Make an IIIMPACT - The User Inexperience Podcast

Makoto Kern
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IIIMPACT is a Product UX Design and Development Strategy Consulting Agency. We emphasize strategic planning, intuitive UX design, and better collaboration between business, design to development. By integrating best practices with our clients, we not only speed up market entry but also enhance the overall quality of software products. We help our clients launch better products, faster. We explore topics about product, strategy, design and development. Hear stories and learnings on how our experienced team has helped launch 100s of software products in almost every industry vertical.

  1. The AI Burnout Trap: When Effort Stops Guaranteeing Progress

    May 29

    The AI Burnout Trap: When Effort Stops Guaranteeing Progress

    Are you running as fast as you can just to stay in the same place? In this Season 2 premiere of the Make An Impact Podcast, Makoto Kern and Brynley Evans dive into the Red Queen Effect—a phenomenon from evolutionary biology and Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass that perfectly explains the burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion of the 2026 AI landscape. In this episode, we explore why "effort no longer guarantees progress" and how the baseline of competence is shifting so fast that standing still is actually falling behind. Whether you’re a senior leader, a junior developer, or a business owner, understanding this system is the key to surviving the next wave of disruption. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 1871 Origins: How a Victorian satire predicted the struggle of the modern knowledge worker. Evolutionary "Fitness": Why your success is now comparative, not absolute. The Death of the Entry-Level Role: How AI is cutting the bottom rungs off the career ladder. Legacy vs. Adaptation: Why loyalty to your past success is a "career death sentence." Augmentation vs. Abdication: Practical strategies to choose which races to run—and which to walk away from. Stop running faster. Start running wiser. Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 – The Red Queen Paradox: Why effort no longer guarantees progress.00:30 – Season 2 Premiere: YouTube awards and the reality of AI burnout.01:25 – The Anxiety of the Gap: Trying to keep up with the weekly tech shifts.02:15 – Through the Looking Glass: The 1871 origins of the Red Queen Effect.04:10 – Cheetah vs. Gazelle: Why evolutionary fitness is comparative, not absolute.05:45 – The Rising Baseline: You aren't failing; the environment is moving.06:50 – Business Darwinism: Kodak vs. Fujifilm and the cost of loyalty to history.08:15 – Innovation Half-Life: Why new features become "standard" in months.10:45 – The 2-Year Rule: Why staying too long at one company is a career risk.12:15 – Death of the Entry Level: How AI is cutting the bottom rungs of the ladder.15:30 – The Business "Cheat Code": How IIIMPACT helps you bypass the learning curve.18:20 – Skill Expiration: What happens when learning loses its payoff?20:45 – Augment or Abdicate: Choosing your path in a high-velocity market.25:00 – Managing "Brain Fry": Why rest is a strategic move for survival.27:15 – Final Thoughts: Running wiser, not just faster, in 2026. The "Cheat Code" for Your Software Challenges | iiimpact.aiIn a Red Queen system, the steepest cost is the Learning Curve. Most organizations spend years making costly mistakes while trying to build specialized software expertise internally. IIIMPACT.ai acts as your "Cheat Code."We provide instant access to over 20 years of specialized UX and AI product strategy. While the market forces you to run faster, we help you skip the "grind" and move directly to solutions that work. Reduce Go-To-Market time by 50%.Transform complex tech into intuitive human experiences.Solve in weeks what takes others years. Don't run the race alone. Schedule a free strategy session focused on your unique challenges at iiimpact.ai Follow Makoto Kern on Twitter/X for more on Agentic Workflows and UX Strategy: @makeaniiimpactyt SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ►   / @makeaniiimpactyt  LISTEN ON: ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/43NxDth... ADD IIIMPACT ON:INSTAGRAM:

    34 min
  2. Is there a Dark Side to having an AI Companion?

    11/20/2025

    Is there a Dark Side to having an AI Companion?

    Is talking to an AI companion cheating? Is recreating a dead loved one with code a miracle or a curse? In this episode of Make an IIIMPACT, we dive deep into the terrifying and beautiful world of AI companionship and Digital Resurrection. We discuss the "Grief Bot" phenomenon, where people are using AI to talk to the dead, and the "Perfect Partner" trap that threatens to make human connection obsolete. We uncover the dark side of "clean" AI love and ask the question: If an AI listens perfectly and remembers everything, does it matter if it has no soul? READY TO INTEGRATE AI INTO YOUR BUSINESS? If AI is powerful enough to simulate the human soul, imagine what it can do for your business operations. Don't get left behind in the AI revolution. At iiimpact.io, we specialize in custom AI integration and consulting. We help forward-thinking companies leverage the same technologies discussed in this video to automate workflows, enhance customer experience, and build proprietary AI tools. 👉 Check out client testimonials and book a consultation to see how we have created a "cheat code" to help you launch the right software product faster and that your customers actually want to use: https://solutions.iiimpact.io  Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: The Loneliness Epidemic & Defining "Human" 04:42 - The Rise of AI Companions: Designing for Comfort or Dependency? 08:44 - The "Chinese Room" Argument: Do AI Companions Actually Feel? 20:36 - Digital Resurrection: The Dark Side of "Grief Bots" 30:14 - The Mirror & The Soul: Arrogance of Human Consciousness SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ► https://www.youtube.com/@UCfV9ltRpRuggt56dVgZ3o9Q LISTEN ON: ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-an-iiimpact-the-user-inexperience-podcast/id1746450913 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/43NxDthLmfF1NFjwedNTmv?si=4223272eba4e4eb8 ADD IIIMPACT ON:INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/iiimpactdesign/X: https://x.com/theiiimpact

    38 min
  3. Is AI Making Us Forget How To Think?

    10/24/2025

    Is AI Making Us Forget How To Think?

    Dive into the mind-bending world of AI with "Outsourcing Our Minds: Are We Becoming Too Dependent on AI?" on the Make an IIIMPACT Podcast! Hosts Makoto Kern and Brynley Evans, AI / Product strategists at IIIMPACT, unpack the cognitive shift happening right now—where AI evolves from a simple tool to a full proxy for our thinking. From generational divides (Xennials vs. AI-Natives) to the dangers of cognitive offloading (hello, Google Effect on steroids), we explore if AI is empowering us or eroding our critical thinking. Discover future scenarios: Co-evolution (humans + AI in harmony), Atrophy (deep knowledge fades into "generative sludge"), or Hybrid (AI literacy as a core skill). But here's the real question: In a world where thinking deeply is optional, how do you ensure your business thrives? At IIIMPACT, we specialize in AI integration and consulting—turning complex AI systems into intuitive, human-empowering tools that boost efficiency without sacrificing cognition. Whether you're integrating AI agents, copilots, or custom solutions, our 20+ years of expertise can cut your go-to-market time by 50%, skyrocket NPS scores, and avoid costly pitfalls. If you're a startup, Fortune 500, or anywhere in between struggling with AI adoption, digital transformation, or UX for software products—don't outsource your success to chance. Schedule a FREE strategy session at https://iiiimpact.io and let's co-evolve your AI journey. Don't build your company's future on a foundation of sludge. At IIIMPACT, we don't just "add AI." We are enterprise-level UX strategists who design the "Hybrid" future. We build "cognitive scaffolding" that amplifies your team's intelligence, turning "Analog Thinking" into your new competitive advantage. Before you invest another dollar in an AI integration that's hollowing out your company's brain, you need to hear this. Book a free, no-obligation AI Strategy Session with our expert team. Let's build an AI that makes your team smarter, not replaceable. ➡️ https://solutions.iiimpact.io Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: The Cognitive Shift02:00 Framing the AI Landscape05:30 Generational Impacts12:00 Cognitive Offloading: Help or Harm?18:00 Future Scenarios29:00 Closing: Deep Thinking in an AI World SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ► https://www.youtube.com/@UCfV9ltRpRuggt56dVgZ3o9Q LISTEN ON: ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-an-iiimpact-the-user-inexperience-podcast/id1746450913 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/43NxDthLmfF1NFjwedNTmv?si=4223272eba4e4eb8 ADD IIIMPACT ON:INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/iiimpactdesign/X: https://x.com/theiiimpact

    34 min
  4. The AI Competence Mirage - Why 90% of AI Investments are Failing

    09/30/2025

    The AI Competence Mirage - Why 90% of AI Investments are Failing

    Is your company pouring money into AI with nothing to show for it? You are not alone. A shocking 95% of companies investing in AI are failing to see any return on their investment. The "AI Competence Mirage" is costing businesses millions, and executives are falling for it. In this episode of "Make an IIIMPACT," we expose the hard truths about the current state of AI and why most so-called "AI" is nothing more than a flashy demo. Join hosts Makoto Kern and Brynley Evans, part of the IIIMPACT AI / UX Integration team as they pull back the curtain on the AI hype. Discover why your expensive enterprise AI contract might just be a wrapper for a free tool like ChatGPT, and why this is a recipe for disaster. We dissect the common patterns of AI failure, from chasing features over substance to the dangers of generic, one-size-fits-all solutions. But it's not all doom and gloom. We also reveal the secrets to successful AI integration. Learn how to build a real, sustainable competitive advantage with domain-specific AI infrastructure. We provide a framework of critical questions every leader must ask before investing in any AI project, ensuring you're building a future-proof foundation for your business, not an illusion. Timestamps:0:00 - The shocking 95% failure stat (perfect hook)3:09 - Builder.ai bankruptcy story (real cautionary tale)7:47 - AI Competence Mirage explanation (your core concept)26:28 - Vending machine analogy (memorable metaphor)30:28 - House vs tent analogy (powerful closing) Don't let your company become another statistic. It's time to separate the AI mirage from reality. If you're ready to stop wasting money and start building a real AI strategy that delivers tangible results, we can help. At iiimpact.io, we specialize in cutting through the hype and integrating AI that works. We help you build the infrastructure for a lasting competitive advantage. Contact us today for a consultation and let's discuss how we can transform your AI vision into a reality. Your business's future depends on it. Solutions.iiimpact.io - check out what our recent clients have said about partnering with us to launch a faster and better software product strategy. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ► https://www.youtube.com/@UCfV9ltRpRuggt56dVgZ3o9Q LISTEN ON: ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-an-iiimpact-the-user-inexperience-podcast/id1746450913 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/43NxDthLmfF1NFjwedNTmv?si=4223272eba4e4eb8 ADD IIIMPACT ON:INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/iiimpactdesign/X: https://x.com/theiiimpact

    34 min

  5. 09/17/2025

    Warning: AI Agents Are Coming for Your Job. Here's How to Survive.

    Is your job safe from the rise of AI? The AI agent revolution is not a distant future—it's happening now. In this episode of "Make an IIIMPACT," we pull back the curtain on the technology that’s poised to disrupt every industry and redefine the future of work. We dissect the capabilities of AI agents, explore the jobs most at risk, and reveal the opportunities that will emerge from this seismic shift. Don't be a bystander in the biggest technological transformation of our time. Your business, your career, and your future are on the line. If you're not prepared for what's coming, you risk being left behind. The insights in this video are not just theoretical—they are a survival guide for the new era of work. Is your company ready to harness the power of AI? Or will you be outmaneuvered by competitors who are already integrating this technology? The time to act is now. Contact us at iiimpact.io to discuss how we can help you navigate the complexities of AI integration and turn this disruption into your greatest competitive advantage. Your company's future depends on it. TImestamps:0:00 Opening: The AI Revolution is Here2:30 What Are AI Agents?8:00 Current State of AI Agent Adoption15:00 Jobs Most at Risk25:00 New Opportunities Emerging35:00 The Business Leader's Dilemma42:00 How to Future-Proof Your Future48:00 Your Next Steps52:00 Contact iiimpact.io for AI Integration About IIIMPACT.io: IIIMPACT has been in business for +20 years. Our growth success has been rewarded by being on the Inc. 5000 for the past 3 years in a row as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US.  Product Strategy to Design to Development - we reshape how you bring software visions to life. Our unique approach is designed to minimize risk and circumvent common challenges, ensuring our clients can bring innovative and impactful products to market with confidence and efficiency. We're the strategic AI integration consultancy that helps enterprises and SaaS companies navigate the AI transformation. With decades of proven success, we've helped organizations across Cybersecurity, Energy, Logistics, Healthcare, and more build AI-enhanced software products that users love and deliver measurable ROI. 👉 Book your strategic assessment at https://solutions.iiimpact.io before your competition does. Speaker Bios Makoto Kern - Founder and UX Principal at IIIMPACT - a UX Product Design and Development Consulting agency. IIIMPACT has been on the Inc 5000 for the past 3 consecutive years and is one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies. His team has successively launched 100s of digital products over the past +20 years in almost every industry vertical. IIIMPACT helps clients get from the 'Boardroom concept to Code' faster by reducing risk and prioritizing the best UX processes through their clients' teams. Brynley Evans - Lead UX Strategist and Front End Developer - Leading large-scale enterprise software projects for the past +10 years, he possesses a diverse skill set and is driven by a passion for user-centered design; he works on every phase of a project from concept to final deliverable, adding value at each stage. He's recently been part of IIIMPACT's leading AI Integration team, which helps companies navigate, reduce their risk, and integrate AI into their enterprise applications more effectively. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ►   https://www.youtube.com/@UCfV9ltRpRuggt56dVgZ3o9Q LISTEN ON:ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-an-iiimpact-the-user-inexperience-podcast/id1746450913SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/43NxDthLmfF1NFjwedNTmv?si=4223272eba4e4eb8 ADD IIIMPACT ON:INSTAGRAM:   https://www.instagram.com/iiimpactdesign/X: https://x.com/theiiimpact

    54 min
  6. The BIGGEST Mistakes Teachers and Schools Are Making With AI

    08/21/2025

    The BIGGEST Mistakes Teachers and Schools Are Making With AI

    WARNING: The way we've educated our children for the last 20 years is now obsolete. The "AI divide" isn't just a buzzword; it's a crisis that is creating two classes of students: those prepared for an AI-augmented future and those being left behind. The methods that once worked are now a disservice, leaving students unprepared for a world where 85% of the jobs in 2035 haven't even been invented yet. In this critical episode of "Make an IIIMPACT," we expose the "calculator myth" and the devastating consequences of ignoring AI's role in education. We're not just talking about technology; we're talking about a fundamental shift in how we prepare the next generation for the real world. We bring in voices from the front lines: Scott Harden, a Pasadena Unified School Board member and our own Product Innovation Strategist, and Dan Salas, a 26-year veteran teacher with 19 years in special education. They reveal the raw, unfiltered truth about the struggles and triumphs of AI integration in our schools. This episode is a must-watch for:School Administrators & Policymakers: Discover how to navigate the AI transition, avoid costly legal liabilities, and implement effective, district-wide AI strategies.Teachers & Educators: Learn how AI can save you up to 10 hours a week on administrative tasks, reduce burnout, and allow you to focus on what truly matters: your students.Parents: Understand the skills your children actually need for the future and how to advocate for them.Business Leaders & Innovators: See the future of learning and how to build the tools that will shape it. Ready to lead the change? Your organization, school or product cannot afford to be left behind. At solutions.iiimpact.io, we turn the chaos of digital transformation into predictable wins. We provide the strategic roadmap to integrate AI in a way that enhances, not replaces, human capability. Don't wait for the tsunami to hit. Contact us today for a strategic ai consultation and let's build the future of education, together. ➡️ Schedule your AI strategy session now: makoto@iiimpact.io check out our education page -- https://ai-for-k12.iiimpact.io Time-stamps:00:00 - The Coming Tsunami: Why AI is Different08:13 - The 3 Critical Areas of AI Policy for Schools13:48 - A Teacher's Secret Weapon: Saving 10+ Hours a Week20:30 - The Hidden Legal Risks of Ignoring AI in Special Education32:36 - The "Invisible AI" Solution for Overwhelmed Teachers46:24 - The #1 Barrier to AI Adoption: Budgets & Privacy52:30 - A Call to Action for the Future of Learning Solutions.iiimpact.io Learn more about our work with Yaskawa: https://www.iiimpact.io/client-stories/yaskawa-roboticsFollow us on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productuxdesigner/X: https://x.com/theiiimpactInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iiimpactdesign/

    56 min
  7. This UX Redesign Saved the World's Largest Robotics Company

    08/04/2025

    This UX Redesign Saved the World's Largest Robotics Company

    Is your company's cutting-edge technology being held back by a clunky, outdated interface? You're not alone. 90% of factories haven't embraced automation, not because of technological limitations, but because the user experience is too complex. In this episode of "Make an IIIMPACT," we pull back the curtain on how we helped Yaskawa, the world's largest robotics company, transform their user interface from a complex system that took weeks to learn into an intuitive experience that new operators could master in just one hour. This isn't just a story about robotics; it's a story about the future of your business. What You'll Learn: Why technically superior robots are losing to "inferior" competitorsThe $74 billion UX opportunity hiding in plain sightHow AI + Voice interfaces are eliminating programming entirelyReal case study: 80% reduction in setup time, 75% fewer errorsWhy Jensen Huang calls this "the ChatGPT moment for robotics" While competitors struggle with complex interfaces requiring weeks of training, smart companies are deploying robots in HOURS using intuitive UX design. Universal Robots created an entire market category through better UXVoice commands now program industrial robots in real-timeAI eliminates 95% of traditional coding requirementsSetup times dropped from weeks to single daysTRANSFORMATION RESULTS:  - 80% reduction in operator training time - 60% faster task completion - 75% fewer operator errors - 85% reduction in support costs - 40% increase in customer satisfaction WHO NEEDS TO WATCH THIS: Manufacturing executives, automation engineers, UX designers, AI consultants, factory managers, robotics companies, industrial software developers, and anyone responsible for digital transformation in manufacturing. NEED HELP WITH YOUR AI/ROBOTICS UX PROJECT? IIIMPACT has 20+ years transforming complex B2B systems into intuitive experiences. We've launched hundreds of digital products and provide the "cheat code" to successful software launches. Contact us: https://solutions.iiimpact.iofor your robotics UX transformation. Turn your chaotic automation projects into predictable wins. Learn more about our work with Yaskawa: https://www.iiimpact.io/client-stories/yaskawa-robotics Follow us on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/productuxdesigner/X: https://x.com/theiiimpactInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iiimpactdesign/

    50 min
  8. AI Bubble vs Dotcom Crash: History Repeating?

    07/15/2025

    AI Bubble vs Dotcom Crash: History Repeating?

    Leaked Documents Expose The Truth! WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER - The Hidden Technical Debt Crisis: Why AI systems are held together with "digital duct tape" and what this means for your business investments- The Copyright Cover-Up Strategy: Leaked internal documents reveal how AI companies are programming systems to deny mistakes instead of fixing core problems- The Two Types of Companies by 2027: Our bold prediction about which businesses will survive the AI shakeout and which will become the next Pets.com- The "Vibe Coding" Phenomenon: How inexperienced developers are shipping AI-assisted code without understanding it, creating systemic vulnerabilities- The Real AI Success Formula: Why user experience beats technical sophistication every time (with real case studies)- Investment Red Flags: The warning signs that separate genuine AI innovation from dangerous speculation- The Survival Playbook: Practical strategies for building AI implementations that will thrive regardless of market conditions SHOCKING STATISTICS - $5 Trillion: Total market value wiped out in the dotcom crash—and why the AI crash could be worse- 400% Rise: NASDAQ's meteoric climb from 1995-2000 before crashing 78%—eerily similar to today's AI valuations- $300B to $2T: Nvidia's market cap explosion in under 2 years, mirroring Cisco's pre-crash trajectory- 10% Stock Boost: Average gain companies see just by mentioning "AI" in earnings calls, regardless of actual implementation- 60-70% Accuracy: Real AI success story—transforming 1800s cursive document translation from 1% to 70% accuracy- 50-100x Revenue: How AI startups are being valued with no clear path to profitability- 6,471 Lines of Code: What it takes just to make Claude's web search work—revealing the complexity crisis underneath- 90% Failure Rate: Our prediction for AI startups that will collapse when the bubble bursts WHO NEEDS TO WATCH THIS ✅ CEOs & Business Leaders making AI investment decisions worth millions✅ Startup Founders building products on AI platforms who could lose everything✅ Product Managers responsible for AI feature integration and user adoption✅ Investors & VCs trying to separate genuine AI opportunities from hype-driven bubbles✅ Software Development Teams using AI-assisted coding tools without understanding the risks✅ Enterprise Decision Makers evaluating AI vendors and implementation strategies✅ Technology Consultants advising clients on AI adoption and digital transformation Timestamps:7:30 - The leaked Claude documents revelation 10:45 - "Vibe coding" explanation 22:00 - personal AI success story 29:30 - Our bold 2027 prediction  About IIIMPACT.io: IIIMPACT has been in business for +20 years. Our growth success has been rewarded by being on the Inc. 5000 for the past 3 years in a row as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US.  Product Strategy to Design to Development - we reshape how you bring software visions to life. Our unique approach is designed to minimize risk and circumvent common challenges, ensuring our clients can bring innovative and impactful products to market with confidence and efficiency. We're the strategic AI integration consultancy that helps enterprises and SaaS companies navigate the AI transformation. With decades of proven success, we've helped organizations across Cybersecurity, Energy, Logistics, Healthcare, and more build AI-enhanced software products that users love and deliver measurable ROI. 👉 Book your strategic assessment at https://www.iiimpact.io/lets-talk before your competition does. Speaker Bios Makoto Kern - Founder and UX Principal at IIIMPACT - a UX Product Design and Development Consulting agency. IIIMPACT has been on the Inc 5000 for the past 3 consecutive years and is one of the fastest-growing privately-owned companies. His team has successively launched 100s of digital products over the past +20 years in almost every industry vertical. IIIMPACT helps clients get from the 'Boardroom concept to Code' faster by reducing risk and prioritizing the best UX processes through their clients' teams. Brynley Evans - Lead UX Strategist and Front End Developer - Leading large-scale enterprise software projects for the past +10 years, he possesses a diverse skill set and is driven by a passion for user-centered design; he works on every phase of a project from concept to final deliverable, adding value at each stage. He's recently been part of IIIMPACT's leading AI Integration team, which helps companies navigate, reduce their risk, and integrate AI into their enterprise applications more effectively. SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ►   https://www.youtube.com/@UCfV9ltRpRuggt56dVgZ3o9Q LISTEN ON:ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-an-iiimpact-the-user-inexperience-podcast/id1746450913SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/43NxDthLmfF1NFjwedNTmv?si=4223272eba4e4eb8 ADD IIIMPACT ON:INSTAGRAM:   https://www.instagram.com/iiimpactdesign/X: https://x.com/theiiimpact Strategic planning at solutions.iiimpact.io Comprehensive AI integration and optimization from UX front-end and back-end?Need help building AI products users love?Need better conversion rate or UX / UI?Strategic AI and product strategy workshops that save millions of $$ and months of time: solutions.iiimpact.io

    32 min
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About

IIIMPACT is a Product UX Design and Development Strategy Consulting Agency. We emphasize strategic planning, intuitive UX design, and better collaboration between business, design to development. By integrating best practices with our clients, we not only speed up market entry but also enhance the overall quality of software products. We help our clients launch better products, faster. We explore topics about product, strategy, design and development. Hear stories and learnings on how our experienced team has helped launch 100s of software products in almost every industry vertical.

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