Tim Worms

I just read Longing for Less: Living with Minimalism by Kyle Chayka, and it got me thinking about the power of minimalism—not just in art and architecture that you hear so much about, but in how we experience the world. Chayka's core message is that minimalism isn't just about reducing clutter—it's about creating space for clarity, intentionality, and deeper meaning... principles that really resonate with me and the UX design discipline. Here are some thoughts looking at Minimalism through the lens of user experience design: https://lnkd.in/gnmJGfyM

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Design Research: One from the archives I came across this post from April 2012 that feels timely to share again, especially as I see questions being raised about the relevance and value of design research. https://lnkd.in/gr-zYAhF "The patterns that we look for in our data - the connections we seek and forge between observations - are intended to deliver on that understanding. We look for what people do - the activities that fill their daily lives; the habits, rituals, jobs, and leisure. These are the more obvious of what we observe. But we also seek to understand why people do what they do. What are the drivers, influences and shapers of these activities? We look for their hopes and dreams, their cares and fears."

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Research is a function of strategy.  "According to CB Insights, over 90% of all products fail, most commonly due to no market need." Leave yourself time to ask big questions about whether any actually needs your product or service before you decide to launch it. #UXstrategy #UXresearch #Marketresearch

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Skipping strategy in UX design isn’t just missing a step—it’s missing the chance to lead. My latest post explains why UX strategy is essential to project success and how it transforms designers into strategic partners. https://lnkd.in/gtmnFA7a #userexperience #uxstrategy #businessalignment #productdesign #leadership #designleadership

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#BadassBookAlert Jeremy Miller’s Beyond UX is a compelling guide that transcends the surface-level practices of user experience (UX) design and dives into the deeper strategies that shape impactful, human-centered solutions. Miller positions UX as more than a set of tools or methods—he frames it as a strategic discipline that can drive organizational change and innovation when implemented effectively. The book is rich with actionable insights, blending theory with real-world examples that resonate across industries. Miller emphasizes the importance of aligning design practices with business goals, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and embedding UX thinking into organizational culture. His writing strikes a balance between accessible advice for beginners and nuanced strategies for seasoned professionals. One of the standout aspects of Beyond UX is its practical approach. The frameworks and methodologies outlined are not only clear but adaptable to varying levels of organizational maturity. Miller’s focus on metrics and outcomes ensures that readers understand how to measure the impact of their UX efforts—a critical skill for gaining executive buy-in. Jeremy also delves into the often-overlooked dynamics of team collaboration, highlighting how empathy and communication can break down silos and enhance the effectiveness of design processes. His emphasis on storytelling and advocacy equips UX practitioners to champion their work within the complexities of corporate environments. Overall, Beyond UX is an essential read for UX professionals looking to level up their strategic impact. By addressing the "why" and "how" behind effective UX, Miller provides a roadmap for moving beyond the tactical execution of design work into the realm of business and organizational transformation. "Great UX isn't just about pleasing interfaces—it's about aligning design with purpose, bridging silos, and proving that empathy is a business strategy, not just a buzzword." —Jeremy. Ah, you're speaking my love language sir. Don't just take my word for it Tom Greever did the forward and says nice things too. And Jeremy didn't even pay either of us. But he did let me write a little bit about Power Mapping and Stakeholder management in it. Buy it now and Krampus won't come get you. It's the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who cares about experiences. In case you're too cheap to buy it, you can sample my bit in the comments. #UX #Innovation #Design #Craft

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Interesting article from the Shutterstock blog on the topic of color accessibility. Helpful reminders abound. https://lnkd.in/evC2SfhH #design #designthinking #designbuild #designstrategy #product #producctdesign #productmanagement #productstrategy #designprinciples #innovation #designers #digitaltransformation #ux #uxdesign #uiux #uidesign #designinnovation #application #software #softwaredesign #usability #userresearch #research #usercentereddesign #productleadership #uxwriting #designsystems #empathy #interfacedesign #usabilitytesting #userexperience #productdesign #accessibility #ui #ai #genai 

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I’m noticing a peculiar design related anti-pattern of sorts in the post ZIRP economic environment. It’s where companies have the budget to staff design talent, albeit in lower numbers, but the development budget is so limited that teams are unable to implement the work designers produce. This is the third economic downturn I’ve experienced and we always get pendulum swings. In this one, there seems to be a bias toward austerity and implementing the least expensive solution.

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Part 1 of my series on "Design Trends That Will Dictate Whether People Adopt Your Digital Product or Service," as published on the news leaders Substack by James Breiner. In it, I cover the influence of Big Data, AI, intentional personalization, and inclusivity (not just in the sense of DE&I, but in inviting your users in to help shape your product development). https://lnkd.in/dNEdc2j5

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The article is a little older, but really appreciate the discussion on how experience design isn’t synonymous with UX design. https://lnkd.in/gUKrw5Ed

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In my latest podcast interview, Greg Petroff shares insights about the state of design and the opportunities open to designers in these dynamic times. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gTXpQgjn #UxDesign #Ux #Design #Leadership

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Excited to dive deeper into design systems! 🌟 This article breaks down the “parent-child” relationship between design systems and style guides, showing how they work together to keep designs consistent and efficient. A great read for anyone passionate about design! #designsystem #styleguides #uxdesign https://lnkd.in/eUamsNTH

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#FridayFindings from #UserResearch: #insurance #policyholders will not memorize or even remember significant details of their policy, however, they expect #quickaccess to and #digestibledetails of their policy in moments of need. #uxresearch #uxfinding #researchinsight #userinformeddesign #design #designandresearch #insurancecustomers #insurancepolicies #customerinsight #customerbehavior

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Join me and my guest, Sarah Doody, for Episode 137 of the #DesignThinking 101 #Podcast: Designing Your Career + UX for Small Business. Listen to it here: https://bit.ly/45lUCgN #CareerPlanning #UX #UserExperience

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Have you ever wondered why some public services just work while others miss the mark entirely? Often, the difference is service design. Far from being a buzzword, it’s a method that shapes services people need—and want to use. In this blog post, we unpack what service design means and why it’s essential for the public and third sectors. Plus, hear from Sophie Bennett at Social Care Wales on how service design changes how we design and deliver services. If improving public services is on your radar, this read is a solid starting point. #ServiceDesign #PublicServices #UserCentred https://lnkd.in/e9U2_B3x

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Sometimes organisations want to say they are a design-led organisation but are not willing to put in the work to consider what it really means to be design-led — the need to thoughtfully consider end-to-end product and service delivery both internally and externally, starting with a clear articulation of vision and strategy; and then designing policies, programmes, and workflows to support it. I love how simple these questions are to guide how organisations can think about design to encourage positive outcomes.

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Public transportation apps can be daunting for adults over 65 and users with cognitive disabilities. This article explores the importance of inclusive design and innovative research methods to uncover genuine user needs. #UX #uxdesign https://lnkd.in/g57xMqta

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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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Does your design practice need an Information Architect like me? * Are you a design agency or product company of more than 15 people? * Do you primarily design websites? Mobile apps? Hybrid physical/digital experiences? * Do your experiences require navigation for menus, taxonomy to drive filtering systems, or recommendation engines? If you answered yes to any of those questions then you need an Information Architect. If you don't have an IA (or Content Strategist, UX Designer, or Technical Architect working in this capacity), then your project is missing out on: – Increased efficiency – Improved designs – More positive user testing results – Improved inter-operability among systems – Better team dynamics between content, design and dev [The last 2 are super important for enterprise orgs, but brands of all sizes experience the first 3.] If you're interested in Information Architecture work, I have one or two openings for new clients starting in September. I can provide samples, client testimonials, and references upon request.

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