073: The Unstoppable Designer with Jeff Gothelf

073: The Unstoppable Designer with Jeff Gothelf

Author: Jason Ogle September 28, 2020 Duration: 59:24

Jeff Gothelf tells us how to be unstoppable designers. He debunks the mythical creature known as Phase 2. He shows us what a designer effectively working in Agile looks like, and enlightens us to how new UX teams can show immediate value. He articulates the need to differentiate between outputs and outcomes. He also motivates us to stay humble and curious since you can teach anyone technical skills, but you can't teach someone humility and curiosity.

  • How do Designers Most Efficiently Integrate into Agile? (6:43)
  • Why is it Important to be a Facilitator? (16:32)
  • Phase 2: Reality or Myth? (20:45)
  • How Do You Convince ENGINEERS to Get Out of the Software is Done Mindset? (28:06)
  • How Do You Convince DESIGNERS to Get Out of the Software is Done Mindset? (31:15)
  • Why is MVP the Most Bastardized Phrase in Software Development? (33:49)
  • Why Designers are Scientists Long Before We're Pixel-Pushers (37:34)
  • How Does a New UX Team Show Immediate Value? (41:17)
  • What's Your Why? (46:40)
  • What's Your UX Superpower? (48:23)
  • What's Your UX Kryptonite? (48:52)
  • What's Your UX Superhero Name? (49:34)
  • Invincible UX Tool or Resource? (50:52)
  • Recommended Books? (51:55)
  • Best Advice for Aspiring UX Superheroes? (52:45)
  • Best Way to Connect? (53:45)

Check out the detailed show notes including mentioned links, transcript and Eli Jorgensen's astonishing superhero artwork at userdefenders.com/073

This episode is brought to you by Webflow: The modern way to build for the web. Get a great, Defenders-exclusive offer of 10% off your annual subscription at userdefenders.com/webflow using code USERDEFENDERS. Hurry, offer expires on Halloween (10/31/20)!


Hosted by Jason Ogle, User Defenders-UX Design & Personal Growth operates on a simple but profound idea: exceptional design work flows from a foundation of personal well-being and clarity. It’s a conversation that bridges the technical craft of user experience with the inner work of growth, resilience, and self-awareness. Each episode moves beyond surface-level tutorials to explore the deeper motivations and ethical considerations behind our design choices. You’ll hear from practitioners who discuss not only their process and techniques but also the challenges, failures, and philosophies that shape their approach to both their work and their lives. This podcast provides a unique space where the professional and personal intersect, offering insights that equip you to advocate more effectively for users while also navigating your own career path with intention. The dialogue consistently returns to the human element-the person behind the designer-arguing that sustainable creativity and leadership require a full cup. Tuning in feels less like a lecture and more like joining a thoughtful community dedicated to meaningful work and growth, making it an essential listen for anyone in the field looking to deepen their impact.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

User Defenders – UX Design & Personal Growth
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