The DesignOps Aligned Podcast Show

The Aligned Podcast Show

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.

Episodes

  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

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.