve into the evolving role of UX designers, emphasising the importance of education, strategic thinking, and collaboration within organisations. They discuss the challenges designers face in being recognised for their value, the impact of design systems on creativity, and the necessity of building trust with stakeholders. The dialogue underscores the importance of designers influencing product direction while holding leadership accountable for cultivating a culture that prioritises UX. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of long-term thinking in design and the role of designers as disruptors in the industry. Takeaways UX designers must educate stakeholders about the value they bring.Design maturity varies significantly across organisations.Many designers feel underutilised in their roles.Strategic thinking is becoming essential for UX designers.Design systems can limit creativity and flexibility.Building trust with stakeholders is crucial for influence.Setting boundaries is essential for the designer's well-being.Long-term thinking is often neglected in product management.Modernising UI can be challenging to quantify in business value.Design leadership should take responsibility for educating the organisation. Chapters 01:12 – The Role of UX Designers in Education 10:45 – The Shift Towards Strategic UX 17:56 – The Impact of Design Systems on Creativity 27:53 – Influencing Stakeholders in UX Design 30:36 – Modernising Legacy Interfaces 32:23 – Involvement in Planning Meetings 35:54 – Navigating Stakeholder Relationships 37:06 – Challenging Bad Ideas 40:55 – Building Trust as a Designer 46:07 – Setting Boundaries in Design 49:09 – Proving Value as a Designer 50:56 – Accountability in Design Leadership Don't forget to: 👍 Like this video if you found it helpful. 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more insights. 💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! Follow Us: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-podcast-show/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedpodcastshow/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alignedpodcastshow • X: https://x.com/aligned_podcast

    56 min
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About

The Aligned Podcast Show, formerly DesignOps Aligned, is the essential listen for everyone who shapes digital products. From UX and UI creators to product managers, engineers, researchers, and delivery leads, we decode the playbooks, mindsets, and metrics that turn bold ideas into market-ready experiences. Expect candid conversations with trailblazing leaders and hands on practitioners, reusable frameworks that transform creativity into repeatable results, and a front row seat to the trends ranging from AI powered tools to outcome driven road mapping.  If you build, ship, or champion digital products, hit Subscribe and turn every episode into an edge that levels up your craft and drives real business impact.

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  • Creator
    The Aligned Podcast Show
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2025 The Aligned Podcast Show - All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The DesignOps Aligned Podcast Show