Summary
In this provocative talk, Brendan encourages us to stop worrying about the future, recognize that we have what it takes to overcome any challenge, and work together to create a future that our field is worthy of. He shares three stories to illustrate these points, taking inspiration from science fiction, Japanese samurai, and the enduring impression of his late Grandfather. If you want to worry less about your career, see situations more clearly, and discover the most important question for DesignOps professionals to ask themselves today - don't miss this presentation.
Key Insights
-
•
Design is facing challenges from AI and economic pressures, leading to job insecurity.
-
•
Reflection is crucial for designers to maintain their relevance and adapt to changes in their field.
-
•
By separating signal from noise, designers can respond effectively to change and innovate.
-
•
Adversity is part of the human experience; how we face challenges defines our journey.
-
•
Historical examples of resilience, like the samurai, teach us the importance of perspective in navigating our professional challenges.
-
•
Choosing the right narrative about our circumstances can empower us to innovate and find opportunities.
-
•
Understanding the role of AI in design is essential for shaping our future identity as designers.
-
•
Inspiration can be drawn from personal and historical stories to foster a sense of community and purpose.
-
•
Maintaining a balance between observing and perceiving is essential for understanding complex situations in design.
-
•
Facing adversities with optimism can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
Notable Quotes
"Fair is a choice and we have much better ones to make."
"What does it mean to be a design ops person?"
"The stakes are high, let's not be caught by surprise."
"What you see matters less than how you see it."
"Facing adversity well gives our lives greater meaning."
"Are we going to capture this moment or just let it slip?"
"You were born with everything you need to face any adversity."
"Our capacity to respond creatively and courageously is real."
"Between the rise of AI and the current fall of the job market, we have got our work cut out for us."
"The challenges we face are real, but so is our capacity to respond creatively."
More Videos
"Never underestimate your ability to change the world through design."
John MaedaMaking Sense of Enterprise UX
June 9, 2016
"It’s essential to approach thinking styles without prior demographic assumptions."
Indi YoungThinking styles: Mend hidden cracks in your market
January 8, 2025
"Data scientists are sometimes thought of as the golden unicorns who can solve anything."
Chris ChapoData Science and Design: A Tale of Two Tribes
May 13, 2015
"We're mining our practices to track impact over time."
Elizabeth ChurchillExploring Cadence: You, Your Team, and Your Enterprise
June 8, 2017
"Collectives are communities of practice individuals that have an interest in a particular topic."
Rusha SopariwalaRemote, Together: Craft and Collaboration Across Disciplines, Borders, Time Zones, and a Design Org of 170+
June 9, 2022
"Design helps build capital and seeks comfort."
George AyeThat Quiet Little Voice: When Design and Ethics Collide
November 16, 2022
"I care about my team's resilience, and I'm here to share some strategies and tactics that work well for us."
Ariba JahanTeam Resiliency Through a Pandemic
January 8, 2024
"Design thinking is a set of behaviors, not just a toolbox of methods."
Julie Gitlin Esther RaiceDesign as an Agent of Digital Transformation at JPMC
June 9, 2021
"The more data we have, the more difficult it is to find what we actually need."
Matteo GrattonCan Data and Ethics Live Together?
October 1, 2021
