UX Fika Podcast

Anna Dahlström
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The UX Fika Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Anna Dahlström. In this show, she chats to friends from the UX, tech and conference scene and gets to know them at a deeper level than what group dinners and conferences usually allow.

  1. #17: Josh Clark & Veronika Kindred on Sentient Design, AI As A Material, And The Future of Interfaces

    4D AGO

    #17: Josh Clark & Veronika Kindred on Sentient Design, AI As A Material, And The Future of Interfaces

    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’s What 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 Growth Where 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

    1h 33m
  2. #16: Melissa Perri on Product Management in the Age of AI, the New Build Trap, and Opening A Restaurant

    SEP 23

    #16: Melissa Perri on Product Management in the Age of AI, the New Build Trap, and Opening A Restaurant

    In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I sit down with Melissa Perri, strategic adviser, author of Escaping the Build Trap, CEO of Produx Labs, and faculty member at Harvard Business School. We talk about why product management is more critical than ever as AI accelerates how we build, test, and ship ideas, and why the difference between great product managers and average ones is about to become starkly clear. Melissa shares why strategy, vision, and leadership can’t be automated, and how teams risk creating waste at scale if they don’t keep their focus on outcomes, and why companies still struggle to escape the build trap, even a decade after she first named it. We also explore what it means to take risks, how writing and teaching sharpens her thinking, and why renovations, side projects, and even opening a restaurant with her sister keeps her balanced and inspired. It’s a really lovely conversation about what it takes to build, whether that’s great products, a business, an actual restaurant, or a life in some place new. Plus: ☕️ Why cold brew, and sometimes a flat white, is Melissa’s go-to fika ⭐ Why don’t listen to people who have never done it tell you it won’t work is her advice What we cover: 02:12 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past 06:45 Starting Product Institute 10:10 The Impact of AI on Product Management 13:49 The Role of UX in Product Development 19:53 Understanding the Build Trap and Its Implications 28:57 Escaping the Build Trap: Insights and Updates 35:50 Self-Publishing: The Journey of Writing a Book 38:56 Self-publishing Compared to Having a Publisher 41:48 Iterative Learning: Feedback and Improvement 43:30 The Skillset of Writing 51:27 The Balance of Projects and Focus 56:34 Navigating Life Decisions and Business Ventures 01:02:48 Embracing Change and Community Connections 01:08:19 Advice on Overcoming Naysayers Where you’ll find Melissa: Product InstituteProduct Thinking PodcastEscaping The Build Trap (book)Product Operations (book) Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UX Fika website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    1h 13m
  3. #15: Giles Colborn on AI Native Organisations, Making Things Simple, And Three Core Values

    SEP 16

    #15: Giles Colborn on AI Native Organisations, Making Things Simple, And Three Core Values

    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 sofa What we cover: 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:05 The Journey to cxpartners 12:01 Transitioning from cxpartners 16:51 Reflections on Human-Centered Design 21:42 The Impact of AI on User Experience 26:46 Core Values and Creating a Productive Environment 33:32 Understanding Human-Centered Design 37:59 The Role of AI in User Experience 41:18 The Future of Browsing and User Interaction 44:40 Finding Clarity and Simplicity in Design 54:00 Bridging the Gap Between Management and Delivery Teams 59:50 The Impact of AI on Organizational Structure 01:03:30 Agility in the Age of AI 01:06:48 Leadership and AI: A Shift in Dynamics 01:08:46 Empowering Teams: The Role of Trust 01:11:38 Creativity and Innovation in Design 01:14:48 The Future of Design: Embracing Change 01:18:45 Ethics and Human-Centered Design 01:20:09 Fika: A Personal Touch in Conversations Where you’ll find Giles: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simple and Usable book Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    1h 28m
  4. #14: Richard Banfield on Second Harvest, Designing Your Next Chapter, And The Importance of Connection

    SEP 9

    #14: Richard Banfield on Second Harvest, Designing Your Next Chapter, And The Importance of Connection

    In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Richard Banfield — author, advisor, and co-founder of Second Harvest, a retreat and coaching venture that believes the second half of life can be the most creative, exciting, and rewarding. We talk about how the idea for Second Harvest came from Richard’s own transitions, and how he’s now applying the UX toolbox — mapping assumptions, testing hypotheses, running small experiments — to the story arc of people’s lives. He shares why the concept of product–market fit is just as relevant for humans as it is for startups, and why sometimes the challenge isn’t changing yourself to fit the world, but reshaping your environment to fit the identity you want to step into. Richard shares his own moments of identity override, what he’s learned from hosting retreats in places like the Austrian Alps, and how designing experiences without gurus or PowerPoints creates the conditions for people to truly connect —with themselves and with others. We also touch on the bigger picture: what human evolution might look like in an age of AI, and why learning to take things in your stride remains one of the most important skills of all. It’s an honest, reflective conversation about reinvention, resilience, and how to write your next chapter—whether that’s starting a business, rediscovering creativity, or simply finding the community you want to journey with. Plus: ☕️ Why a flat white is his go to fika, and La Fabrica in Girona is his favourite café ⭐ Why “The farmers will make a plan” is his advice What we cover: 00:00 Reconnecting After Years: A Warm Welcome 04:59 Introducing Second Harvest: A New Journey 08:14 Life Transitions: Embracing Change and New Beginnings 11:10 The Concept of Retirement: Redefining Purpose in Later Life 14:00 Finding Community: The Importance of Connection 17:07 The Participants of Second Harvest: Diverse Backgrounds and Shared Goals 20:03 The Power of Reinvention: Embracing New Identities 23:01 Design Thinking in Life: Applying Methodologies to Personal Growth 25:56 Challenging Assumptions: The Experimentation of Second Harvest 29:08 Creating Meaningful Experiences: The Role of Environment 32:00 The Importance of Reflection: Understanding Our Stories 35:00 The Future of Connection: Embracing Analog Experiences 38:13 Awakening the Senses: The Body-Mind Connection 40:59 Conclusion: The Journey Ahead 45:28 The Human Connection in Healthcare 47:40 Teaching Human Skills for the Future 48:39 Adapting to Environmental Challenges 51:33 Divergent Evolution and Future Possibilities 54:28 The Role of Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World 56:21 Embracing Change and New Experiences 01:01:43 Curating Meaningful Connections 01:08:09 The Importance of Staying Connected 01:12:26 Finding Purpose in the Second Harvest of Life Where you'll find Richard: LinkedIn⁠NewsletterSecond HarvestArtRichard on InstagramSecond Harvest on Instagram Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    1h 20m
  5. #13: Jared Spool on Proactive UX, Measuring The Right Thing, And Lessons From The History of Magic

    SEP 2

    #13: Jared Spool on Proactive UX, Measuring The Right Thing, And Lessons From The History of Magic

    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 tea What we cover: 01:04 Introduction to UX Fika Podcast and Guest Background 04:58 The Evolution of UX Conferences 08:14 The Shift in UX Education and Value Communication 10:23 Understanding UX Metrics and Outcomes 13:32 The Importance of Proactive UX Strategies 16:29 Building Expertise in UX Organizations 22:27 Measuring Success Beyond Conversion Rates 25:30 Measuring The Right Things 31:30 The role of UX for AI design 37:34 The Future of AI In Healthcare And UX 42:50 The Three Things To Focus On 43:42 What The Adelaide Score Teaches Us About Solving Problems 48:44 Understanding the Bigger Picture and Business Side of UX 49:48 The Magic of Experience 53:01 Jared's History With Magic 56:18 The Dying Art of Magic 58:56 Lessons from the History of Magic 01:10:26 The Illusion of Real-Time Communication 01:13:29 Making Your Audience And The People You Work With Look Good 01:18:31 Proactive UX Research 01:18:54 Why You Should Help Others Get Better Instead of Stopping Them Doing "Your" Work 01:23:50 The Science of the Obvious 01:27:38 The Importance of Clear Communication in Donations 01:32:38 Understanding UX Outcomes and Their Impact 01:36:04 Future Plans And Thinking in Design and UX 01:40:35 The Joy of Continuous Learning and Exploration 01:41:00 The Hunt For Fika 01:49:15 Life Lessons and Personal Reflections Where you’ll find Jared: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedInBlueSkyLeaders of Awesomeness CommunityCenter Centre Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

    1h 57m
  6. Trailer Season 3 - The Conference People

    SEASON 3 TRAILER

    Trailer Season 3 - The Conference People

    Hi and welcome to season 3 of the UX Fika podcast. I'm your host Anna and I knew I wanted to do this podcast but I had no idea just how much I would love it. Re-listening to the chats from 2021 and then doing the the catch up chats in season 2 has given me so much and I'm pleased to share that as of today episodes of season 3 will start to be released. Season 3 is called the ‘Conference people’ and include conversations with some of the people I've met and gotten to know whilst speaking at conferences. The list is long, and it's an exciting one. We'll see just how many I'll include in season 3, as there is some urgency to the guests I want to speak to in season 4, but what's sure is that episodes will be released each Tuesday. And just as with the guests of season 1 and 2, it's people that I in one way or another know. Some fairly well, some less so, but through these chats I'll get to know them a whole lot more, and I hope you will too.

    1 min
  7. #12: Jonty Sharples on Global Teams, Career Transitions, And How Design Leadership Must Adapt

    AUG 19

    #12: Jonty Sharples on Global Teams, Career Transitions, And How Design Leadership Must Adapt

    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 listen What we cover: 02:01 Introduction and Catching Up 02:22 Working From A Wooden Box 04:49 Reflections on Remote Work and Team Dynamics 10:56 Career Transitions and Learning Experiences 11:30 Understanding eSIM Technology and Market Dynamics 17:46 Navigating Career Breaks and Job Market Changes 20:11 Building a Niche and Consulting Strategies 27:59 Job Titles and Industry Trends 41:56 The Evolution of UX Design Roles 44:20 Leadership in Design: The Player-Coach Dilemma 45:13 The Future of Work: AI and Human Collaboration 47:44 Communication Skills in a Globalized Workforce 49:30 Navigating Change: The Impact of AI on Jobs 53:23 Education and the Role of Design in Shaping Futures 58:04 Personal Growth and Career Transitions 01:03:51 The Importance of Hiring Smart 01:09:21 Job Market Realities and Networking Strategies Where you’ll find Jonty: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ If 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

    1h 29m
  8. #11: Be Kaler Pilgrim on Executive Search, Walk And Talk Meetings, And Starting a New Business

    AUG 12

    #11: Be Kaler Pilgrim on Executive Search, Walk And Talk Meetings, And Starting a New Business

    In this episode of UX Fika podcast, I reconnect with Be Kaler Pilgrim – founder of Smithfield Search and long-time leader in the digital recruitment world. When we last spoke in 2021, Be was still running Futureheads Recruitment, navigating a pandemic and a shifting job market. Four years later, we catch up on what’s changed, not the least in recruitment. We talk about why she launched a new business focused on executive search, what lies ahead for design leaders, and hiring over all. We talk about the similarities between the early days of digital and right now with AI, how AI is shaping the skills companies are looking for, and why building relationships still matters more than anything else. It’s also a conversation about life post 40, motherhood and the constant juggle between work and home life, parenting in this day and age, and about learning to drive later in life. And last but not least, how small rituals – from gardening to wellness drinks – help her stay grounded. Plus: ☕️ Why wellness drinks is now her go-to fika ⭐ Why give it a go is her advice What we cover: 01:46 Life Changes and New Beginnings 03:42 Market Trends and Business Insights 07:35 Navigating Job Market Challenges 10:31 Personal Experiences and Parenting Challenges 18:05 Navigating Motherhood and Career Challenges 21:12 Launching a New Business: Smithfield Search 24:42 The Role of AI in Upskilling and Job Security 33:45 Reflections on Age and Personal Growth 40:48 Navigating the Hiring Landscape 43:25 The Role of Freelancers and Consultants 44:49 Career Transitions for Experienced Designers 47:21 The Impact of COVID on Junior Talent 51:17 Advice for Job Seekers in a Competitive Market 53:18 Understanding Executive Search Dynamics 56:00 Building a Personal Brand and Business 57:06 Executive Search 58:18 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges 01:01:24 Personal Growth Through Life Experiences Where you’ll find Be: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smithfield Search Website⁠⁠⁠⁠Futureheads Website⁠ Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ If you liked this episode, help us reach more people by following, leaving a rating and a review. ~ #recruitment #futureheads #uxdesign #agencies #business #technology #careeradvice #productdesign #tech #scaleups #empathy #uxfika #uxfikapodcast #bekalerpilgrim #smithfieldsearch

    1h 13m
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About

The UX Fika Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Anna Dahlström. In this show, she chats to friends from the UX, tech and conference scene and gets to know them at a deeper level than what group dinners and conferences usually allow.

Information

  • Creator
    Anna Dahlström
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Anna Dahlström
  • Show Website
    UX Fika Podcast