Pixelated Path

Chris Abad
  • 5.0 (2)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Pixelated Path is your map to navigate the exciting, sometimes challenging, journey of being a UX designer. We explore practical tips, share inspiring stories, and equip you with the tools to level up your skills and carve your own path to design mastery. www.pixelatedpath.com

  1. 03/10/2025

    Why Your Design Team Feels Stuck (And How to Fix It)

    Episode Description In this episode, Chris Abad sits down with Dean Broadley, a design leader who transformed a banking design team of 150+ people and founded Designing Humans. Dean shares his unconventional journey from teenage comic book designer to design leadership, revealing why self-awareness is the missing ingredient in most design teams. Learn why Dean believes mistakes are your greatest assets, how to identify when designers are stuck, and practical techniques to foster growth through reframing and embracing discomfort. About Dean Broadley Dean Broadley is the founder of Designing Humans, a consultancy focused on helping companies build effective design teams. With experience leading large design organizations across multiple countries, Dean specializes in helping designers break through career plateaus by focusing on self-awareness and relationship-building rather than rigid processes. His philosophy centers on the idea that "you're not designing experiences or products, you're designing humans." Key Topics & Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Early Influences and First Design Job 03:03 University Challenges and Digital Shift 06:24 Breaking Boundaries and Finding Opportunities 14:29 Founding Designing Humans 16:50 Implementing New Processes and Structures 20:01 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Relationships 20:10 Building Products People Love 20:30 Team Dynamics and Self-Knowledge 20:53 Honest Conversations with Customers 23:25 Tools for Improving Self-Awareness 25:16 Helping Others Overcome Challenges 29:36 Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities 33:37 Evolving Leadership Styles 40:33 Advice for Early Career Designers 42:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Quotes "You cannot be in any effective relationship without knowing yourself really, really well." - Dean Broadley "We ask permission to participate in the lives of our customers. They're not thinking about us. And that's okay." - Dean Broadley "Nine times out of ten, when a system's not working, it has nothing to do with what you drew on a slide." - Dean Broadley "Just get stuck in. There's no time for perfection. There's only time for effectiveness." - Dean Broadley "I am long-term lazy. I will work very hard so I don't have to work again." - Dean Broadley "If it wasn't for my mistakes, I wouldn't know half the things I know." - Dean Broadley Resources Mentioned Johari Window - A self-awareness tool Dean uses for personal and team development Formula D Interactive - The company where Dean got his first professional design job Connect with Dean Broadley LinkedIn: ⁠Dean Broadley⁠ Twitter/X: ⁠@BroadleySpoken⁠ Connect with Chris Abad LinkedIn: ⁠Chris Abad⁠ Twitter/X: ⁠@chrisabad⁠ Website: ⁠pixelatedpath.com⁠ Newsletter: ⁠Pixelated Path on Substack Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    43 min

  2. 02/24/2025

    Your Most Powerful Design Asset: A Portfolio That Tells a Story

    In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad discusses the secrets of creating standout UX design portfolios with industry expert Stefan Klosik. Stefan reveals how hiring managers often make interview decisions within 60 seconds of viewing a portfolio, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, clarity, and showcasing a few strong projects. Key topics include the significance of presenting design constraints, the balance of words and images, and the future role of designers in an AI-driven world. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to land their next UX job. 00:00 Introduction 01:02 College Days and Early Design Experiences 03:41 First Job and Learning on the Job 04:14 Navigating the Dot-Com Boom 05:58 Building a Career in Design 08:18 The Importance of a Strong Portfolio 10:03 Tips for Crafting a Compelling Portfolio 15:21 Evaluating Portfolios and Hiring Designers 24:19 Training Recruiters and Final Thoughts 29:03 Exploring Design Thinking Beyond School 29:43 The Value of Constraints in Design Projects 30:28 Balancing Real-World Constraints and Creativity 33:27 The Role of AI in Modern Design 35:04 Future Skills for Designers in an AI-Driven World 46:55 Critical Thinking and Judgment in Design 58:27 Practical Tips for Building a Design Portfolio 01:03:46 Connecting and Sharing Your Work Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    1h 5m

  3. 02/10/2025

    How Jessica Sommer Turned Layoffs into Launchpads for Reinvention

    In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad sits down with Jessica Sommer to explore the realities of layoffs, resilience, and career reinvention in the tech industry. Jessica shares her personal experiences with job loss, navigating leadership shifts, and balancing career growth with personal challenges. From her high school fascination with truth and research to facing life-altering events, Jessica offers profound insights on adapting to change, maintaining empathy in leadership, and leveraging interdisciplinary skills. Through her honest and inspiring narrative, this episode provides valuable lessons for any UX professional looking to future-proof their career and navigate the ups and downs of the tech world. 00:00 Facing Job Loss in Tech: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity 00:54 Jessica's Journey: From High School to University Research 04:46 Navigating Early Career Challenges and Personal Loss 08:44 The Importance of Empathy and Innovation in the Workplace 13:22 Balancing Work, Personal Well-being, and Mentorship 16:56 The Role of Empathy and Physical Well-being in Leadership 23:10 Adapting to Change: Layoffs, AI, and the Future of Work 28:15 Responding to Career Setbacks: Advice for the New Generation 29:19 Navigating Company Layoffs 30:57 Personal Experiences with Layoffs 32:59 Starting Over: A New Beginning 33:40 Lessons from Managing Layoffs 42:29 Balancing Career and Parenthood 47:34 Creating a Supportive Work Environment 55:05 Final Thoughts and Future Plans Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    57 min

  4. 01/27/2025

    How a Jamaican Creative Leader Turned Uncertainty into Opportunity—and How You Can Do the Same

    In this candid interview, host Chris Abad sits down with Jason Bly, a seasoned design leader, to explore his journey from Jamaica to leading major design projects at Google. The episode delves into Jason's early struggles, his time at Kodak, and his transition to Google, where he contributed to the redesign of the Google homepage. Jason shares insights on the importance of taking risks, building resilience, and staying adaptable in an unpredictable career path. He also reflects on his recent layoff and how he's using this experience to plan his next steps thoughtfully. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice for anyone navigating uncertainty in their professional life. 00:00 Introduction to Jason Bly's Journey 01:27 Early Career and Internships 03:38 Discovering a Passion for Graphic Design 06:26 The Importance of Attention to Detail 12:06 Navigating Design Critiques 17:40 Transitioning to the U.S. for Education 26:46 From Print to Digital Design 31:23 First Full-Time Role at Kodak 35:09 Transitioning from Kodak to Effective 35:58 Navigating Career Growth and Titles 36:29 Challenges and Responsibilities at Kodak 39:19 Joining Google: The Journey Begins 39:58 Landing the Role at Google 44:14 Proudest Accomplishments at Google 53:00 The Impact of Layoffs 57:37 Processing the Layoff 01:01:51 Advice for Navigating Layoffs 01:04:54 What's Next: Future Plans 01:08:14 Conclusion: Embracing Change Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    1h 9m

  5. 01/13/2025

    How a Public Health Anthropologist Pivoted to Product Research and Found Meaning in Tech

    In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad explores the career transformation of Claire Snell-Rood, who transitioned from a successful academic career in anthropology to a dynamic role in UX and product research. Claire discusses her challenges and motivations in moving from academia to agency work and then to her current in-house role at Rippling. She shares valuable insights on applying research in real-world settings, the importance of networking and seeking mentorship, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Claire also highlights the differences between academic and industry research, offering practical tips for early career researchers and designers looking to navigate their own career transitions. 00:00 Introduction to Claire's Academic Journey 01:03 Discovering Anthropology 04:07 Transitioning from Academia to UX 04:57 Challenges in Academia 05:41 The Shift to Industry 08:36 Exploring UX and Product Research 20:46 Networking and Career Advice 27:26 Overcoming the Fear of Asking Questions 28:00 Navigating Dumb Questions in UX Research 29:17 Challenges in Tech Culture 31:40 Transitioning from Agency to In-House 33:51 Understanding Company Culture as a Field Site 37:29 Excitement in Platform Research 48:01 Advice for Early Career Researchers 50:08 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 52:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    53 min

  6. 12/30/2024

    From High School Hustles to Big Tech Design: Matt Armstrong’s Evolving UX Journey

    In this episode of 'Pixelated Path,' host Chris Abad is joined by Matt Armstrong, an accomplished designer whose career journey spans from high school web projects to leading design systems at top-tier companies like Zendesk and Dropbox. Matt shares his personal experiences dealing with imposter syndrome, burnout, and the challenges of an ever-evolving tech landscape. He emphasizes the importance of therapy, authentic leadership, and personal growth in achieving a balanced professional life. Tune in to glean invaluable lessons for designers at any stage of their career and to understand the profound impact of personal resilience and vulnerability in the world of UX design. 00:00 Introduction 00:52 Matt Armstrong's Early Career at Dropbox 05:01 Discovering a Passion for Design 11:19 Learning from Diverse Inspirations 15:56 The Role of Critiques in Design 29:23 Transitioning to a Design Career at Zendesk 31:55 The Zendesk Rebrand Journey 33:08 Navigating Criticism and Design Twitter 34:39 Reflections on Design Choices 38:44 The Importance of Therapy and Mental Health 49:13 Imposter Syndrome in Design 01:02:07 Advice for New Designers 01:06:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    1h 7m

  7. 12/16/2024

    From Architectural Ambitions to Tech Resilience: The Transformative Journey of Beril Maples

    In this insightful episode of Pixelated Path, Chris Abad chats with Beril Maples about her unconventional journey from aspiring to be an architect to leading UX teams at top tech firms like Salesforce and Google. Beril shares her experiences of facing tech layoffs, transitioning between industries, and moving from individual contributor roles to management. Her candid advice on resilience, negotiation, and maintaining design quality amidst constraints provides invaluable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned UX professionals. Tune in for a story of growth, adaptability, and the importance of embracing change in a dynamic job market. 00:00 Introduction to Beril's Journey 00:53 Early Inspirations and Architectural Beginnings 01:44 Transition to Technology and UX 04:54 Skills and Resilience in UX 13:23 Navigating Career Challenges and Layoffs 22:17 Visa Challenges and Career Decisions 24:39 Transition to Management at Salesforce 30:52 Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help 31:36 Tips for Early Career Struggles 33:07 Balancing Design Purity and Business Needs 35:53 Navigating UX Constraints and Collaboration 39:50 Transitioning Between Industries 42:15 Advice for Shifting Career Paths 46:03 Crafting a Standout Resume and Portfolio 49:45 Differences Between Senior Manager and Director Roles 52:32 Mentoring and Team Management Insights 55:16 Handling Layoffs and Career Uncertainty 01:00:02 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    1h 2m

  8. 12/02/2024

    From Art to IBM: How Embracing Change Can Transform Your UX Career

    In this episode, we delve into Scott's transformative career transition from a small design studio to a global leadership role at IBM. Scott shares his experiences and insights on creative evolution, the importance of empathy in leadership, and taking risks in his design career. From working on digital transformations in various industries such as mining, retail, and finance, to forming impactful relationships and managing large teams, Scott's journey offers valuable lessons for both new and seasoned designers. Tune in for a story filled with inspiration and practical advice, and don't forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations. 00:00 Introduction: From Boutique Design to IBM 01:02 Early Inspirations and Shift to Design 02:08 College Years: Exploring Different Mediums 04:20 First Steps into the Professional World 06:12 Joining IBM: A Controversial Move 08:59 Adapting to Corporate Culture 13:04 Leadership and Empathy in Design 21:02 Navigating Layoffs and Career Transitions 26:57 Creating a Culture of Empathy 28:25 Using Design Methods Beyond UI 30:12 Measuring Empathy in Organizations 32:02 Navigating Career Changes 34:35 Unexpected Opportunities in Mining 37:05 Cross-Industry Design Experience 44:05 The Intersection of Design and Product Management 51:51 Advice for Aspiring Designers 54:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to Pixelated Path at www.pixelatedpath.com/subscribe

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Pixelated Path is your map to navigate the exciting, sometimes challenging, journey of being a UX designer. We explore practical tips, share inspiring stories, and equip you with the tools to level up your skills and carve your own path to design mastery. www.pixelatedpath.com

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Abad
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chris Abad
  • Show Website
    Pixelated Path