Summary
The talk opens by reflecting on the growing community of researchers eager to learn and transform together, a theme initiated by Chris and Jim last year. It emphasizes that transformation becomes most vivid in moments of significant disruption, whether personally, organizationally, or industry-wide, such as the current economic challenges in tech. Lesan’s story about leaving research raises questions about whether organizations are prepared to evolve. Upcoming talks by Mia, Cassini, my Ed, and Caitlin will delve into responsible, radical, and inclusive research to push the craft’s boundaries. Chloe and Florence address cultural intersections and speculative futures, illustrating how transformation occurs through dialogue when diverse groups meet and bend new paths together. The speaker urges participants not only to absorb knowledge but to embrace transformation as a way of life, blending personal growth with professional evolution for deeper, sustained impact.
Key Insights
-
•
Transformation in research is heightened during periods of personal, organizational, or industry upheaval.
-
•
Lesan’s departure from research highlights the tension between individual change and organizational willingness to adapt.
-
•
Responsible, radical, and inclusive research approaches represent deeper transformations of the research craft.
-
•
Conversation between different groups fosters transformation by creating paths neither party would take alone.
-
•
Cultural and futurist perspectives, like Chloe’s and Florence’s, expand the ways transformation is understood and practiced.
-
•
Practicing transformation in life makes it easier and more authentic to integrate it into research work.
-
•
Transformation is not only a goal but a continuous process of bending and turning with difference.
-
•
Engagement beyond passive listening—such as interactive conversations in cohorts and Slack—amplifies transformation.
-
•
Transformation involves openness to new ways of being, knowing, doing, working, living, and breathing.
-
•
Taking notes or sketching ideas is encouraged but openness to the experience and challenge is paramount.
Notable Quotes
"Transformation research is a transformative force."
"In times of great upheaval, possibilities for transformation become more alive."
"Lesan left research and what the organization chooses to do next is up to them."
"Conversation converts — with or alongside, it means bend or turn."
"When difference comes together, something new emerges neither could have traveled alone."
"If we practice transformation as a way of life, it’s easier to practice it in our research work."
"It’s so much harder to not practice transformation outside and then suddenly switch gears at work."
"Open yourself up to the ways of being, knowing, doing, working, living, and breathing of others."
"We’re going to laugh, learn, listen, and maybe take some sketch notes."
"I hope that today you are transformed."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"Two UX designers at Amazon built a movement of 8,700 employees that led to Amazon announcing their climate pledge."
Jamie Beck Alexander Nina Gregg Shawn Petersen Bill DeRoucheyHow can you find your role in climate?
January 17, 2024
"It's all of our job to question why we’re doing what we’re doing and how we’re doing it."
Maria SkaadenPanel Discussion: Methodologies and Work Environments
November 8, 2018
"Design systems are not just components but guidelines, rules, and principles to create consistent experiences."
Abbey Smalley Sylas SouzaScaling UX Past the Size of Your Team
January 8, 2024
"There’s inherent conflict that will arise when navigating many stakeholders."
Ariel KennanTheme Two Intro
November 17, 2022
"Thoughts cause feelings, and feelings motivate actions. Changing thoughts changes everything."
Megan KiersteadYou Are a Badass at UX: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
March 10, 2021
"Innovation in large companies often requires breaking rules and hiding what you’re doing from management."
Nathan ShedroffRedefining Value: Bridging the Innovation Culture Divide
May 14, 2015
"Time study serves designers by preventing over allocation and helping organize their daily energy management."
Kristin Sundermeyer Tygre MorehartDesign Ops Metrics
September 30, 2021
"The best cultural adaptations fit so seamlessly into the experience that local audiences don’t even notice the difference."
Chui Chui TanGlobal insights: Embracing international and intercultural research for innovation
March 12, 2025
"A lot of these companies have founders or investors who are themselves doctors or diabetic patients."
Daniel J. RosenbergDigital Medicine Design
September 26, 2019
