In this conversation, Ildikó Tóth shares her journey from engineering to product design, discussing the complexities of design, the role of AI, and the importance of ethics in the field. She emphasizes the need for feedback, accessibility, and mentorship while reflecting on her personal growth and the challenges of the design industry. The conversation also touches on the impact of legislation on design practices and the significance of understanding user needs.

Takeaways
Ildikó transitioned from engineering to product design after discovering her passion for user experience.
The complexity of design increases with technological advancements, requiring a balance between user needs and development.
AI presents both opportunities and risks in design, necessitating careful consideration of its implications.
Ethical design is crucial to prevent potential harms and ensure user safety.
Feedback is essential for personal and professional growth in the design field.
Accessibility is becoming a more significant focus in product design.
Mentorship can provide valuable support and guidance for emerging designers.
Legislation may play a role in holding companies accountable for ethical design practices.
The importance of understanding user needs cannot be overstated in product design.
Personal growth involves setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Chapters
00:00 Baby Open
05:04 The Switch from ENG to PD
09:15 AI Will Fix It! ....
18:40 Risk Tolerance and How Far Can We Push it?
39:31 7 +/- 2 Questions
39:52 What's one thing you would change about your profession?
48:44 What's one thing you wish people cared more about?
52:14 What accomplishment are you most proud of that you weren't paid to do? 55:34 No salsa, mild salsa, or spicy salsa?
55:51 What's your favorite place on earth?
57:49 What do you wish you'd done differently?
01:00:22 What would you do for a living if you left what you're doing now?
01:05:17 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

Keywords
Ildikó Tóth, product design, UX research, AI in design, ethical design, mentorship, career transition, accessibility, design complexity, feedback culture

Patrick Feger, a seasoned product designer, shares insights from his extensive experience in both startups and larger companies. He discusses the importance of stakeholder management, the intersection of business strategy and design, and the evolving nature of design practices. Patrick also reflects on the challenges faced during interviews and the need for designers to adopt a more research-oriented mindset. The conversation concludes with personal reflections on career aspirations and the importance of understanding the user experience.

Takeaways
Patrick has 14-15 years of experience in product design.
He has worked in both startups and larger companies.
Managing stakeholders is crucial in both environments.
Understanding business strategy enhances design effectiveness.
Constraints in business can guide design activities.
Designers should think like researchers and PMs.
Gotcha interview questions can be frustrating for designers.
Design systems can sometimes hinder creativity.
It's important for designers to advocate for user needs.
Personal health and nutrition are important to Patrick.

Chapters
00:00 Semi-cold Open?
00:16 Introducing Patrick and His Background
03:31 Similarities Between Startups and Larger Companies
22:38 The Evolving Role of Designers in the Age of AI
29:49 Interview questions that really grind Patrick's gears.
37:35 Asking Thoughtful Questions in Interviews
41:45 What's one thing that you would change about your profession?
44:28 What's one thing you wish more people cared about?
45:32 What accomplishment are you most proud of that you didn't get paid to do?
46:52 No salsa, mild salsa, or spicy salsa?
48:47 What's your favorite place on earth?
49:24 What do wish you'd done differently?
50:11 What would you do for a living if you left what you're doing now?
50:40 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?

The conversation covers topics such as Tim's transition from music to design, the different paths people take to enter the design profession, and the need for foundational knowledge in design. We also explore the challenges of assessing skill gaps in a team and helping individuals fill those gaps.

In this conversation, Tim McKenna discusses the need to create a more unified and inclusive design profession. He highlights the importance of embracing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of designers and finding ways to integrate them into the field. Tim also reflects on the challenges of balancing work and personal life, overcoming fear and uncertainty, and the value of continuous learning. He shares his passion for brewing beer and the satisfaction he finds in helping others. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of growth, balance, and community in the design profession.

00:00 Introduction and the Unreliability of Memory
00:38 From Music to Design: Tim's Journey
02:23 The Different Paths to Design
07:51 Wherein we actually start talking about design stuff...
14:19 Comparing the Then and Now
29:18 Filling... Bridging? ... Skill Gaps
37:46 7 +/- 2 Questions
37:59 What is one thing you would change about your profession?
41:25 What's one thing you wish more people cared about?
42:49 What accomplishment are you most proud of that you weren't paid to do?
45:21 No salsa, mild salsa, or spicy salsa?
45:43 What's your favorite place on earth?
47:19 What do you wish you'd done differently?
52:55 What would you do for a living if you left what you're doing now?
57:37 What do you hope to not be carrying anymore?
59:54 Like and Subscribe?