Awkward Silences #157 – The Future of Design Collaboration with Andrew Hogan of Figma [Video]

Few companies are most closely associated with UX design right now than Figma, which not only helps designers get their work done, but serves as a bridge for others to get more involved in the process. Erin and Carol are joined by Andrew Hogan, Figma’s Head of Insights, to explore the nature of collaboration today and how the structure of that collaboration can impact our ability to effect UX change.

Andrew shares some of his team’s own research on design collaboration, from how it’s changed, what still needs improving, and how UX professionals can collaborate better. This includes the growing and evolving impact of AI. He also talks about what he learned during his recent parental leave—including the pervasiveness of screens—and how he’s applying that learning to his own team.

*Highlights*
11:13 Design’s Role in Software and Team Collaboration
18:01 Diverse Methods for Sharing Research Insights
20:46 Uncertain Future of AI: Expectations Reset
24:34 AI’s Impact on Productivity and Team Collaboration
29:49 Overcoming Challenges: Standing Out in Content Saturation
33:05 Perceptions of Change: Exploring Role Spikiness

*About Andrew*
Andrew Hogan conducts research on the design industry and design practices to figure out what’s happening. He love anecdotes, anecdata and data. He also likes to write and speak about what he finds, sometimes in the form of jokes and is occasionally quoted by places like Fast Company, WSJ, Forbes, CNN, Business Insider, AdAge, CIO.com and Tech Republic. In the past he authored/co-authored 50+ Forrester reports about design, UX, CX and the design industry, and created CX certification training modules on journey mapping and data/AI + design.

Catch up on past episodes of Awkward Silences at https://www.userinterviews.com/podcast

*Resources*
– Designer’s Guide to Research: https://userintervie.ws/3ZWsqAp
– Product x Research Collab Report: https://userintervie.ws/3BQ2mNU
– 2024 AI in UX Report: https://userintervie.ws/3YMJM1N