Allie Vogel

💡 Figma Receives $12.5 Billion Valuation in New Investment Round 💼 Exciting news for the design world! Figma Inc., the San Francisco-based design startup, has secured a substantial investment from a group of investors including Coatue Management, Alkeon Capital Management, and General Catalyst Partners. This new deal values Figma at an impressive $12.5 billion. 📈 Key Financials: Annual Recurring Revenue: Over $700 million, projected to exceed $1 billion next year. Previous Revenue: Approximately $400 million by the end of 2022. 🚀 Recent Developments: New Features: In June, Figma launched new AI functionalities and a visual storytelling tool called Figma Slides. IPO Potential: Figma is considered a strong candidate for an IPO after a planned merger with Adobe Inc. fell through last year. 🔄 Transaction Details: The deal involved a secondary share sale, also known as a tender offer, which included current and former employees as well as other shareholders. This secondary share sale has been completed successfully. 📊 Notable Investors: The investment round also saw participation from: SurgoCap Partners Atlassian. Fidelity Investments Management & Research Co. Franklin Templeton's Franklin Venture Partners ICONIQ Capital Sequoia Capital Thrive Capital Durable Capital Partners LP Partners Andreessen Horowitz Kleiner Perkins With this significant backing, Figma is poised for continued growth and innovation in the design industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this game-changing company! #Figma #InvestmentNews #DesignTech #Coatue #GeneralCatalyst #StartupFunding #TechInnovation #AI #IPOCandidate #BusinessGrowth

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NEW BOOK: #DesignOperations is the business practice that ensures great design and great designers thrive and deliver meaningful impact. The Design Conductors by Rachel Posman and John Calhoun is your comprehensive guide to DesignOps. You’ll learn how to successfully advocate for, build out, scale up, and ultimately operate design organizations. With this book, you'll also gain... 🔹 A framework for building a #DesignOps practice 🔹 Career paths for DesignOps professionals (with real-world examples!) 🔹 How to build, run, and grow a DesignOps team—even from scratch 🔹 Ways to effect transformative changes in teams and businesses 🔹 Guidelines for applying to and hiring for design operations roles …and more! P.S. When you pre-order The Design Conductors: Your Essential Design Operations Handbook from us, you save 15% off the list price! Take advantage of this discount and pre-order now! Get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/ef-PqX3g

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The Impact of Evolving Technology on UX Research In a recent episode of Pulse by Intuji, Julian Wallis, CEO of Intuji, discusses the rapid evolution of technology in UX research with Cory Lebson, Principal of Lebsontech LLC. Reflecting on how research methods have adapted, Cory notes, "The technology really keeps evolving... like we see AI today as revolutionary. Well, there have been a lot of those revolutionary things over the years." Cory highlights that while research methods have remained relatively consistent, the tools and technology used have greatly advanced. "The technology we use to do the research [has] much improved and continually improved," he says, emphasising how these changes keep UX research exciting and dynamic. 🎧 Want to hear the full conversation? Catch the full episode and others at the links below, or find us wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts: ➕ YouTube - https://buff.ly/4cB1E4N ➕ Spotify - https://buff.ly/3J3MQxV ➕ Apple Podcasts - https://buff.ly/4cCnRiZ ➕ Deezer - https://buff.ly/3J3MQOr Also, give us a follow on the platforms below to keep up with the latest from Pulse by Intuji: 👉 LinkedIn - https://buff.ly/3R0fVik 👉 YouTube - https://buff.ly/4cB1E4N 👉 TikTok - https://buff.ly/4aIF3S9 👉 Instagram - https://buff.ly/4bWe85F 👉 X/Twitter - https://buff.ly/3J3MQ0T 👉 Website - https://buff.ly/4aIF3l7 #UXResearch #PulseByIntuji #AI #Innovation #UserExperience #Technology #ResearchMethods

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How to utilize #AI in #UX is a conversation that Principal Consultant and UX Design Lead Joe Dallacqua is having every day, despite being in the early stages of where those two concepts meet. In this Tech in 2, Joe shares three ways he’s seeing AI help UX designers become not only more efficient, but more creative as well.

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Building a Career in UX Research - Skills for Success In this episode of Pulse by Intuji, Julian Wallis, CEO of Intuji, discusses with Cory Lebson, Principal of Lebsontech LLC, about the essential skills needed for those considering a career in UX research. Reflecting on the current market, Cory offers practical advice for newcomers in the field. "Research took a hit in 2023 and into 2024, so it's a little harder to get a research job at this exact moment," Cory notes. However, he emphasises the importance of patience and resilience. "Don't get discouraged. I think we're on the upswing again, and the research will be plentiful... It might take until 2025 for a full rebound." Cory highlights that although the current market is challenging, those with the right skills and mindset should persevere, as opportunities in UX research will grow once more. 🎧 Learn more about the skills needed for a successful career in UX research in this episode of Pulse by Intuji: ➕ YouTube - https://buff.ly/4cB1E4N ➕ Spotify - https://buff.ly/3J3MQxV ➕ Apple Podcasts - https://buff.ly/4cCnRiZ ➕ Deezer - https://buff.ly/3J3MQOr Keep up with Pulse by Intuji on social media for insights from leading experts: 👉 LinkedIn - Pulse by Intuji 👉 YouTube - https://buff.ly/4cB1E4N 👉 TikTok - https://buff.ly/4aIF3S9 👉 Instagram - https://buff.ly/4bWe85F 👉 X/Twitter - https://buff.ly/3J3MQ0T 👉 Website - https://buff.ly/4aIF3l7 #UXResearch #CareerAdvice #PulseByIntuji #Leadership #Technology #B2B

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In my latest podcast, Dr. Jodi Forlizzi and I discuss a subject key to designers working today: the impact of AI on the discipline. Check it out! 👂👇 https://lnkd.in/gEKbvFQ6 #Design #UxDesign #InteractionDesign #AI #ArtificialIntelligence

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Lots of hubbub around Figma's new AI features this morning. Our Technology Director Jarrett Webb brings the hyperbole into perspective. Tl;dr: Yes, these are positive new features for the Figma product, which will empower designers and improve the design process, but it is a great exaggeration to think of it as the end for product designers. These are features that help designers with the tedious and mundane chores of designing and using Figma: -creating filler content that makes the designs more realistic -organizing the entities of Figma -creating mood boards or inspiration boards Yes, it does make the act of "designing" more accessible to those less skilled in design and in using tools like Figma, but it would be naive to stop there. It could be effective for non-designers to express their ideas and concepts more easily. It does not eliminate all the other and most important things designers deal with: -composition of systems -composition of workflows -managing scale -understanding the problem space in both abstract and pedantic levels -articulating problem spaces at multiple levels for various audiences -making good decisions -organizing information -effectively presenting information/data The last three are extremely difficult for non-designers. Businesses are often challenged making product and design decisions that optimally satisfy both user/market needs and business objectives. This is the hardest part of product strategy and design. Product discovery (applies to established products as much as new products) is the process of defining and articulating the product space and is something businesses constantly struggle with. It is also an imperative prerequisite to designing and delivering successful products to market. Design is a strategic process and is far more than setting pixels and making things look pretty.

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🚀 Exploring AI & User-Centered Design: Where UCD Falls Short 🤖🔍 AI is transforming our world, but is User-Centered Design (UCD) keeping up? In my latest blog, I dive into my experience and challenges of integrating UCD with AI, covering key points like: 🔹 The Dilemma of Unknown Unknowns: How AI introduces new, unpredictable issues. 🔹 Data Gaps: The impact of missing data on inclusivity and fairness. 🔹 Big Data Complexity: Why designers need new skills in data analysis. 🔹 End-User Complexity: Making AI understandable for users. 🔹 AI Behavior: The need for ongoing maintenance and refinement. Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective! 👇📢 https://lnkd.in/g9yAHQ5p #AI #Design #UserCenteredDesign

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🎙️ New Episode Alert! Join hosts Kenn Williamson and Matthew Lemke as they speak with Elena Haskins 🧩, a UX and product designer, certified OOUX strategist and founder of Anele UX Studio. Elena discusses the significance of object-oriented UX in crafting intuitive digital products, emphasizing the importance of understanding relationships between components and prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. Discover how user research and testing are crucial to creating user-centric experiences. Check it out here! 👉 https://hubs.li/Q02JqpCt0 Shoutout to BLU Studio for providing the perfect space for us to record all our SEQTEK podcasts. #BLUStudio #SoonerMarketing #SEQTEKPodcast #Aesthetics #DesignFeedback #DesignInnovation #DesignProcess #DesignStrategy #DesignThinking #DigitalProducts #FunctionalDesign #Functionality #IntuitiveDesign #ObjectOrientedUX #OOUX #ProductDesign #TechTalk #UserCentric #UserDesign #UserExperience #UserResearch #UserTesting #UXDesign #UXStrategy #UXTrends #SEQTEK #TechnologyConsulting #Strategy #BusinessAnalyst #DigitalTransformation #ModernTechnology #Business #Innovation #Modernization #SoftwareDevelopment #CustomSoftware #Outsourcing #Localshoring #Nearshoring #BusinessTech #Technology #Consultant

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⏰ Ready to elevate your #UX game? We’re about to drop something special for all the UX #pros, #beginners, & #enthusiasts out there. Sign up to receive the first edition on Nov 07! https://shorturl.at/UUC04 #monthlynewsletter #uxlinks #newsletter #design #uxdesign #productdesign #bestpractices #trends #interestingtopics

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Stumbled upon this article and it really got me thinking about the role design plays in shaping user experiences. As a designer, I’m always looking for new insights on how we can create more intuitive, user-first interfaces. This article shares some thought-provoking ideas on design innovation and its impact on business. It’s a great read for anyone in the design or tech space. Highly recommend checking it out! https://lnkd.in/e9fcqAYt

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Overcoming Challenges in UX Research - The Role of Kindness In a recent episode of Pulse by Intuji, Julian Wallis, CEO of Intuji, and Cory Lebson, Principal of Lebsontech LLC, discuss some of the key challenges in UX research, particularly around gaining stakeholder buy-in. Cory shares his insights on the importance of fostering a positive working environment to make research successful. "Sometimes you have very irritable stakeholders," Cory notes, explaining that dealing with difficult personalities can become a barrier to effective research. He emphasises the value of kindness and creating a collaborative atmosphere, saying that "kindness... reduces barriers to communication and ultimately makes research more successful." Cory also believes that setting a positive tone early in the project helps smooth the way for effective collaboration and buy-in from all parties. 🎧 Want to learn more about handling challenges in UX research? Listen to the full conversation in the latest episode of Pulse by Intuji by following the links below or tuning in on your preferred platform: ➕ YouTube - https://buff.ly/4cB1E4N ➕ Spotify - https://buff.ly/3J3MQxV ➕ Apple Podcasts - https://buff.ly/4cCnRiZ ➕ Deezer - https://buff.ly/3J3MQOr Stay connected with us for the latest updates from Pulse by Intuji on our social channels: 👉 LinkedIn - https://buff.ly/3R0fVik 👉 YouTube - https://buff.ly/4cB1E4N 👉 TikTok - https://buff.ly/4aIF3S9 👉 Instagram - https://buff.ly/4bWe85F 👉 X/Twitter - https://buff.ly/3J3MQ0T 👉 Website - https://buff.ly/4aIF3l7 #UXResearch #Collaboration #PulseByIntuji #StakeholderManagement #Leadership #UserExperience #B2B #Technology

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More UX and Product leaders need to hear Diana DeMarco Brown (she/her)'s wisdom. Diana is a pioneer in the UX field who takes a thoughtful and nuanced approach to assessing the current state of the tech industry. In our recent conversation, Diana shared many insights, including: - How to evaluate a company's culture during the hiring process - Why private equity ownership can result in design divestment - How Product and UX leaders can effectively influence business decisions - Why we don't need to panic with the rise of AI, but we need to think critically and prioritize regulation during this early stage Link to our full conversation: https://lnkd.in/eemDimVb

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How are designers helping to transform healthcare delivery? Today, the Equitable Healthcare Lab at the Institute of Design releases our report, The Role of Design in US Health Systems. This is the first-ever study of how professionally trained designers are being integrated into the core missions of health systems. 20 years after the first design units inside healthcare systems were launched — at Mayo Clinic and Kaiser Permanente — there are over 40 such teams operating across the US. Our report takes a systematic look at how designers are organized, the missions they pursue, the methods they apply, and the measures they use to define their impact. READ THIS REPORT if you are... ...A health system leader curious about how design can accelerate your transformation. ...A designer working in a health system who wants to learn how your peers are succeeding. ...A health system design leader seeking evidence to strengthen the case for design. CONTENTS... • In-depth profiles of design teams in 27 systems—structure, practice areas, success measures. • Based on interviews with 46 designers and design leaders across 27 health systems. • 6 real-world Impact Stories about how design approaches healthcare delivery challenges. • 9 distinct and diverse Contribution Areas distilled from an analysis of 260+ projects. • A model for how to work across Contribution Areas to deliver enterprise-scale impact. • Commentary from our Advisory Council of 10 physician and design leaders across North America. Get the report here (FREE ACCESS): equitablehealthcarelab.org With much gratitude to all who contributed their time and insight: see comments. #EquitableHealthcare #DesignInHealth #HealthcareDeliveryDesign #ServiceDesign #QualityImprovement #HealthEquity

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"The argument for why design in healthcare is still developing. For tech companies, it’s so intertwined with their core products. In healthcare, it’s one of many options: you have QI and other approaches that healthcare staff are willing to use to make things work. Design has a foot in the door with the kind of needs in healthcare, but to say that it’s essential or dominant? Many health systems don’t think of designers as essential. Yet." - Kipum Lee, PhD, VP of Innovation and Product Strategy at UH. See how design and innovation teams in US healthcare are transforming healthcare delivery. This report features 27 teams in health systems, 9 contribution areas of design, and the launch/longevity of various teams. Great to have University Hospitals and University Hospitals Ventures represented! Download the free report here: https://lnkd.in/eS-DryXT

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🎤 Victoria Campbell, Director of UX Design at Fidelity Investments 💬 How to use Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) to get the best UX feedback Getting feedback early and often is critical to the design process and success of any product. But, getting productive and thoughtful UX feedback from stakeholders can be a tough, daunting task. Often, it comes down to creating a safe space for honest communication and asking the right questions that encourage engagement and critical thinking. Enter Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), a facilitation technique that fosters collaborative, inclusive, community-building dialogue. This workshop will explore a simple, 3 question technique that can help UX practitioners get meaningful feedback and foster communities of collaboration. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eTHMwe2U #UXYall #UXYall2024 #TriUXPA #UXDesign #UXDesigner #UXResearch #UXPA #UXInspiration #UXConference #UserExperience

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Video explaining my new article “Design Leaders Should Go ‘Founder Mode’.” The future of design leadership is not to aspire to ever-higher executive roles, ruling over a vast UX empire. Rather, embrace the “Founder Mode” concept of hands-on and vision-based leadership of small and highly effective design teams. Read the full article 👉 https://lnkd.in/gQJxv2yG This is a revised video with a new AI avatar, again using Humva. They have a long list of pre-designed avatars to pick from! This avatar sounds better than the one I posted a few days ago. While Humva has its downsides, usability is high: you pick an avatar from a scrolling list of pre-designed options and upload the manuscript. One click (and half an hour’s wait!) produces the video. (I added subtitles in CapCut.) #AI #UX #Design #Leadership #FounderMode

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Working on Design Systems means dedicating your career to fostering "buy-in." This article provides excellent strategies for managing this throughout the product lifecycle. My favorite sections are "Offer No Easy Exits" and "Make It Everyone’s Baby." Read the article: https://lnkd.in/ei26MMjR Thank you for writing this PJ Onori! #DesignSystem #UXEngineer

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