From Industrial Design to AI Research: Scaling User Insights with Juno | Michelle
In this episode of All Things Design, I sit down with Michelle, co-founder of Juno, an AI-powered research platform that transforms how companies conduct qualitative user interviews. We explore her journey from industrial design and global field research to building a digital clone of herself—designed to evaluate interviews at scale with unmatched accuracy.
Michelle shares her perspective on the costliest mistake companies make—listening to the loudest voice instead of the user’s voice—and explains how AI research is making customer understanding faster, cheaper, and more reliable than ever.
We dive into the myths of user research, why startups avoid it, how AI is democratizing insights, and why being proven wrong can be the most valuable outcome of all.
Key Topics Covered:
Michelle’s journey from industrial design to AI-driven research
Why ignoring user research costs more than doing it
Building a digital clone: scaling subject-matter expertise with AI
How AI research reduces cost from $1200 to $20 per interview
The psychology of founders avoiding research (fear vs. budget)
How user insights directly connect to ROI and product success
Common mistakes in user research (and how to fix them)
Why AI + domain expertise beats traditional research teams
The future of research and its role in product development
Resources:
— Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejoygilmore/
— Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/
#UserResearch #AIResearch #UXDesign #FutureOfResearch #AIinBusiness #ProductDevelopment #StartupInsights #DesignLeadership #CustomerCentric #MichelleJuno #AIandUX
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54:35
Navigating the Future of Design: Don Norman on UX, AI, and Design Leadership
In this episode of All Things Design, I sit down with Don Norman, the godfather of UX, to explore his journey from coining the term "user experience" at Apple to his pioneering work at the Nielsen Norman Group. We delve into the evolving role of designers in the age of AI, discussing how AI might reshape the design process and where designers can add true value in business.
Don shares insights on everything from the history of UX design to his latest book on creating a better world through design. He offers invaluable advice for designers looking to bridge the gap between design craft and business leadership.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
The history and evolution of UX design
AI’s impact on design jobs and how designers can remain relevant
The importance of understanding business operations for designers
How to navigate the challenges of transitioning from specialist to generalist
Don Norman’s legacy and what the future holds for UX design
📚 Resources:
🔗 Resources:
— Connect with Don Norman on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnorman/
— Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/
⏱️ Timestamps:
— Introduction to Don Norman
— Don's journey to coining the term "user experience"
— The evolution of UX at Apple and beyond
— The role of designers in a world dominated by AI
— Designing for sustainability and the future
— Don's new book and vision for a better world
— The importance of interdisciplinary knowledge for designers
— The future of AI in design and the role of human designers
— How to advocate for design in the business world
— Don’s thoughts on his legacy and future endeavors
— Wrapping up: What’s next for UX and AI
🎯 Hashtags:
#UXDesign #AIInDesign #DesignLeadership #UserExperience #AIandDesign #FutureOfDesign #SustainabilityInDesign #DonNorman #DesignForAGreaterWorld #DesignThinking #HumanCenteredDesign #TechForGood #DesignEvolution #AIInBusiness
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1:08:34
Humanizing AI in Design: Building AI Mentors & Teams with Kristin de la Fuente| All Things Design
This week on All Things Design, I sat down with Kristin de la Fuente, a design veteran who has worked with major brands like Qantas, IAG, and is now a key member of our team at Torii. Kristin shares her journey in building AI-powered design teams, highlighting the balance between human leadership and autonomous agents.
We explored the future of design, from how AI agents can help run design processes to the potential of a single person running an entire AI-powered design team. Kristin’s insights into humanizing AI, fostering collaboration, and breaking down complex AI concepts for team adoption are crucial for anyone looking to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of design.
Key Topics Covered:
Humanizing AI: How to make AI approachable and useful for design teams
Building AI-powered design mentors and agents to amplify your team
The future of design teams in an AI-driven world
Scaling from solo designer to leading a full-fledged design team
The role of human leadership in an AI-dominated environment
🔗 Resources:
— Connect with Kristin de la Fuente on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristindelafuente/
— Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/
⏱️ Timestamps:
(00:00) — Introduction to Kristin de la Fuente
(01:00) — Kristin’s journey from graphic design to AI in design
(01:55) — Building AI agents and mentors in design teams
(08:34) — Designing AI Agents: From Concept to Creation with Human-Centered Approach
(13:59) — Humanizing AI for Design Teams and Mentorship
(21:33) — Building AI Dream Teams and Empowering Design Roles
(27:37) — Humanizing AI and the Importance of Design in AI Projects
(31:31) — Designing for the Future with AI Agents and Evolving Roles
(36:47) — Challenges and Opportunities
(43:03) — Key advice for embracing AI in design and upskilling
(51:45) — Wrapping up: the future of AI and design teams
#AIInDesign #DesignLeadership #HumanizingAI #AIinDesignTeams #DesignMentorship #AIInBusiness #DesignThinking #KristindelaFuente #AIForDesigners #InnovationInDesign #AIForCreatives #DigitalTransformation #DesignEmpowerment
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54:11
Jakob Nielsen on the Future of Design: Embracing AI and Agency
In this episode, Jakob Nielsen, one of the original pioneers of usability and user-centered design, shares his thoughts on the future of design in the age of AI. With 42 years of experience, Jakob discusses the rapid evolution of design systems, how AI is changing the way we work, and the critical importance of agency in design. He stresses the need for designers to embrace new technologies, evolve with the times, and play an active role in shaping the future of design.
Jakob also dives into the concept of the "pancake effect"—how AI is shrinking teams, boosting productivity, and reshaping hierarchies in the workplace. He warns of the risks of AI denial within the design community and explains why it’s essential for designers to adapt to these technological advancements to stay relevant.
Whether you're a designer, product leader, or AI enthusiast, this conversation offers invaluable insights on the role of agency in the design process, the importance of keeping up with AI, and how AI will influence design jobs in the future.
🔑 Key Themes:
Jakob Nielsen's journey in design and usability
The evolution of design from mainframes to AI-driven systems
How AI will impact team sizes and productivity
The risks of AI denial and embracing change
The future of design agency in an AI-enabled world
The importance of adapting to AI to stay relevant in design
AI’s role in shaping the future of design careers
Productivity and creativity boosts with AI in design
The shift from command-based to intent-based design with AI
Why AI is not replacing designers but empowering them
🔗 Resources:
— Connect with Jakob Nielsen on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakobnielsenphd/
— Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Jakob Nielsen’s Journey in Design
01:31 - The Early Days: From Mainframes to the Web Revolution
06:58- AI’s Impact on Productivity: The "Pancake" Effect
13:12 - The Future of Design Teams: Efficiency, AI, and Organizational Changes
18:01 - The Evolution of Design: AI’s Impact on Efficiency, Teams, and Tools
28:00 - AI for Career Growth and Shaping the Future of Design
34:10 - Embracing AI, Flattening Hierarchies, and the Role of Agency
38:48 - The Evolving Role of Design and Agency in the Age of AI
42:12 - Jakob’s Vision for the Next 5 to 10 Years in Design
50:09 - Where to Follow Jakob Nielsen and Stay Updated on UX Trends
#JakobNielsen #aiindesign #Usability #designsystems #AIRevolution #designagency #futureofdesign #techindesign #designinnovation #designcareers #aiimpact #UsabilityInDesign #designthinking #designleadership #AIAndUsability #PioneersInDesign #digitaltransformation #AgencyInDesign #aifordesigners #ProductivityInDesign #designcommunity
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51:21
From Psychology to Design: Renuja Marshall Talks UX Strategies for Business Success
In this episode, Renuja Marshall, Experience Design Lead at IDP Education, shares her expertise in aligning user needs with business goals. She discusses her journey combining psychology with design and how it shapes the user experience. From the importance of thorough UX planning to working within business constraints, Renuja reveals the strategies and techniques that drive success in complex environments. Learn how to navigate between quick wins and sustainable design solutions while maintaining a focus on customer experience.
Whether you're a designer, product leader, or business strategist, this conversation provides invaluable insights on aligning design with business objectives and understanding the broader impact of design decisions.
🔑 Key Themes
Aligning UX with business strategy
Understanding customer needs through research
Balancing quick wins with long-term solutions
The importance of design systems for consistency
Overcoming business constraints to innovate
Educating the business on the value of UX
Building cross-functional collaboration
Designing for sustainability in business
How UX can drive product success
🔗 Resources
— Connect with Renuja Marshall on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/renuja88marshall/
— Connect with Joe Woodham on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-woodham-torii-uxdesign/
⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 - Intro: Renuja's Design Journey
01:38 - Balancing Quick Wins vs. Thorough UX Planning
04:36 - Aligning Strategy, Stakeholders, and Design for Successful Projects
07:26 - Focus on the Customer: Build Personas Based on Real Insights
9:18 - Make Time for UX: Why Research Shouldn't Be Rushed
14:20 -Understanding the 'Why': Unlocking Deep Insights for Better Product Design
18:05- Ask the Right Questions, Not Just 'What' – Digging Deeper into User Needs
21:24 - Communication Over UX Jargon: Making Your Message Clear for All
23:35 - From "User" to "Customer" - The Key Shift in Design
25:24 - Connect with Renuja: LinkedIn for Direct Access
📌 Tags
#uxdesign #businessstrategy #productdesign #designsystems #designleadership #customerresearch #stakeholdercommunication #userexperience #businessgoals #designthinking #sustainabledesign #UXInnovation #designstrategy #CrossFunctionalCollaboration #productsuccess
Welcome to ”All Things Design”—the podcast that unpacks how design is driving digital transformation. Each episode dives into the crossroads of design, business, and tech, sharing practical insights on how design thinking, UX, and collaboration fuel real change.
Join us as we chat with industry experts on aligning design with business goals, streamlining processes, and igniting innovation. Whether you’re a designer, product manager, or business leader, ”All Things Design” delivers actionable takeaways to power your digital transformation and Transformation Experience (TX)
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