Summary
In this talk, the speaker reflects on being described as 'difficult' by her best friend and reclaims this characterization positively by aligning herself with iconic, trailblazing figures like Joe March, Sylvia Plath, and Mary Poppins. She defines 'difficult people' as courageous changemakers who challenge the status quo by asking tough questions and envisioning a better future. Responding to Peter's question about the UX role, she expresses frustration over others defining their purpose and urges the community to define themselves by treating people as humans, not users. She introduces the concept of bringing 'truth to power' as a path to excellence and value in the craft, acknowledging that its exact meaning is yet to be fully understood but inviting the audience to explore it. The talk previews upcoming presentations: Victor challenges conventional interviewing to reveal truth equitably; Dane integrates psychological and bodily understanding; Savina explores truth at intersections of identity; Nicole discusses AI’s impact on present and future truths; Miba demonstrates visual frameworks for communicating insights; and a panel with Nini, Andy, Robin shares practical methods for engaging power. Steve will conclude with a historical perspective to inspire ongoing courageous practice. Overall, the talk is a rallying call for UX professionals to unite as difficult, brave individuals who leverage their collective strength to redefine their role and impact.
Key Insights
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Being 'difficult' is reframed as a strength shared by influential historical and fictional figures who changed the world.
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Difficult people in UX challenge norms by asking uncomfortable questions and envisioning better futures.
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There is frustration within the UX community about external parties defining their role and value.
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Treating people as full human beings rather than mere 'users' is a foundational shift needed in UX practice.
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Bringing 'truth to power' is proposed as a core responsibility to achieve excellence and assert value in the field.
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The exact meaning of 'bringing truth to power' is intentionally open-ended and an invitation for exploration.
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Victor’s session promises to radically rethink interviewing practices to foster equity and inclusion.
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Dane highlights the importance of considering both mind and body in psychological understanding within UX.
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Nicole addresses how AI influences and shifts present and future realities impacting design truth.
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Historical reflection, as proposed by Steve, is important for understanding how UX can continue evolving as difficult, courageous practitioners.
Notable Quotes
"If I am difficult, then I am in good company, esteemed company, the best of company."
"Difficult people change things by looking at the world not as it is, but as they hope it could and should be."
"I am sick and tired of other people telling us what our role is without having done the work."
"We need to treat people as people, not users, because they are not a utility or a commodity."
"By bringing truth to power is how we bring excellence to our craft and define our value."
"Difficult people need to sit and wallow in that difficult, messy middle with those difficult questions."
"No one knows yet exactly what bringing truth to power means, and that’s the beauty of it."
"Victor is going to throw a wrecking ball through the idea of interviewing."
"Dane helps us understand that psychology is not just about the mind, but also deeply held in the body."
"Steve invites us to look back at the history of our field so we can keep being difficult and courageous together."
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