For a business to thrive, it must find and retain strong UX talent that creates customer-centered products and services. Most professionals don’t have time to continually expand their knowledge of new technologies and tools, but their work relies on this currency. How can we stay up-to-date in a world constantly in flux?
This talk explores techniques to build a culture of continuous learning in the workplace for new and seasoned professionals who want to stay current on emerging tools and avoid stagnation. Learn techniques that UX teams can use to be agile and resilient in the face of ever-evolving technologies.
Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit: Building a Continuous Learning Team [UX Lisbon 2019]
1. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Escaping the
Stagnation Sandpit
Kate Rutter | @katerutter | 2019.05.23
Building a Continuous Learning Team
3. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
…if you believe any of these
will impact your company
within the next 5 years:
• IoT • AI • Voice Assistants • Machine Learning •
• Crypto Currency • AR • VR • Drones • Chatbots •
• Biometrics • Gene Therapy • Blockchain •
• CRISPr • 3D Printing • Robotics •
• Spacial Computing •
4. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
…if you are actively
designing for (or with)
any of these technologies.
• IoT • AI • Voice Assistants • Machine Learning •
• Crypto Currency • AR • VR • Drones • Chatbots •
• Biometrics • Gene Therapy • Blockchain •
• CRISPr • 3D Printing • Robotics •
• Spacial Computing •
5. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
…if you believe that
the job you are doing
today will be the
same in 5 years?
6. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
…if you have plans to
go back to school
to a program related
to your work.
7. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
UX work
is tied to the
tempo of digital
invention.
8. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
The rapid pace
of tech isn’t
slowing down
9. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
It’s hard to
keep skills
up-to-date.
10. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Coming of Age Digitally: MIT Sloan Management Review
Deloitte Digital 2018 Global Study, June 5, 2018
https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/focus/digital-maturity/coming-of-age-
digitally-learning-leadership-legacy.html
11. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Coming of Age Digitally: MIT Sloan Management Review
Deloitte Digital 2018 Global Study, June 5, 2018
https://www2.deloitte.com/insights/us/en/focus/digital-maturity/coming-of-age-
digitally-learning-leadership-legacy.html
“Individuals report needing to continually
develop their skills but say they get little to
no support from their organization to do so.”
“Many employees are also willing to do it
themselves, given the right support.”
13. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
“I’m so out of practice with the
hands-on design tools. I never did
learn Sketch properly. It’s like I
need a sabbatical to just catch up.”
~ Sr. Design manager
Huge tech company
14. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Newly educated
folks struggle to
get hired.
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Jeff Atwood, Stack Overflow & Stack Exchange: https://blog.codinghorror.com/the-years-of-experience-myth/
v
v
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State of UX Design in 2019, UX Collective, https://trends.uxdesign.cc/
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Many jobs
we’ll hold
don’t exist yet.
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Ikea to hire 16,000 new employees by 2030, news.com.au, April 5, 2018
https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/ikea-to-hire-16000-new-employees-by-2030/news-story/ca519209cb3ad80511a126ff88f26e19
v
v
v
19. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
We have a problem
20. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
We have an
opportunity
21. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
A way to learn
that actually
works for work.
22. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
school work
28. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
• UX Designer at Mercedes-Benz
Research & Development North
America, Inc.
• Product Designer at Lyft
• Player Lab Manager at Riot Games
• UX Design and Product Management at
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Service Designer at Designit
• Co-Founder & CEO at Together10
• Product Designer, Asana
• Senior Product Designer at Grovo
• UX Designer at HotSchedules
• Product Designer at Teachable
• Experience Designer at Havas
• Senior Product Strategist at Invoke Co.
• Head of Product at Trafi
3 years later…
Jan 2014 - April 2015
• 15 months
• 12 cohorts
• 57 designers
29. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
A culture of
continuous
learning
30. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Continuous Learning
✓ Individually-directed and personal
✓ Peer-to peer, collective and social
✓ Learning partnerships
✓ Not a “one and done”…ongoing,
iterative and thrives on feedback
31. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
✓A map to
guide us
✓Simple steps for
immediate use
Framework
Practice
32. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
a map of how
learning works
Framework
33. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Four Stages
of Competence
image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_competence
Noel Burch, 1970s
image: https://www.slideshare.net/KarenMartinGroup/the-improvement-professionals-evolving-
role-from-practitioner-to-facilitator-oto-coac/13-Dreyfus_Model_ofSkill_AcquisitionStuart_Hubert
Dreyfus Model of
Skills Acquisition
Stuart & Hubert Dreyfus, 1980s
35. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
via Perry, Belenky, Baxter-Magolda
with some Rutter viz interpretation
Du-Mu-Rel-Com
guide collaborate
Knowledge is
contextual & ethical
• Quest for evidence
• Gain personal experience
• Respectful debate
• Ability to reference evidence
• Evaluate new info in a
nuanced way
• Apply, adapt & create new
models of thinking
Knowledge can & must be
evaluated with evidence
BeliefsBehaviors
teach elicit
Knowledge = amassing
piles of “right” facts
• Avoid ambiguity
• Focus on “right” answer
Knowledge = personal
perspective on facts
• Opinionated discussion
• Search for “best” answer
• Acceptance of complexity
Duality Relativism Commitment
simplistic sophisticated
Multiplicity
Learning StagesPartner’sRole
36. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
via Perry, Belenky, Baxter-Magolda
with some Rutter viz interpretation
Du-Mu-Rel-Com
guide collaborate
Knowledge is
contextual & ethical
• Quest for evidence
• Gain personal experience
• Respectful debate
• Ability to reference evidence
• Evaluate new info in a
nuanced way
• Apply, adapt & create new
models of thinking
Knowledge can & must be
evaluated with evidence
BeliefsBehaviors
teach elicit
Knowledge = amassing
piles of “right” facts
• Avoid ambiguity
• Focus on “right” answer
Knowledge = personal
perspective on facts
• Opinionated discussion
• Search for “best” answer
• Acceptance of complexity
Duality Relativism Commitment
simplistic sophisticated
Multiplicity
Onramping
Contributing
Learning StagesPartner’sRole
37. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
guide collaborate
Knowledge is
contextual & ethical
• Quest for evidence
• Gain personal experience
• Respectful debate
• Ability to reference evidence
• Evaluate new info in a
nuanced way
• Apply, adapt & create new
models of thinking
Knowledge can & must be
evaluated with evidence
BeliefsBehaviors
teach elicit
Knowledge = amassing
piles of “right” facts
• Avoid ambiguity
• Focus on “right” answer
Knowledge = personal
perspective on facts
• Opinionated discussion
• Search for “best” answer
• Acceptance of complexity
Duality Relativism Commitment
simplistic sophisticated
Multiplicity
Partner’sRole
How fast can
we get here?
via Perry, Belenky, Baxter-Magolda
with some Rutter viz interpretationLearning Stages
38. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Partner’sRole
guide collaborate
Knowledge is
contextual & ethical
• Quest for evidence
• Gain personal experience
• Respectful debate
• Ability to reference evidence
• Evaluate new info in a
nuanced way
• Apply, adapt & create new
models of thinking
Knowledge can & must be
evaluated with evidence
BeliefsBehaviors
teach elicit
Knowledge = amassing
piles of “right” facts
• Avoid ambiguity
• Focus on “right” answer
Knowledge = personal
perspective on facts
• Opinionated discussion
• Search for “best” answer
• Acceptance of complexity
Duality Relativism Commitment
Learning Stages via Perry, Belenky, Baxter-Magolda
with some Rutter viz interpretation
simplistic sophisticated
Multiplicity
LISTEN &
EXPLORE
PERSPECTIVES
ASK “WHY”
& MAKE THINGS
TURN EVIDENCE
INTO
EXPERIENCE
REFLECT,
EVALUATE
& SHARE
40. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
simple actions
we can start
today
Practice
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3 steps to action
Set an intention1
Start simple2
Share progress3
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Learn List
Written list of learning
topics to pursue in 6
months-year. The more
specific the better.
✓ 2-4 concrete, specific
things you want to learn…
✓ …that will benefit you
and your organization
✓ Generate solo;
Share communally
✓ It’s so simple
it’s stupid
1] Set an intention
43. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Learn List
Written list of learning
topics to pursue in 6
months-year. The more
specific the better.
✓ 2-4 concrete, specific
things you want to learn…
✓ …that will benefit you
and your organization
✓ Generate solo;
Share communally
✓ It’s so simple
it’s stupid
1] Set an intention
wsd
44. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
OKRs
(Objectives & Key Results)
written to provide measurable
progress from deliberate
practice.
✓ Periodic, quantitative
measures of progress
✓ Personal vs Individual
vs team
✓ Set stretch goals
✓ Routinize achieving
objectives
1] Set an intention
45. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
“
I think of my personal OKR set
as a lucky rock in my pocket.
I touch it over and over again,
to remind myself of my
dreams. But instead of
wishing, I plan. And I act.
~ Christina Wodtke
Author of Radical Focus
46. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
✓ Visualize the concepts
& connections
✓ Generate solo;
Use communally
✓ Iterate & enhance as
you learn
✓ Challenging!
but oh so interesting
Knowledge Map
A hand-drawn map or
concept diagram of your
current knowledge in a
focused area.
2] Start simple
50. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Deliberate Practice
Dedicated time…1 hour a
week…or as close as you
can get, for focused,
goal-oriented practice.
✓ Focus on specific
techniques or topics
(chunks)
✓ Daily (!) practice
~1 hour a week
✓ Get continuous
feedback
2] Start simple
51. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
“
It’s not just a matter of
accumulating hours. If you’re
doing your job, and you’re
just doing more and more of
the same, you’re not actually
going to get better.
~ Anders Ericsson
Author of Peak
52. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
✓ 5-7 minute presentations,
held frequently
✓ New contributors share
expertise
✓ Whole team learns
something together
✓ Celebrate progress
Short talks about an idea,
insight or body of evidence.
Routinizes packaging and
sharing ideas.
Present
3] Share progress
53. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
✓ 5-7 minute presentations,
held frequently
✓ New contributors share
expertise
✓ Whole team learns
something together
✓ Celebrate progress
Short talks about an idea,
insight or body of evidence.
Routinizes packaging and
sharing ideas.
Present
3] Share progress
54. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/HumanCapital/gx-cons-hc-learning-solutions-placemat.pdf
Googler-to-Googler
Karen May on how Googlers teach and learn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhD-rojP11M
55. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
✓ 1 hour over lunch
✓ Share what we’ve learned
✓ Hear from others outside
the company
✓ Exposure to new ideas
Brown Bags
56. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Publish
Articles, posts & talks on
what was learned and the
path to get there.
✓ Summarize learning in
a reflective way
✓ Publish early,
publish often
✓
Internal blogs
LinkedIn
3] Share progress
58. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
v
v
59. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Learn List
Knowledge Map
OKRs
Deliberate Practice
Publish
Present
60. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
How can you
use these
tools for
continuous
learning?
61. 1) Write down 2-4 things…
2) …that benefit your career and your
company. The more concrete the better.
3) Share it with someone at the break!
In the next 6 months…
What do you want to learn?
63. UX Lisbon 2019 | Escaping the Stagnation Sandpit | @katerutter
Kate Rutter
@katerutter
http://intelleto.com
Thanks!
Swearing, drinking & UX…give it a listen!
http://bit.ly/whatiswrongwithux
64. References
Sand Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/azarius/237129691/ (creative commons license)
Tradecraft: http://tradecraft.com/
Mindset - The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck :
https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322
Four Stages of Competence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_competence
Dreyfus Model of Skills Acquisition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_model_of_skill_acquisition
How Learning Works
https://www.amazon.com/How-Learning-Works-Research-Based-Principles/dp/0470484101
Tools and Methods to Learn, Navigate, & Make a Name for Yourself in the User Experience Design
Landscape by Teresa Brazen:
https://www.slideshare.net/teresabrazen/tools-methods-to-learn-the-ux-landscape
Peak - Secrets from the New Science of Expertise:
https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Secrets-New-Science-Expertise/dp/1531864880
Deliberate Practice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Practice_(learning_method)#Deliberate_practice
Radical Focus by Christina Wodtke: http://eleganthack.com/radical-focus-is-here/
OKRs: http://felipecastro.com/en/okr/what-is-okr/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OKR
https://www.atiim.com/google-okr-objectives-key-results-video-transcript/
The Texting Tea Pot by Dan Saffer: https://medium.com/@odannyboy/the-texting-tea-pot-5b33d2c9f726
65. Resources
Continuous Learning
https://www.getadministrate.com/blog/how-to-help-employees-embrace-continuous-learning/
Learning Models & Theory
How Learning Works - 7 Research-based Principles for Smart Teaching
by Susan A. Ambrose, Michael W. Bridges, Michele DiPietro, Marsha C. Lovett, Marie K. Norman
Pragmatic Thinking and Learning - Refactor Your Wetware by Andy Hunt
OKRs
Radical Focus by Christina Wodtke: http://eleganthack.com/the-art-of-the-okr/
https://medium.com/@cwodtke/personal-okrs-three-years-later-7616e60574a4
Deliberate Practice
Peak by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool
https://medium.com/the-crossover-cast/deliberate-practice-learn-like-an-expert-cc3114b8a10e
Other interesting things
The Startup of You by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnova