Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

High Monkey
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Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

Discussing Stupid returns to the airwaves to transform digital facepalms into teachable moments—all in the time it takes to enjoy your coffee break! Sponsored by High Monkey, this podcast dives into ‘stupid’ practices across websites and Microsoft collaboration tools, among other digital realms. Our "byte-sized" bi-weekly episodes are packed with expert insights and a healthy dose of humor. Discussions focus on five key areas: Business Process & Collaboration, UX/IA, Inclusive Design, Content & Search, and Performance & SEO. Join us and let’s start making the digital world a bit less stupid, one episode at a time.Visit our website at https://www.discussingstupid.com

  1. APR 29

    Want good UX? Expect less from your audience.

    In Episode 14, host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole dig into a core truth behind most UX mistakes: people don’t pay attention. From sending a message to the wrong person to confusing web forms, today’s digital missteps often stem from one thing—poorly designed experiences that expect users to be careful, focused, or even logical. But here’s the hard truth: they’re not. That’s why UX exists—to design for inattention, not perfection. In this episode, Virgil and Cole explore how small misjudgments in interface design can lead to big problems, and why it’s time to stop blaming the user and start designing smarter. They dig into key lessons and takeaways, including: ✅ Why assuming users will “just pay attention” is a guaranteed way to fail ✅ The danger of designing tools for internal teams instead of real users ✅ How AI and other tools can mislead teams if used without critical thinking ✅ Why user feedback beats assumptions—every single time ✅ What it really means to design for the lowest common denominator From confusing buttons and abandoned carts to real-world usability failures, Virgil shares insights from decades of experience that highlight how easy it is to get digital experiences wrong when we ignore how people actually behave. If you’ve ever wondered why people keep screwing up your carefully planned interface—or if you’re trying to build something that works for all humans, not just ideal ones—this episode’s for you. For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.   (0:00) - Intro (2:10) - People don't pay attention (4:41) - Are people bad at browsing or is tech too complex? (6:49) - Will AI shape the future of UX? (10:50) - The gap between internal assumptions and real user needs (14:27) - Build for the lowest common denominator (17:40) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    19 min

  2. APR 15

    Keys to balancing aesthetics and accessibility in web design

    In Episode 13.1, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole and developer Chad to talk about something deceptively complicated: color. Specifically, the intersection of color palettes, visual design, and accessibility—and why getting it wrong can tank your user experience.   While color choices often get made in design tools or branding meetings, they don’t always translate well to real-world implementation. The crew breaks down why the prettiest colors can create the ugliest accessibility problems once they hit the web. They dig into key challenges and lessons, including:   ✅ Why accessible design isn’t just about having the right colors—it's about using them correctly ✅ How contrast ratios break down across devices and screen sizes ✅ Why bright and “fun” color palettes often fail accessibility testing ✅ How to bring visual flair to a site without sacrificing inclusivity ✅ The difference between decorative vs. purposeful color use—and why it matters   From failed color combinations to misused font sizing, Virgil, Cole, and Chad share their own battle scars from High Monkey’s recent site redesign—and explain how inclusive design forces teams to think functionally, not just aesthetically.   If you’ve ever struggled to make your brand colors work on the web—or if you're tired of your site failing contrast tests but you still want some color pop—this episode’s for you.   For more conversations about digital strategy, UX, accessibility, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.     (0:00) - Intro (2:43) - Accessibility and your brand's color palette (6:03) - Factoring in font sizes (7:54) - I still want color pop on my website!! (11:36) - The approach we took with our new site's color scheme (15:13) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    16 min

  3. APR 1

    Finding the metadata "Goldilocks zone"

    In Episode 12, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey to dig into a deceptively tricky topic: metadata—what it is, how it works, and why getting it right is more about balance than perfection. Metadata plays a huge role in findability, search accuracy, and content structure. But when it comes to tagging your content, more isn’t always better—and less definitely isn’t enough. That’s where the concept of the “metadata Goldilocks zone” comes in. They unpack the most common metadata mistakes and what to do instead, including: ✅ Why under-tagging leaves your site relying on search engine guesswork ✅ How over-tagging renders metadata meaningless ✅ What makes a tag actually useful (and when it’s just noise) ✅ How to approach metadata as an evolving strategy—not a one-time fix Virgil shares hard-won lessons from consulting across industries, explaining why metadata success depends on both the structure and the context of your content. From internal file systems to public websites, they explore how to build better tagging frameworks without falling into analysis paralysis. To wrap things up, they offer a practical rule of thumb for anyone managing metadata: optimize for the 80% of user needs first—and let real usage data guide the rest.   For more conversations about digital strategy, search, UX, and all the ways we get it wrong (and how to get it right), visit www.discussingstupid.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. (0:00) - Intro (2:27) - What even is metadata? (4:10) - Metadata is not one-size-fits-all  (7:20) - The dangers of under tagging (10:00) - The dangers of over tagging (12:43) - Finding the “Goldilocks” zone with metadata (15:30) - Virgil’s verdict: Follow the 80/20 rule Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    18 min
  4. The challenges of translating design into a responsive website build

    MAR 18

    The challenges of translating design into a responsive website build

    Discussing Stupid has a new look! This episode marks the beginning of our refreshed brand—featuring a brand new website, sleek color scheme, updated album cover, and a restructured intro sequence. While our look has evolved, our mission remains the same: breaking down the biggest digital mistakes so you don’t have to make them. In Episode 11, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey, along with developer Chad, to tackle a common but frustrating issue—why web designs that look perfect in Figma often fall apart when built for real-world use. They explore the biggest challenges of translating static designs into fully responsive websites, including: ✅ The problem with designing for just one screen size ✅ Why text, images, and layouts often break in development ✅ What developers wish designers knew about responsive design ✅ Lessons learned from their own website redesign mistakes Chad shares a developer’s perspective on why rigid, pixel-perfect designs don’t always work and how to approach layouts with flexibility in mind. Through real-world experiences—including High Monkey’s own site rebuild—the team discusses the need for good communication between design and development and how to avoid the most common headaches. To close things out, they share practical tips on designing for multiple screen sizes, working more effectively with developers, and ensuring that your website doesn’t just look great—it actually functions for all the devices browsing your website. New intro, new look, new website, same crew ready to help you avoid dumb digital mistakes! Join us every two weeks for fresh episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com. (0:00) - Intro (2:06) Design is checkers… development is chess (4:53) Common responsive design fails (7:18) Unfortunately we are speaking from experience. (11:09) How many breakpoints do you design for??? (15:40) Designers & developers need to talk (18:07) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    19 min

  5. MAR 4

    10 episodes into podcasting, here are our thoughts

    In Episode 10 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey to reflect on reaching episode 10 and the ongoing journey of digital marketing beyond just launching a project. As they celebrate this milestone, they dive into why the launch is only the beginning of a much longer journey in the digital world. Virgil and Cole discuss the continuous effort required to maintain and grow digital projects like blogs, podcasts, websites, and more. They share personal experiences and lessons learned about adapting strategies based on analytics and listener feedback. The conversation highlights how even successful launches need follow-up actions to keep the momentum going and ensure long-term engagement. As the episode progresses, they explore the importance of constantly evolving digital marketing tactics to meet changing audience needs. Insights are shared on how they are in the process of tweaking their podcast's format and content to prevent listener drop-off, especially during the intro. To wrap up, practical tips are offered on how to effectively use analytics to drive content improvements and audience retention strategies. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the necessity for resilience in digital marketing and how to make incremental changes that significantly impact their projects' success. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com. (0:00) - Intro (0:47) - Let's hear it for Episode 10!!! (1:56) - The work starts POST launch (3:30) - Change is in the air for Discussing Stupid (5:18) - Our takeaways after 10 episodes (7:10) - Establish value RIGHT AWAY (8:45) - Analytics. Analytics. Analytics. (10:55) - A message for those who made it this far (11:36) - Digital marketing is not just social media (13:45) - Time to eat our own dog food (14:40) - Cole is moving into a penthouse (15:20) - Be intentional with your analytics & engagement (17:00) - Discussing Stupid is now a live case study (18:30) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    20 min

  6. FEB 18

    The chaos of modern workplace collaboration

    In Episode 9 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-host Cole from High Monkey to break down a frustrating reality of modern work: the overwhelming number of collaboration tools that don’t actually improve teamwork. With so many platforms—Slack, Teams, ClickUp, Figma, email, and more—why does collaboration feel more chaotic than ever? Virgil and Cole explore how the abundance of tools often leads to scattered conversations, lost information, and inefficiency, rather than better collaboration. They discuss real-world examples of how context gets lost in endless message threads, how teams juggle disconnected platforms, and why no single tool seems to solve the problem. As the conversation unfolds, they dig into why the issue isn’t just the tools, but also the processes behind them. They explore what effective workplace collaboration really looks like, sharing insights on how teams can reduce tool overload, set clear communication guidelines, and establish a single source of truth to prevent chaos. To close, they offer practical takeaways on improving collaboration—whether through better workflows, tool integration, or just picking a platform and sticking to it. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of why collaboration is broken and what steps can actually make it better. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com  (0:00) - Intro (1:24) - Modern collaboration: Many tools, little clarity (4:00) - Why the "perfect collaboration tool" is a false promise (7:30) - The path to streamlining collaboration (12:00) - It's about strategy, not just software (15:00) - Outro Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    17 min

  7. FEB 4

    Bad mobile button design is driving us crazy

    In Episode 8 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll is joined by co-hosts Chad and Cole from High Monkey to tackle a common yet overlooked frustration: poor mobile button design. The trio dissects why mobile usability remains such a challenge and explores how bad design impacts user experience on mobile devices. Virgil, Chad, and Cole highlight the pitfalls of prioritizing aesthetics over functionality, sharing real-life examples of frustrating mobile experiences—like accidentally disliking articles in Apple News due to poorly placed buttons. They dive into the broader challenges of mobile-first design, discussing how designers often fail to account for varying finger sizes, touch accuracy, and real-world usage patterns. As the discussion unfolds, the team offers actionable insights for improving mobile usability. From creating larger, well-spaced buttons to understanding mobile interaction patterns, they outline best practices to ensure users can navigate and interact with apps and websites effortlessly. To close, the team reflects on the importance of practical testing and design iteration to deliver seamless mobile experiences. Listeners will leave with practical tips and a deeper appreciation for the role of thoughtful design in modern digital experiences. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com. (0:00) - Intro (1:57) - Calling out poor mobile button design (3:46) - Some real life frustrations (6:07) - Challenges of mobile first design (9:11) - Optimizing mobile separately from desktop (12:17) - Think about how people operate (14:35) - Practical tips for better mobile buttons (17:00) - Outro LINKS Subscribe for Email Updates on Our Website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch Us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmX Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    18 min

  8. JAN 21

    AI alone won't fix your crappy content

    In Episode 7 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey tackle the buzz surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for technology, marketing, and content management. This episode explores the reality behind AI’s hype, focusing on the importance of high-quality content and structure to make AI truly effective. Virgil and Cole delve into the nuances of AI’s capabilities, examining the gap between its marketing promises and practical limitations. They discuss tools like schema.org and highlight the challenges organizations face in defining content effectively for AI and search engines. Drawing from years of experience, Virgil emphasizes that AI is only as good as the content it analyzes, echoing the need for robust content governance and thoughtful strategy. To wrap up, the duo discusses the potential applications of AI in areas like coding and keyword generation while cautioning against viewing it as a quick fix for deeper organizational issues. Listeners will leave with a clear understanding of how to prepare their content and strategies for success in an AI-driven world. Join us every two weeks for new episodes, and don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. For more resources and updates, visit www.discussingstupid.com. (0:00) - Intro (1:38) - Safe to say AI is the buzz right now (3:10) - Practical capabilities VS marketing hype (3:55) - Schema.org and AI (5:50) - AI is not a silver bullet (9:40) - Staying ahead in the transition to AI search (11:21) - AI will only be as good as your content (12:40) - End The article we referenced: https://www.cmswire.com/digital-experience/the-growing-importance-of-schemaorg-in-the-ai-era/?utm_source=cmswire.com&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=cm&utm_content=all-articles-rss Subscribe for email updates on our website: https://www.discussingstupid.com/ Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@discussingstupid Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Soundcloud: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/discussing-stupid-a-byte-sized-podcast-on-stupid-ux/id1428145024 https://open.spotify.com/show/0c47grVFmXk1cco63QioHp?si=87dbb37a4ca441c0 https://soundcloud.com/discussing-stupid Check us out on socials: https://www.linkedin.com/company/discussing-stupid https://www.instagram.com/discussingstupid/ https://www.facebook.com/discussingstupid https://x.com/DiscussStupid

    14 min
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About

Discussing Stupid returns to the airwaves to transform digital facepalms into teachable moments—all in the time it takes to enjoy your coffee break! Sponsored by High Monkey, this podcast dives into ‘stupid’ practices across websites and Microsoft collaboration tools, among other digital realms. Our "byte-sized" bi-weekly episodes are packed with expert insights and a healthy dose of humor. Discussions focus on five key areas: Business Process & Collaboration, UX/IA, Inclusive Design, Content & Search, and Performance & SEO. Join us and let’s start making the digital world a bit less stupid, one episode at a time.Visit our website at https://www.discussingstupid.com

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