Singular XQ
By Jennifer Pierce
Singular XQ Mar 29, 2024
Coffee with JP: Our Open Source Mission
Wherein JP explains the happy reason for the delay in Season 4 and the reason why Open Source is so important at this moment.
Coffee with JP: No Video, Don Norman, and Some of the AI Buzz
Coffee with JP: Season 3 Podcast Recap
JP talks about the insights from the all-star lineup in Season 3 and asks for your help in the Patreon.
Singular XQ 3.30: Dr. Sarah Bay Cheng on Phygital Theater: Digital meets Live Performance
Sarah-Bay Cheng is a Renaissance human if we ever met one. Like many people at Singular XQ, Sarah is a pioneering interdisciplinary thinker who doesn’t stay firmly within her swim lane and absorbs and processes streams from multiple disciplines to come to her salient—sometimes cutting—worldview.
JP was enthusiastic about talking to Sarah because they have been trained in similar interdisciplinary approaches and share many common interests. Sarah is a pioneer in how data and digital culture impact the arts; for a sample, check out this talk from her at Harvard Metalworks. You can also sample some of the cultural success Sarah has built at AMPD by sampling the flavor of their podcast, the Final Mile.
We don’t usually call upon a humanities scholar or person from the arts to be commentators on the digital. Still, we suggest we move away from this dated mode of thinking, placing people in swim lanes. We are built on the idea that roles and skills change, but thoughtful humans who can think critically will always be essential. Listen to Sarah, who is thinking through all the unplanned and unintended secondary effects of digital culture and how we might rethink things to mitigate adversely and enhance positive impacts.
The one thing we are considering at SXQ is “technology readiness.”--when is a technology safe to release without researching and modeling possible impacts? Sarah is looking at things not adequately mapped out when digital culture unfolded. Some people might want to argue that no one could have foreseen the problems we are identifying now, and they pale in comparison. However, we have the receipts. We know that in the case of FB, they did know some of the harmful effects through research. But because it was lucrative, they leaned into them. Unsurprisingly, a technology created as a young man’s revenge strategy on the women of Harvard who wouldn’t date him bore the tincts of the original organizing model. Nor did such an innovator inspired in that way use that intention as a barometer for success. But it illustrates another point we make here all the time. Your intent and your process will characterize the outcome.
So listen to this episode where (among other things) Sarah and JP talk about the phygital and the live fine and performing arts experiences that have been suffering since the pandemic as an acceleration of what was already underway: the gradual diminishment of live arts events in favor of synthetic digital ones.
Watch this episode on Patreon by joining Singular XQ Patreon Community.
Singular XQ 3.29: Dimeji Onafuwa on Global Technology and the Pluriverse
Dimeji Onafuwa, a prominent figure in design with a Ph.D. in transition design, discusses the intersection of systems thinking and UX. This episode covers challenges within the design industry, underscoring the significance of comprehensive problem-solving. He advocates for diversity and representation in the professional sphere for a more inclusive environment.
Dimeji Onafuwa really brought our attention to the intricacies of pluriversal thinking, systems thinking, and the intersection of transition design with complex problems like climate change. He emphasizes the importance of systems thinking in design, particularly in addressing global challenges. The conversation touches on the challenges of contemporary design practices, focusing on the overuse and misapplication of frameworks like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the jobs-to-be-done framework.
Dimeji advocates for a more holistic, embedded, and systemic approach to problem-solving. The discussion also addresses the diminishing diversity in design and the need to make space for underrepresented voices. Dimeji highlights the importance of being aware and intentional and rewriting histories to include overlooked narratives. The discourse provides insights into the future of UX. Dimeji expresses optimism about the discipline evolving into a strategic, customer-centric, and culturally diverse field focusing on long-term problem-solving.
Consider supporting Singular XQ by joining our Patreon community.
Singular XQ 3.28: Aaron Beavers and Mind Meets Machine
There is something about this episode that really captures the Singular XQ spirit and the cross-functional and wide-ranging thought that our community engages in. This conversation is edited because it went literally all over the place from philosophy, to science fiction, to GPU technology and particle physics. In this curated conversation you will find some explanations of what the technological advance of GPT actually is and what it’s limitations are. We also talk a lot about popular culture, philosophy and a few other topics. Drop in and tune out because the medium is the message. :)
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Singular XQ 3.27: Decoding Innovation, Open Source, and the Digital Commons
Iain Kerr and Jason Frasca, co-founders of Emergent Futures Lab, once again joined Dr. Jennifer Pierce in season 3 of Singular XQ Podcast. They talk about the challenges of the digital era, where major platforms privatize vast portions of the internet, turning them into a commons without genuine public engagement. The absence of feedback loops in these spaces leaves the affected public voiceless in the platform's evolution.
As the conversation progressed, the focus shifted to the prevalent culture of speed in organizations, questioning the validity of the "first mover advantage." Historical examples, like Microsoft waiting to observe Apple's moves, challenged the narrative that speed is the sole driver of innovation. The participants expressed concerns about a culture prioritizing speed over ethical considerations and cultural transformation, pointing to potential pitfalls in rapid innovation.
Open source emerged as a beacon of optimism, seen as a force for contributing to the social and digital commons. They discussed the positive potential of open source contributions and the need for a shift in perception, considering them valuable character witnesses in the tech industry. However, skepticism arose regarding the openness of OpenAI, with ongoing research into its original funding and nonprofit status.
The concept of the commons took the stage as a radical alternative to existing models of ownership and capitalism. The discussion delved into the transformative potential of the commons, envisioning a different way of living to address contemporary societal issues, including inequality and environmental challenges.
For those interested in emergent innovation, the Emergent Futures Lab offers a weekly newsletter exploring disruptive innovation and wrestling with fundamental questions about what innovation is and how it happens. Singular XQ stands as a platform for thinkers in the digital transformation space, providing an understanding of the challenges and possibilities of our evolving digital terrain.
Coffee with JP: Synthetic Users in UX Research
Welcome to Our Exciting Journey!
Hey there, awesome people! Get ready to buckle up for a thrilling ride through the world of UX, AI, and all the cool tech stuff that's reshaping our digital universe.
Today's Hot Topic: Synthetic Users!
Guess what's cooking in the tech kitchen? Synthetic users! That's right. We're diving deep into how these digital dynamos are changing the game in user research. It's like having a crystal ball that predicts how real users might react to our designs. Mind-blowing, isn't it?
UX Design: The Old, The New, and The Future
Remember the good old days of Web 2.0? Well, times are changing! We're exploring how the shift to Web 3.0 is like stepping into a sci-fi movie. New challenges, new tools, and a whole new playground for our creative minds!
The Big Question: Are Synthetic Users the New Norm?
Here's the million-dollar question: Will synthetic users replace traditional user testing? We're unpacking this puzzle with insights, laughs, and maybe a few controversial opinions. (Shh... don't tell the UX purists!)
Tech Talk: AI, Blockchain, and Beyond
AI and blockchain aren't just buzzwords; they're revolutionizing how we interact with technology. We're chatting about how these innovations are more than just backend magic – they're transforming our entire digital experience.
Join the Conversation!
This isn't just a lecture; it's a conversation. We want to hear your thoughts, ideas, and maybe even your wildest tech predictions. Let's make this a brainstorming bonanza!
So, grab your favorite snack, find a comfy spot, and let's get this party started! Can't wait to see where our digital exploration takes us!
Singular XQ 3.26: Breaking Boundaries. Nate Shalev on Crafting Inclusive Workspaces
I had the distinct and unique pleasure of chatting with Nate Shalev, a leading voice in workplace inclusion while they lives a quiet Brooklyn life with their wife and beagle, Joan Jett. (Nate had me at Joan Jett. Blackhearted for life.)
Nate has a way of making me think things like: why do we wait for others’ pain to force us to reconsider how we approach collaboration and community growth?
Nate is candid and forthcoming and I’m so grateful for it. They discuss their journey in the non-profit and social impact space, highlighting the disconnect between organizations’ external values and internal cultures. They emphasize the importance of genuine inclusivity, especially for marginalized identities in the workplace.
Inclusivity vs. Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
I was fascinated when Nate began a nuanced unpacking of the interrelation of inclusivity with diversity, equity, and belonging. Shalev stresses the need for workplaces to reflect societal diversity and provide necessary support for employees to thrive.
Most importantly, for inclusivity to truly accomplish it’s lofty aims, that inclusivity must be a Proactive Inclusivity. Nate brings up something so simple it might escape our conscious notice but if the individual has to raise concerns and ask for accomodations it is already too late.
Neurodiversity and LGBTQ Inclusion
Nate also delves into the intersection of neurodiversity and LGBTQ inclusion, discussing societal and workplace challenges faced by these communities. Nate points out that the tech industry aligns with neurodivergent and transgender individuals, and the potential for these groups to positively influence tech culture and products has a huge potential for advocacy, impact, and authentic social change.
The podast provides practical advice for advocating for neurodiverse colleagues in the workplace, emphasizing the need for allies to recognize and address potential challenges proactively. There will be resistance when advocating for inclusive practices, with Nate offering strategies to counteract such attitudes. Remember, if we force our colleagues into the position of self-advocacy the damage has already been done. I was particularly moved by Nate sharing that if they ask for an accomodation it is likely because they have already burnt out. Simple things like colleagues stopping by their desk for small talk can throw off an entire morning.
We’d like to know. Have you ever advocated for a neurodiverse or LGBTQ+ colleague? What was the outcome?
If you’ve enjoyed or benefitted from these podcasts, you know what to do. Hit us up on Patreon! We enjoy doing this work for our fellow technologists and the general public who wants to learn more about the tech ecosystem.
Singular XQ 3.25: Wiring the Winning Organization with Gene Kim Part 2
Here's a shortened version for your program notes on Anchor.FM:
Part 2 with Gene Kim: Unraveling Innovation in Tech
Join us for the second part of our engaging discussion with Gene Kim and SXQ advisor Kai Brunner. We delve deeper into innovation management, uncovering vital insights that redefine productivity and ethical practices in the tech industry.
The Importance of Psychological Safety Gene Kim highlights the significance of psychological safety in driving innovation. It's about creating an environment where team members freely express ideas and concerns, a key factor for success in the ever-changing tech world.
Rethinking Productivity Metrics in Agile DevOps We challenge the traditional metrics of schedules and velocity in Agile DevOps. Gene Kim argues for a shift from quantitative measures to focusing on the quality and impact of work, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of conventional productivity metrics.
The Danger of Misleading Metrics We discuss the risks of relying on 'fake metrics' that can distort the true picture of performance, overshadowing crucial aspects like ethics and genuine innovation. These practices can lead to demoralization and distract from real progress.
Embracing Vigilance and Critical Thinking Reflecting on our conversation with Gene and our experiences in tech, we stress the need for vigilance and honesty. It's crucial to question and critically evaluate the narratives in the tech industry, from individual productivity to corporate decisions.
JOIN OUR PATREON TO HELP US CONTINUE TO SUPPORT VOICES LIKE GENE'S.
Coffee with JP: Prompting, Training, and the Problem with Open AI
The one in which JP was schooled but Chief SXQ Mad Scientist Aaron Beavers on using the right language when talking about AI and shares the learning so you don't get fooled but deliberate mystification marketing. Also--the problem with Open AI and the myth of the lone creative genius.
Singular XQ 3.24: Wiring the Winning Organization with Gene Kim
Our latest podcast episodes delve into themes like solipsism, success, team dynamics, learning from failure, blameless post-mortems, psychological safety, and my favorite concept, SLOWIFICATION. In an industry often driven by the need for speed, we champion the counter-cultural idea of slowing down, embracing the marathon, not the sprint, philosophy in Agile Dev-Ops. As we say here, we want to slow down and repair things. We were happy Gene feels the same way.
Coffee with JP: Five Things AI Entrepreneurs Need to Know about the AI Executive Order
JP drinks her coffee, shares her deep dive over the Biden EO on AI (EI EI O), and talks about using GPT as a thinking tool, not just a writing slave with poor critical judgment.
Singular XQ 3.23: Getting Circular with Don Norman (Part 2)
True to his devotion to circular economies, we admire Don for his desire to give back and to reconsider some of the choices that were made at the beginning of the digital revolution, particularly those decisions that have led to waste. He has widened his point of view from human-centered design to “humanity-centered” design to include the planet in our considerations and design choices.
Part 2 of our conversation with human-centered design pioneer Don Norman delves into the potential of generative AI, his vision of a circular economy, and the challenges young designers face as they embark on their careers.
We talk to Don about the potential for generative AI to enhance decision-making and be leveraged for complex decision-making in ways that can help us, as his new book says, design for a better world. Despite some of the headlining controversies in the design world, Norman expresses his enthusiasm for generative AI, particularly models like GPT, highlighting their ability to answer questions, streamline research, and enhance decision-making.
The heart of our conversation in part 2, revolves around the concept of a circular economy, inspired by nature’s efficient recycling and reusing processes. Don emphasizes the need to design products with longevity and repairability in mind, departing from the current “planned obsolescence” model. This shift reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact, with products designed for durability and easy replacement or repair.
Don suggests that businesses adapt their models to offer services rather than merely selling products to facilitate this transition. This change is already visible in industries like aviation, where engine manufacturers sell by usage hours, and tire companies offer tires per mile. This shift promotes sustainability, prolongs product life, and reduces waste.
Don ends with a challenge and some inspiration for young designers. Don encourages them to remain dedicated to their passion and principles, emphasizing the importance of choosing roles that align with their values and offer personal growth. His message is clear: seek fulfillment and play a role in creating a greener, more environmentally friendly future through design and innovation. Don’t abandon your passion, as it has the potential to make a lasting impact on society and the environment.
Like we say here at SXQ — curious people who care change the world.
Many thanks to Don for his generosity with us; we are grateful for our relationship. Don’t forget to check out the Don Norman Award.
Singular XQ 3.22: Don Norman and the Future of Design
So when Don Norman agreed to do a podcast with me, I have to be real for a second, I SQUEEEEEEED. Literally. I said “SQUEEEEE.”
The book that everyone has on their shelf when they want to design, The Design of Everyday Things, is the best industry read of any in its class. I say this with some kind of measure, albeit qualitative and therefore somewhat plagued by anecdotal indeterminacy. That was fun to write. Anyway, this is my fancy way of saying: I’ve given his book to a lot of colleagues both in Design and outside of it, and it has broad appeal.
Don is highly learned and experienced, but his communication style is humble and straightforward, tempting one even to think that he might be naive because he seems so unconcerned with the complexity and jargon that intrigues others. However, this is precisely because he understands complexity so well that he can communicate it in the most convenient language for all.
I tend to gift it to people from all kinds of different fields who are “systems thinkers,” Don’s understanding of design is not how something looks but also how it works, and in the best designs, how it works and how it looks are extensions of each other. You can find all his rockstar resume on Linked In or on Wikipedia. He is kind of a legend. Like Ron Burgundy, he’s kind of a huge deal. I didn’t ask if he had a library that smelled of rich mahogany as Ron Burgundy does, but I digress.
So when I heard about his new book, Design for a Better World, I not only bought several copies to give as gifts, I reached out to Don for an interview. I didn’t really expect him to respond, but I was delighted when he did.
And the delight just continues as I’ve come to think of Don as a friend and one with a vision I can’t help but to sign on with. Listen to part one and stay tuned for part 2. The most remarkable thing about Don is that he is unflinching in examining the excesses of what he and his Silicon Valley colleagues may have unleashed. And he is intent on righting wrongs and lighting a runway for the future. We chat about knowledge and identity and the circular economy. Stay tuned for part 2!
Please check out and sign up for more info about Don’s current project.
Season 3 Promo
Exciting News! Season 3 of the Singular XQ Podcast is here! Are you a young tech enthusiast looking to kickstart your career in the ever-evolving world of technology? How about a seasoned technologist who enjoys cross-functional learning and the human side of digital transformation? This season is tailor-made for you! Each of you.Join us as we dive into the world of digital transformation and explore how to stay ahead in this era of rapid change. Discover the most important skills you need to learn right now, the value of finding a mentor, and the stories of tech pioneers who are breaking boundaries. Including episodes on:
- Humanity-Centered Design
- Agile Dev Ops and Psychological Safety
- Neurodiversity in Tech
- DEI in Tech
- Leadership and Career Strategies
- Open Source and the Digital Commons
Don’t miss out on the journey! Tune in to Singular XQ Podcast for insights and conversations to feed your curiosity and nurture your intellect. #SingularXQPodcast #TechCareer #DigitalTransformation #Mentorship #TechInnovation
The Humans of Singular XQ: Introducing Chief Operating Advisor Laura Massa
Digital transformation is not solely about technology; it's about people. Technology can enable change, but the people within an organization drive and sustain it. Change management recognizes this fundamental truth and focuses on guiding individuals and teams through the change process. It involves understanding human behavior, addressing resistance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. That’s why we were thrilled when change management guru Laura Massa not only joined as a Founding Advisor but stepped up to become a member of the Founding Executive Team as Chief Operating Advisor. Listen as Laura introduces herself, and we discuss why change management is considered a linchpin in any digital transformation effort.
The One Where JP Compares Singular XQ to PBS
Consider supporting our Patreon page as we get ready to launch Season 3. Your support right now is critical.
Thanks for listening and we can't wait to launch Season 3 for you.
Curious people who care change the world.
Patreon Drive: Archana Interviews JP
- Singular XQ's Beginnings
- The Shared Misery in Digital Transformation
- XQ is Digital Transformation intelligence
- The Challenges of Speed and Revenue
- The Great Resignation and Employee Engagement
- The Future of Digital Transformation
- The Role of Blockchain and Automation
- The Need for Holistic Approaches
Support Us on Patreon:
To support Singular XQ in exploring digital transformation, Transformational Intelligence (XQ), and the future of work, consider becoming a patron on
patreon.com/SingularXQpodcast.
First Annual Patreon Membership Drive
The one where we ask you to support our Patreon page so you can support our mission to promote humanity-centered, equitable, and sustainable research and development.
Season 2 Recap
2.20: Going Meta with Charles Mauro
Meta isn’t just a company led by a soon-to-be cage-fighter tech maven. Among other things, it means beyond a thing. Urban slang also means stepping out of something and talking about the “thing in itself,” as they say in Kantian philosophy.
That’s why we thought this title would be fun since we talked about all of the above with the founder and president of Mauro Usability Science, Charles Mauro. Charles has spent his career focusing on man-machine system optimization, usability, and human factors engineering science. We recently had the pleasure of having him on the air for a vibrant discussion about the relationship between usability science and what was once known as human factors engineering and how it relates to UX research. The roots of HFE go back to World War II in response to the creation of weapon systems that exceeded human capabilities, and Charles deftly narrates the history and evolution until today. It is the grandfather of UX and UX design — and yet, I heard a UX leader leading a portfolio of products in a multi-trillion dollar company the other day ask what “HFE” is.
Given the complexity of today’s security and data landscape and the automation of front-end design, it raises the question:
Should we return to the more sophisticated and thorough training of product design professionals?
Lack of understanding in these product endeavors leads to multiple regulatory risks and wasted revenue—food for thought from Mr. Mauro.
We discuss everything else: AI, anthropometry, biomechanics, study design, experimental study design, statistics, and diversity research. The term usability science is intended to separate it from traditional UX research. Mauro pointed out that hundreds of thousands of UX researchers and around 13,000 human factors research scientists are active today.
My favorite nugget is where we talk about the most persistent challenges at SXQ: the challenges of cross-functional and cross-disciplinary efforts in software design. Software design is a team sport; when any player takes control, things quickly grow out of balance. Research, he argues, as we do, is the glue that keeps it all together.
Lastly, he addressed the issue of using data scraped from the internet to teach large language models (LLMs).
We say this all the time, but, indeed, you’re not going to want to miss this one.
JP
2.19: Maggie Zhang and Scrappy Research
Scrappy is a great word to describe Maggie Zheng.
Working as a UX team of one inside a start-up requires a certain degree of bootstrap strategy to form a go-to-market system. Unsurprisingly, start-ups underestimate the need for strong UX research and strategy and think of “UX” as UI design only. So the UX designer who knows better must have a little grit and a lot of strategy to deliver in such Spartan circumstances.
Fortunately, Maggie’s journey in the tech industry began in strategy consulting, so this intersection of strategy and design formed the foundation of her approach to user experience (UX) design. Today, she is a full-time product designer at Gig Wage, a start-up focusing on building a robust infrastructure for the rapidly growing gig economy. [Note: since this recording, Maggie has accepted a new role as a Product Designer at One Signal; congratulations, Maggie!]
Maggie highlights the importance of being ‘scrappy’ — building everything from scratch, from research practices to design systems. Wearing many hats is necessary, as is the ability to learn on the go. This scrappiness extends to conducting ‘scrappy’ research: utilizing existing processes to conduct research and gather insights.
Maggie also teaches us that embedding research within other functions is essential to start-up culture. For example, at Gig Wage, the sales team plays a significant role in product discovery and understanding product needs. Maggie spends much time in sales, gleaning valuable insights from customer conversations. This collaborative approach, coupled with a strong understanding of the business strategy, enables her to design a product that truly meets the needs of its users.
Maggie’s unique approach to design involves integrating design principles into every aspect of the product. It’s not just about the usability or where to put the button but about creating a differentiated experience specific to Gig Wage. The design decisions are guided by the underlying strategy that differentiates the product.
Maggie advises junior designers to be part of the design strategy, understand their user’s problems, and connect these pain points to business problems. She also emphasizes the importance of building strong visual design skills and developing a robust design system.
Finally, Maggie encourages designers to learn the language of all their collaborative partners. Understanding the business strategy, empathizing with all stakeholders, and aligning the design process with these insights is the key to effective design.
As HBR and other publications have exposed multiple times, most digital transformations fail, cost money, and destroy employee experience. We love a good framework at SXQ and build some of our own, but we know this: no framework can replace the wisdom individuals get from putting the time in with boots firmly on the ground. The Humans of Digital Transformation, the people closest to the work, are the ones who will pull us out of our current system of waste and mismanagement. Leverage knowledge capital and watch your business goals move within reach.
2.18: Giles Hinchcliff, Rebel Astronaut
In today’s episode, we delve into his unique perspective on the importance of balancing digital advancements with the human element of transformation, and we touch on the founding of his fledgling company, Rebel Astronaut.
Giles began his career as an artist, working on transformative projects and managing groups of strong personalities. But after the 2008 financial crisis hit hard, he transitioned into the tech industry, focusing on digital transformation and working with companies such as the UK Home Office, Pearson, and the London Stock Exchange.
Having observed too many failed transformations, Giles noticed that organizations often became fixated on technological advancements while neglecting the human element. So he launched Rebel Astronaut to re-orient companies away from the purely digital and toward the transformation process. Now, Giles guides organizations through the uncomfortable stages of change to help them blossom and achieve their desired results.
Giles likens these companies to caterpillars, too risk-averse to undergo the painful metamorphosis required to become butterflies. Instead, they repeatedly initiate the process but retreat when faced with uncertainty and discomfort. He guides organizations through this challenging stage, helping them emerge successfully on the other side, and he takes us along on that journey in a conversation. Tune in and listen to what Giles says about this transformation process.
2.17: Laura Massa and Change Resistance
Laura Massa knows her way around change.
And what more important knowledge domain can there be right now at this time of unprecedented, accelerating change?
A highly valued advisory consultant at Singular XQ, Laura talks with JP about how Change Resistance is natural and normal and something that you must work with to make the necessary changes happen.
Listen to Laura describe the WIIFM--the "whiff em"--and teach people how to change and adapt at the speed of business. What's at stake for you, listener? Change management is essential for:
Navigating the rapid pace of change today.
Surviving VUCA impacts---Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity.
Digital transformation.
Employee engagement and productivity.
Stakeholder alignment.
Innovation and continuous improvement.
We think you'll enjoy this free and easy conversation about something that is anything but free and easy: accelerating change.
Episode 2.16: Christian Crumlish and the Gov Tech Long Game, Part DEUX
A continuation of Episode 2.14.
Episode 2.15: Christian Crumlish and the GovTech Long Game
What a great conversation we had with Christian Crumlish, who currently serves as the Product Lead for the Office of Data and Innovation in the State of California, under Governor Gavin Newsom. Christian sat down with us to discuss his sometimes unexpected, always fascinating career evolutions. He shared a wealth of keen insights from his journey, beginning in tech publishing back, as he put it, “when the internet became a thing,” and following the many pivots that eventually led him to his innovative work in Gov Tech. In fact, our conversation was so fantastic that it covers TWO episodes—and trust us, you’re going to want to listen to both parts. In Part One, you’ll find out what “Old School Web Ethos” means and learn about Christian’s amazing career trajectory as an author (The Internet for Busy People, a big hit in the ‘90s), content strategist, information architect, pattern detector, consultant, and product lead, to name just a few of his roles. Part Two zeroes in on Christian’s current role, which he describes as “a small office in a very large government.” Overseeing product development while simultaneously looking for ways to make his work successes usable across all of the state government sites, Christian tells us about combating “Zombie Processes” and how innovating in government is a “long game” quite unlike other business tech. We also discuss the often-overlooked issue of psychological safety for teams and work environments.“One of those career things I’ve noticed is that you plant these seeds, and you don’t know what they’re for,” Christian told us. “And then years later, you realize, ‘I’m using that thing I used to do. It’s back.’ There’s a track you’re on sometimes, even when you don’t realize it.” We’re so excited to share this inspiring dialogue with you and the optimism we feel for tech improving public service.
Episode 2.14: Kai Brunner on Seeing Solutions and the Enjoyment of Design
Kai Brunner can see a solution. He can see a whole system from within it.
He reminded some of us here at SXQ of Neo.
We don’t know if anyone else has likened Kai to Neo (or any other Keanu Reeves character, for that matter), but this seasoned designer-adventurer is this story’s hero.
In “The Matrix,” Neo masters his powers when he widens his scope to see the full matrix before him. What appeared to be random chaos is organized by his mind into clear patterns with distinct meanings. He sees the solution and finds his purpose. As an adviser to early-stage start-ups, Kai aims to bring order to creative chaos and share his vision for clear solutions. Our conversation was fascinating, and we found his thought processes and perspective to be powerful and exciting. We discuss the fun and fabulous fiction book on DevOps, The Phoenix Project, by Gene Kim, giving us a window into Kai’s thoughts on how DevOps impacts the design process. It’s a springboard into a light-hearted but deep dive into what we like to call a “designer’s designer,” and we think you’ll enjoy it. In the words of Steve Jobs, it isn’t all about how it looks. It’s how it works.
Episode 2.13: Jeanmarie Higgins and the Intimacy of Technology in the Classroom
The word “interesting” comes up a lot in this transcript. I think that word pops up when two curious people end up in a conversation. There is very little I am not interested in. (I confess, this is sometimes a problem for me.)
Intimacy is not a word that often comes up when discussing technology in the classroom. For many, technology has a distancing effect, but not Jeanmarie and her colleagues, who wrote a book about using technology to teach during the pandemic.
Jeanmarie is a technological pragmatist — she is not a technophile seeking to use every gadget; she does what works and what allows her to “magnify her presence” with her students. In other words, she uses technology to center the student and doesn’t use the student as an excuse to center the technology.
One of the more fascinating concepts is how the pandemic forced a reflection on synchronous and asynchronous action — what activities are best done live, what activities are best done alone, and what activities are best done together asynchronously? The cadences of synchrony and asynchrony fascinate many of us as we step out into the future of work and the future of the classroom.
We had a conversation that could have extended into hours and did after the show concluded— tune in and listen to the half-hour we captured.
Episode 2.12: Antony Panteli on Blockers to Digital Transformation
Antony Panteli is a renaissance man; as he says, he can’t be pigeonholed into one role, and that’s his strength.
Antony is an example of the kind of people we love talking to here at Singular XQ; he understands that digital transformation is not about individual specializations but holistic, systems-level thinking. Cross-functionality isn’t just an operating mode for teams; it can exist in an individual brain and comes from talking to and working with different kinds of specializations.
Old forms of organizational structure force us to become echo chambers of thought and create false blinders to limit our vision, to “stay in our swim lane,” but this can no longer be the case. SXQ’s client base continues to struggle with designers who lack an understanding of engineering, and engineers who lack empathy for designers, and business managers who can’t embrace the problem-solving approach of their partners in design and technology. It’s a perpetual problem and creates drag on organizations that are trying to become more nimble and pick up speed.
Our forthcoming e-book talks about the consilience of multiple technological advancements coming together toward a vanishing point on the horizon. Antony is someone who has that 20/20 vision and someone we rely on for a point of view that few people share.
Tune in and listen to this engaging virtual water cooler conversation and learn what’s going on in his brain.
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Ep 11: Ashutosh Dixit and Why the Cloud Makes Your Burgers Better
Have you ever wondered how cloud computing is making burgers better? Or how the Cloud is like an Uber? Ashutosh Dixit talks about digital transformation through Cloud technology.
Ep 10: Jason Frasca and Iain Kerr and the Innovation Design Approach
In today’s markets, innovation and creativity are crucial. Yet building teams that are genuinely collaborating creatively — and consequently innovating — is a primal deficiency in organizations today.
In this conversation with Jason Frasca and Iain Kerr, we discuss the work
they’ve been doing for 20 years, empowering teams with the tools and processes they need to innovate.
Frasca and Kerr work together at the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at Montclair State University and are a fountain of insights into the history and neurologic underpinnings of creativity and innovation.
If we want the radical transformation leaders say they want, it will take more than just thinking or speaking it into being. Listen to their ideas on where the NEW will be coming from.
Thanks to the kick-ass podcast team at Singular XQ, Caden, Brogan, Iqra, and Abby Ahmad, for allowing us to use her music.
Ep 9: Dr. Ari Zelmanow, the Sherlock Holmes of User Research
🚀 Experience predictable growth
🔮 Adapt to unpredictable conditions
⚠️ Mitigate risk to minimize losses
⏱ Move faster than the competition
💰 Increase value for the business and customers
He currently leads research for Twilio’s Core Platform. Previously built and led insights teams @Gtmhub, @Twitter, @Indeed, and @Panasonic. Before leading insights, he solved crimes as a metropolitan police detective at @SLMPD. Ari believes in truth, justice, and the American way, the Oxford comma, and NY-style pizza.
Twitter → twitter.com/arizelmanow
Website → arizelmanow.com
Linkedin → www.linkedin.com/in/zelmanow/
I had a blast talking to Ari. He transformed the skills he developed as a police detective into research skills that make him an advisor and advocate for leaders who need a strong product POV.
According to Ari, research only benefits an organization if it enables one of the four essentials for success: Value, Adaptability, Risk, and Speed. Researchers, he says, need to counsel business leaders, have a point of view, and contribute to decision-making.
We also discuss building relationships and credibility for UX Researchers in any organization.
As usual, thanks to the kick-ass podcast team at Singular XQ, Caden, Brogan, Iqra, and Abby Ahmad, for using her incredible music.
Ep 8: Anika Sharma and Her Fierce Point of View
The one in which global CX consultant Anika Sharma shares her "fierce point of view" on the importance of using advances in digital technology to enable a seamless and personalized customer experience.
Ep 7: Debbie Levitt and the Kitchen Sink
Debbie Levitt, Founder of Delta CX, talks about Customer Experience and UX and everything in between...including the proverbial (and literal) kitchen sink.
Ep. 6: Jarvis Moore, Sneakers as Metaphor for UX, and Diversifying UX Teams
Jarvis Moore is a passionate UX leader at Linked In and talks here about why sneakers are a perfect metaphor for UX and the importance of diversity in UX Design.
New music by artist Abby Ahmad.
Edited by Brógan Molloy
Ep 5: Fred Gerantabee and the Speed of Change
Fred Gerantabee is Chief Experience Officer at FGX International, an EssilorLuxotica company. An advocate for customer experience and the new service-based economy, we talk about agility, mindsets, the speed of change, and fear of risk.
Ep 4: Nate Chen and Trauma-Informed Design (Part 2)
The energetic conversation with Nate Chen continues in the concluding part of the interview.
Ep 3: Nate Chen and Trauma-Informed Design
What fun it was to have Nate Chen on, whom I met in a mentoring session several years ago. It’s also the longest episode I’ve recorded because Nate had so much to talk about, especially our mutual passion for trauma-informed design. So Nate’s interview will be a 2-parter, with the next installment dropping next week.
As always, many thanks to Brogan Molloy, editor extraordinaire.
Ep. 2: Bryan Miller, Digital Transformation and Democratization
Entrepreneur Bryan Miller has his eye on that, precisely and that's why he launched mBolsa, to provide easier access to credit, financial education, and financial services in Latin America.
Listen as I ask Bryan Miller questions about Five Cool Things About FinTech.
Ep 1: Dr. Susan Weinschenk and the Digital Transformation of UX
Dr. Susan Weinschenk is a pioneer in the field of UX. Still referred to as a new field, "UX" has been called different things at different times and has been around for four decades. Dr. Weinschenk was there from the start, influencing the field along with a handful of other consultants and fellows. In our debut episode, Dr. Weinschenk discusses:
- how to leverage academic training in the field
- what significant change she's seen since her start 35 years ago as one of the first "UX" consultants in the field
- what designers find most challenging about behavioral design,
- something important she thinks most designers can and should do differently.
Introduction to Singular XQ
The one in which I explain why I started the Singular XQ podcast.