the ux matto show

Matthew Oliphant

This show is interviews and thoughts about UX—what UX is, what it isn't, and what it should have been. And I say UX here with as broad a definition as possible. I want to talk about digital _and_ physical products. Also services. Also organizational design and alignment. Also capitalism.Mostly though, I want to talk with you. Because I don’t interact with people often enough and apparently I’m an extrovert. So… podcast = problem solved, right? Let’s find out.

  1. Have Fun. Stay Safe. In That Order. — A conversation with Caitlin Krause — E32

    Apr 3

    Have Fun. Stay Safe. In That Order. — A conversation with Caitlin Krause — E32

    Summary Caitlin and Matthew explore the intersections of art, nature, well-being, and creativity. They share personal stories, artistic influences, and insights on designing spaces and experiences that foster peace, curiosity, and connection. Bio A globally recognized experience designer, author and keynote speaker, Caitlin Krause founded the interactive media studio and consultancy MindWise and built the digital wellbeing program about wellbeing and technology at Stanford University. She teaches at the University of Oregon. She has authored six celebrated books including Designing Wonder, Mindful by Design, and most recently, Digital Wellbeing. Her drive is to help individuals and teams navigate complexity and change in the future of thriving, prioritizing wellbeing, collaboration, and creativity.  She advises organizations including TED, The U.S. Air Force, LinkedIn, Google, Meta, Oracle, Evernote, and the U.S. State Department.  Caitlin creates human-centered experiences mediated by technology, fusing creativity, meditation, storytelling, collaboration, and emotional intelligence for full life thriving. Chapters 00:00 Cold (Silly) Open 00:30 Exploring Lepidoptery and Freedom 15:40 Art, Space, and Creative Focus 22:19 Game Design and Wellbeing 38:47 The Multifaceted Nature of Play and Game Design 42:35 Curiosity and Adaptation in Creative Processes 59:46 Skepticism vs. Cynicism in Personal Growth 01:01:57 The Value of Shared Human Experience 01:08:02 7 +/- 2 Questions 01:08:23 Who did you help recently and how did it make you feel? 01:09:32 What's your least favorite thing about your profession? 01:10:46 What's the most beautiful thing you've seen this week that has nothing to do with a screen? 01:12:52 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore? Keywords art, nature, well-being, creativity, design, mental health, community, grief, curiosity https://www.etymonline.com/word/tourist

    1h 15m
  2. Don't...Do Panic — a conversation with Jessica Outlaw — E31

    Mar 6

    Don't...Do Panic — a conversation with Jessica Outlaw — E31

    Summary Jessica and Matthew explore the intersection of outdoor survival skills and UX design, discussing how lessons from nature can inform better design, emotional management, and community building. Discover practical insights on resource trade-offs, the importance of embracing fear, and the value of diverse approaches in design and life. Bio Jessica Outlaw is a behavioral researcher and founder of The Extended Mind agency. Her work focuses on how people think, feel, and behave in immersive technologies with particular emphasis on safety, privacy, and inclusive design in VR/AR/XR spaces. https://www.extendedmind.io/ Chapters 00:00 Cold (Get on with it!) Open 10:46 Emotional Management: Accepting Panic and Fear 15:36 Self-Care and Resource Management: Balancing Perfectionism 28:07 Cultural Observations and Ethnography 34:54 Experience Design Challenges 38:21 One is None 41:44 Designing for Human Experience 45:10 Seven Plus or Minus Two Questions 47:31 Who did you help recently and how did it make you feel? 49:14 What's your least favorite thing about your profession? 51:44 What's the most beautiful thing you've seen this week that had nothing to do with a screen? 54:28 Business Over Users 54:56 Who should I talk with next? 57:24 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore? Resources Trackers Portland Outdoor Education - https://trackerspdx.org/ Breitenbush Hot Springs - https://breitenbush.com/ Caitlin Krause - Digital Wellbeing - https://caitlinkrause.com/ Mark Lepper - Seven Plus or Minus Two - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Lepper Keywords UX design, outdoor survival, emotional management, community building, resource trade-offs, ethnography, experience design, Portland community, resilience

    58 min
  3. Breaking the Loop of Human-affecting Gross Slop — a conversation with Kristen Seversky — E30

    Jan 23

    Breaking the Loop of Human-affecting Gross Slop — a conversation with Kristen Seversky — E30

    Summary In this conversation, Kristen Seversky and Matthew discuss the intersection of technology, AI, and human connection. They explore the challenges of implementing AI in organizations, the importance of collaboration, and the impact of technology on communities. Kristen shares her career journey in product management and reflects on the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach technology and its implications for society. They also touch on the role of renewable energy in the tech industry and the pushback from communities against tech companies. Bio Kristen Seversky is a product-managing, operations-thinking, code-writing, efficiency-driven, people person that believes in better. In her 15+ years in tech, she's shifted from her Software Developer origins to Product before landing more recently in the Product Operations space; whatever roles will absorb all the things she wants to bridge in this wild industry.  Whether it's a large, enterprise company or a smaller startup with growth on the horizon, Kristen enjoys catering to the human elements and building collaborative connections in our increasingly automated world. Beyond work, you can find her deep in new indie games, being Very Online, and wrangling her toddler and dog. Takeaways AI should not be a blanket term; we need specificity. Human connection is essential in tech development. The enshitification of technology is a real concern. People are craving authentic connections over AI solutions. Organizations often fail to understand their own workflows. The tech industry is in a cycle of maximizing profits. Community pushback against tech is growing. Renewable energy is becoming a focal point in tech discussions. AI is often implemented without understanding its impact. We need to focus on the human aspect of technology. Chapters 00:00 Cold (prepare to qualify) open 01:37 Human Connection vs. AI 10:59 The Intersection of UX and Product Management 19:00 The Challenges of AI Implementation 25:39 The Circular Economy of AI 38:18 The Intersection of Profit and Purpose 50:52 Innovations in Renewable Energy and Data Centers 53:14 The Role of Local Governments in Tech Development 56:50 7 +/- 2 Questions Keywords AI, technology, human connection, product management, community impact, renewable energy, tech industry, collaboration, organizational structure, innovation

    1h 8m
  4. Make With Love First — a conversation with Faruk Ateş — E29

    Jan 9

    Make With Love First — a conversation with Faruk Ateş — E29

    Summary In this conversation, Faruk Ateş shares his journey from manifesting his dream job at Apple to navigating the complexities of identity and purpose in the tech industry. He discusses the transformative power of love, the importance of grieving loss, and how creating love momentum can enhance manifestation efforts. The conversation explores the intersection of love and professionalism, emphasizing the need for clarity in uncertainty and the value of being a generalist in a specialized world. Bio Faruk Ateş An award-winning product manager, designer, and engineer, Faruk has worked with influential companies and minds across the technology industry. His experiences span from Fortune 500 corporations to underserved communities, informing his pioneering work on industry-changing web technologies like pure CSS animations and feature detection that have impacted over 3 billion people worldwide. He has championed a holistic approach that balances organizational success, user benefit, and community impact. As a web standards advocate, accessibility champion, and social justice writer, he focuses on creating "win-win-win" outcomes that include social sustainability and environmental protection. Most recently, he has developed Love First, a methodology that synthesizes repeatable practices and principles for building beloved communities, products, and businesses.  Takeaways Manifesting dreams can lead to unexpected opportunities. Navigating career identity is a common struggle in tech. Grieving loss can lead to personal transformation. Love can be a powerful force in achieving goals. Creating love momentum can enhance manifestation efforts. The tech industry often prioritizes profit over user experience. Being a generalist can provide unique insights and solutions. Nature and personal relationships can inspire creativity. Understanding core desires is crucial for personal growth. Uncertainty can be both uncomfortable and transformative. Chapters 00:00 Cold (mouthful) Open 00:22 In the beginning... 06:28 Navigating Identity and Belonging 10:11 The Year of Loss 17:51 The Source Code of Love 30:37 The Power of Momentum in Manifestation 37:43 Navigating Uncertainty and Intentionality 44:00 The Challenge of Focus and Creative Energy 53:05 Identifying Core Desires and Self-Love 01:01:07 7 +/-2 Questions 01:01:43 Who did you help recently and how did it make you feel? 01:04:17 What's your least favorite thing about your profession? 01:07:34 What's the most beautiful thing you've seen this week that didn't involve a screen? 01:09:10 What's the decision that you've made that prioritized business goals over users and how did you feel about it? 01:17:13 Who should I talk to next? 01:21:39 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore? Keywords Faruk Ateş, Matthew​ Oliphant, Apple, web standards, accessibility, love, manifestation, career, identity

    1h 26m
  5. Projective Research — A conversation with Kyle Soucy — E28

    12/26/2025

    Projective Research — A conversation with Kyle Soucy — E28

    Bio Kyle Soucy is the Founding Principal of Usable Interface, an independent UX research consulting company specializing in qualitative user research, usability testing, research strategy, and training. She has spent the last 25 years helping create intuitive interfaces for a variety of different products ranging from desktop & mobile apps, websites, medical devices, home entertainment systems, and even kitchen appliances. Kyle is not just a practitioner but a catalyst for community development. She hosts a podcast, The UX Consultants Lounge, aimed at fostering a supportive collective and learning among UX professionals. As the Founder of NH UXPA and former President, she champions the continued growth of the UX community. Kyle also served as Chair for the Philadelphia Chapter of ACM’s Computer-Human Interaction group (PhillyCHI) and as the Career Center Lead for the Information Architecture Conference (IAC) since 2016. Summary In this conversation, Matthew and Kyle Soucy delve into the world of projective techniques in UX research. They discuss the importance of these techniques in eliciting deeper emotional responses from participants, the challenges faced in qualitative research, and the balance between generative and evaluative methods. Kyle shares insights on navigating sensitive topics, the impact of research on stakeholders, and the democratization of research practices. The discussion highlights the need for researchers to take a stand and advocate for user-centered approaches in a fast-paced business environment. Takeaways Projective techniques encourage participants to express feelings they may not articulate directly. These techniques can be particularly effective for sensitive topics. Emotional responses during research can provide valuable insights. Stakeholders often need to see the emotional impact of research to appreciate its value. Qualitative research is often undervalued in fast-paced environments. Democratization of research can lead to challenges if not managed properly. It's important to balance business goals with user needs in research. Researchers should be prepared for emotional reactions during interviews. The richness of data from projective techniques can lead to deeper understanding. Training and passion for research are crucial for effective outcomes.  Chapters 00:00 Cold (NPR-less) Open 01:18 Understanding Projective Techniques 04:34 When and How to Use Projective Techniques 10:42 Benefits of Projective Techniques 16:13 Engaging People with Projective Techniques 24:24 The Importance of Participant Comfort & Safety 30:08 The Value 36:21 The Need for Actionable Insights 41:36 Democratization of Research and Its Implications 50:26 7 +/- 2 Questions 50:59 Who did you help recently and how did it make you feel? 51:30 What's your least favorite thing about your profession? 52:33 What is the most beautiful thing you've seen in the past week that has nothing to do with the screen? 53:21 What's the decision that you made that prioritized business goals over users and how do you feel about it? 55:14 Who should I talk with next? 55:56 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore? Keywords UX research, projective techniques, qualitative research, emotional responses, stakeholder engagement, user experience, generative techniques, evaluative techniques, research challenges, democratization of research

    1h 1m
  6. Research Integrity in the Age of AI

    11/28/2025

    Research Integrity in the Age of AI

    Clara Kliman-Silver is a UX strategist based in New York City. Currently, she works as a UX research manager on the Material Design team at Google and volunteers with local UX communities. Her research focuses on the emergent role of artificial intelligence in UX design, design systems, metrics frameworks for measuring product development, and developer experience. Summary In this conversation, Matthew and Clara explore the dynamics of UX design, the impact of AI, and the importance of problem definition in creating effective user experiences. They discuss the hype surrounding new technologies, the role of research in product development, and the need for critical thinking in evaluating information sources. Clara shares her personal experiences in UX and the challenges of integrating technology in healthcare, while also reflecting on the importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world. Takeaways Conversations should be unscripted and flow naturally. Hype often overshadows fundamental UX principles. AI's application in UX is both beneficial and challenging. Understanding user problems is crucial before applying solutions. Technology should enhance, not complicate, user experiences. Critical thinking is essential in evaluating AI-generated information. Democratization of research can lead to better UX outcomes. Research should inform product roadmaps effectively. Personal experiences shape professional insights in UX. Anxiety about technology and its implications is common. Chapters 00:00 Cold (Pronouncement) Open 03:12 Hype vs. Reality in AI and UX 17:15 The Challenges of Trusting AI 18:35 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI 30:19 Navigating Bias in Online Repositories 37:41 Democratization of Research: Balancing Access and Expertise 45:28 Statistical Significance: The Balancing Act 55:16 7 +/- 2 Questions Keywords UX, AI, problem definition, technology in healthcare, user experience, critical thinking, democratization of research, product development, personal insights

    1h 7m
  7. Design is a Spectrum — A conversation with Erin Casali — E26

    11/14/2025

    Design is a Spectrum — A conversation with Erin Casali — E26

    Summary In this conversation, Matthew and Erin discuss the intricacies of user experience design, focusing on Erin's role at Xero and the importance of research in creating user-centric products. They explore the balance between generative and evaluative research, the significance of design systems, and the challenges posed by agile methodologies. The discussion also touches on the future of design education and the evolving roles of designers in the industry. Bio Erin is a VP/Director of both product and design, with over 10 years of experience in each. She has a hybrid approach with design, product, and engineering in her background, and a skillset including psychology and change management. Her unique blend of skills, including psychology and change management, enables her to foster collaboration and break down silos. Driven by a passion for improving lives through her work, she empowers teams to reach their full potential. She advocates for purpose, transparency, and diversity, fostering a culture of trust and agency. Her diverse experiences across startups, large corporations, and advisory roles have equipped her with a versatile toolkit to adapt to various organizational contexts and drive meaningful change. Takeaways Erin's focus at Xero is on improving user experience for the UK market. Research is crucial for understanding user needs and preferences. Generative research can lead to more innovative solutions. Design should accommodate user mistakes to enhance usability. Design systems can streamline processes but may also limit creativity. Agile methodologies can pressure designers to produce quickly. Design education needs to adapt to current industry demands. Visual and interaction design are both essential aspects of UX. Collaboration between designers and engineers can lead to better outcomes. The rise of fascism is a concern for the future. Chapters 00:00 Cold (Technology) Open 02:32 Erin's Role at Xero 13:50 The Importance of Game Mechanics in UX 17:35 Designing for Forgiveness in Software 21:29 The Impact of Design Systems on UX 28:43 The Importance of Design Systems 33:34 Challenges in Design Education 44:28 Understanding the What and Why of Design 49:11 7 +/- 2 Questions Keywords Xero, user experience, design systems, research, software design, generative research, agile, design education, interaction design, visual design

    57 min
  8. Audio Only: Success Over Satisfaction — A conversation with Scott Kincaid — E25

    10/17/2025

    Audio Only: Success Over Satisfaction — A conversation with Scott Kincaid — E25

    Summary In this conversation, Matthew and Scott explore various themes related to networking, usability, user experience, and the importance of understanding user needs. They discuss the Jobs To Be Done methodology, the challenges faced by consultants, and the role of AI in research. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective measurement of success over mere satisfaction and reflects on career aspirations and the evolving landscape of user experience research. Bio Scott Kincaid is a product research leader with over 25 years of experience evangelizing user-centered design and building cohesive research, design, and agile environments. He has cultivated high-performing research teams and established himself as a sought-after speaker, presenting at Dreamforce for six consecutive years and at IRCE (Internet Retail Conference & Exhibition) for five years. With a quarter-century of user research consulting experience spanning nearly every B2B and B2C vertical industry, Scott brings deep expertise to complex product challenges. His hands-on research experience includes facilitating over 10,000 hours of one-on-one sessions and focus groups across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Takeaways Networking can lead to unexpected connections and insights. Usability is not just about ease; it's about efficiency and effectiveness. Industry knowledge is valuable, but understanding user needs is paramount. Jobs To Be Done helps clarify what users need from a product. Competitive analysis should focus on understanding user experiences, not just surface-level features. Consultants often face challenges in aligning client expectations with research outcomes. Measuring success is often more insightful than measuring satisfaction. AI can help identify and prioritize user needs effectively. Understanding intent is crucial for effective user research. Frameworks should serve the purpose of understanding user needs, not complicate the process. Chapters 00:00 Cold JTBD Open 04:14 The Evolution of User Experience 07:03 Understanding User Needs and Expectations 12:25 Competitive Analysis in UX 15:10 Success vs. Satisfaction in User Experience 18:07 The Role of Research in Product Development 38:16 The Complexity of Frameworks in UX Research 44:15 Consulting in the Modern Era 46:39 7 +/- 2 Questions 46:59 What's something that you did recently that went really well? 49:55 Why can't we have nice things? 50:59 What's the biggest earthquake you've ever been in? 52:05 What's the best road trip you've ever taken? 53:29 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore? Keywords networking, usability, user experience, Jobs To Be Done, consulting, market research, AI, success measurement, satisfaction, career reflections

    55 min
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About

This show is interviews and thoughts about UX—what UX is, what it isn't, and what it should have been. And I say UX here with as broad a definition as possible. I want to talk about digital _and_ physical products. Also services. Also organizational design and alignment. Also capitalism.Mostly though, I want to talk with you. Because I don’t interact with people often enough and apparently I’m an extrovert. So… podcast = problem solved, right? Let’s find out.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Oliphant
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Studio VO Ventures and Opportunities, Inc.
  • Show Website
    the ux matto show