The Conversations Around UX Are Changing. The Fundamentals Aren't

It's been a while since I've written a blog post. I've been busy sharing my UX expertise in some different ways: working with business owners, teaching in boot camps, leading HOP sessions, and speaking with people outside the traditional design world.

The topics may be different, but they all come back to the same thing: UX isn't just for designers.

Different Audiences, Different UX Conversations

Through my HOP sessions, I've been talking with UX professionals about topics that go beyond the design process, like the differences between freelancing and contracting. I've also been taking my So You Want to Freelance: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly blog series and expanding it into conversations with other UX professionals.

I've also been working with business owners, helping them understand why their websites aren't converting and whether they actually need a complete redesign or a UX professional who can identify what's getting in the way.

These are different audiences, but they share something important: understanding how people interact with a product, service, or experience is essential to making better decisions.

AI Is Changing How We Build. The User Still Matters.

In October, I was interviewed by Katrena Drake for Digital Cowboy's Human-Centered AI AfterShow, following the AI Frontier Collaborative Mastermind founded by Joe Moore, founder of Digital Cowboy.

We discussed AI, vibe coding, and how easy it's becoming to turn an idea into a digital product. But just because you can build something doesn't mean you've built something people can use.

Before prompting AI, we still need to ask: Who is this for? What problem are we solving?

We talked about getting the structure and user flows right before focusing on visual polish, testing early designs with real people, and watching how they actually use a product. We also discussed privacy, unnecessary data collection, and accessibility.

These aren't new UX principles. They're fundamentals. But as more people gain the ability to build digital experiences, understanding those fundamentals becomes even more important.

You can read more in Digital Cowboy's Human-Centered AI AfterShow.

What's Next?

In February, I'll be returning to Digital Cowboy and joining other professionals who focus on accessibility for a conversation about Accessibility UI/UX, Accessibility, and the Hidden Cost of Non-Compliance.

It's another important part of the conversation. A product can look great and still be difficult or impossible for someone to use. Accessibility needs to be considered from the beginning, not added as an afterthought.

The tools we use to create digital experiences will keep changing. But understanding people, asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and testing what we build will always matter.

AI isn't making UX less important. It's making the need to understand UX bigger than ever.

Helping UX Designers bridge gaps and grow