Episodes

  • The Metrics Trap: Are You Measuring the Wrong Things?

    The Metrics Trap: Are You Measuring the Wrong Things?
    Feb 27 2025
    This week, we’re tackling a biggie—how to avoid the pitfalls of metrics. We’ll explore why tracking the wrong numbers can send your entire organization in the wrong direction and what you should be focusing on instead.We also have a fantastic Figma plugin to make your mockups more realistic, a thought-provoking read on AI’s impact on UX, and a listener question on handling the ever-growing number of software subscriptions. Oh, and of course, Marcus has a joke. But don’t get your hopes up.App of the Week: Quick FillThis week, I came across Quick Fill, a Figma plugin that helps you populate your designs with realistic-looking data. We’ve all been there—presenting a mockup to stakeholders, only to have them fixate on the fact that every name and profile picture is identical. Quick Fill solves that by auto-generating realistic text, names, addresses, and other useful content to make your designs feel more natural.Not only does this improve stakeholder buy-in, but it also helps you spot design issues early on. Ever built a UI that looks perfect until you enter a name like “Marcus Brian John Lillington” and suddenly everything breaks? This plugin helps catch those issues before they reach development. Highly recommend giving it a go.Topic of the Week: The Metrics TrapMetrics can be an incredibly powerful tool—but only if you track the right things. Too often, businesses latch onto the easiest numbers to measure rather than the ones that truly reflect success. And that’s where things start to go wrong.The Dangers of Poor MetricsA classic mistake is tracking surface-level engagement over meaningful outcomes. For example, an insurance company might focus on the number of quotes they generate rather than the number of actual policies sold. I’ve worked with companies who obsess over lead generation, but when you dig deeper, half of those “leads” never convert into paying customers. If you optimize for the wrong metric, you optimize for the wrong behavior.Then there’s the McNamara Fallacy, which essentially states that we measure what’s easy rather than what’s important. It’s easy to track the number of form submissions. It’s harder to track customer satisfaction, lifetime value, or the real impact of UX improvements. But those harder-to-measure metrics are the ones that truly matter.Short-Term Thinking vs. Long-Term SuccessAnother issue is the obsession with short-term metrics. Quarterly targets and monthly reports drive short-term decision-making, often at the expense of long-term strategy. A UX redesign might cause a temporary dip in conversions as users adjust, but if you panic and roll everything back immediately, you’ll never see the long-term benefits.It’s also important to balance different types of metrics. I always recommend tracking at least three key categories:Conversion metrics (sales, sign-ups, or other key actions)Usability metrics (error rates, time-on-task, Net Promoter Score)Engagement metrics (return visits, time spent, interactions)If you only track one type, you risk making short-sighted decisions that improve one number at the expense of everything else.See Also: What is Success? How To Define Key Performance IndicatorsMaking Metrics Work for YouSo, what’s the solution? First, stop relying on a single “magic” number to measure success. No one metric will ever tell the full story. Instead, combine different data points to get a more holistic view.Second, give things time before making decisions based on data. A website redesign, pricing change, or new feature will take time to bed in. I always tell clients to wait at least two weeks before reacting to data shifts—longer if it’s a major change.Finally, use qualitative data to understand the “why” behind the numbers. Metrics can tell you what’s happening, but they won’t explain why users are struggling. That’s where usability testing, surveys, and direct feedback come in.Reads of the WeekThis week’s must-read articles focus on the evolving role of AI and its impact on UX.Generative AI – The Power and the Glory – This article explores both the immense potential and the significant challenges that come with generative AI. It breaks down the current state of the technology and where it’s headed.Enhancing the Experience of Using AI – A deep dive into how we can make AI tools more user-friendly, highlighting best practices for designing AI-driven experiences that feel intuitive and useful.Both pieces offer valuable insights into the future of AI and UX. If you're keen to understand how AI is shaping our field, these are must-reads.Listener Question of the WeekSarah G. asks:“In an age where literally every tool requires a subscription, how do companies of one decide what they really need—and how do they afford it all?”Great question, Sarah. This is something I struggle with myself, and over time, I’ve developed a few key strategies:Keep a spreadsheet – Track everything ...
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    50 mins
  • Digital Fatigue: The Case for Face-to-Face Meetings

    Digital Fatigue: The Case for Face-to-Face Meetings
    Feb 13 2025
    Welcome to another packed episode! This week, we're diving into three topics we think you'll find fascinating. First up, we're exploring why face-to-face meetings still matter in our digital world. Then, we'll share our favorite A/B testing tools (since Google Optimize is no longer with us), and finally, we'll look at how AI is reshaping UX with some eye-opening insights from Nielsen Norman Group.A/B Testing Tools You Can TrustWith Google Optimize's departure, many of you have been asking what tools we're using now for AB testing. Let's break down our top three picks that we've thoroughly tested:VWO (Visual Website Optimizer)We love VWO's generous free tier - you get 50,000 test sessions without spending a penny. Perfect if you're running a smaller site or just getting started with testing.Crazy EggHere's a tool that keeps things simple but powerful. Beyond basic A/B testing, you get heat maps and scroll tracking to really understand how your users behave. It won't break the bank either.Check MangoLooking for something focused purely on A/B testing? Check Mango might be your answer. It's lean, cost-effective, and does one thing really well - no fancy extras to distract you.We've found each of these tools reliable for improving conversion rates and user experience. The key is picking the one that matches your needs and budget.Why Face-to-Face Still MattersLet's talk about something Marcus is passionate about - the power of in-person connections. Yes, we're living in a digital world, but there's something special about being in the same room with colleagues and clients that Zoom just can't replicate.Our Pre-Pandemic WorldBack in November 2019, when Marcus moved to his current location, having a direct train to London was a huge draw. Regular business trips were just part of life. Then everything changed. Suddenly, those London trips became rare, replaced by meetings with American clients. This shift taught him something important - while digital tools are brilliant for staying connected, they can't fully replace those in-person moments.The Headscape StoryMarcus shares something from his experience at Headscape. Their office used to buzz with energy - spontaneous chats, brainstorming sessions, and that special camaraderie you only get from sharing a physical space. When they went remote during the pandemic (mainly for practical reasons), something changed. The friendly vibe started to fade. Sure, their Zoom meetings were productive, but that magic of face-to-face connection? It was missing.Finding Our Way BackSo what did they do? They started scheduling regular meetups. Last November's two-day retreat in Bath was a game-changer. Not only did they nail their strategic planning (something that never quite works over Slack), but they rekindled those genuine connections that make their team special. Those coffee break chats, the shared laughs during brainstorming - you just can't get that through a screen.What AI Tells UsMarcus even asked AI about the benefits of meeting in person. It highlighted things like non-verbal cues, stronger relationships, and better focus. While good video calls can tick some of these boxes, they often miss that deeper emotional connection that comes from being together.Impact on UX WorkFor those of us in UX and conversion optimization, this isn't just theory - it affects how we work. When you're designing experiences that connect with users, you need to understand human interaction at its core. Being in the same room lets you pick up on those subtle cues - a raised eyebrow, a slight hesitation - that often lead to our best insights.Looking AheadAs remote work grows, we need to be intentional about bringing people together. Even occasional face-to-face events can help fight the isolation that comes with too much digital communication. While technology keeps us connected, nothing beats a real handshake or sharing a meal with colleagues.What You Can DoFeeling the digital burnout? Try organizing an in-person meetup. Whether it's coffee with your team or a proper retreat, these real-world connections can spark the creativity and warmth that virtual meetings sometimes lack. Remember - while digital tools are essential, real relationships need real interaction.Essential UX ReadingWant to understand how AI is changing our field? Here are three must-read pieces from Nielsen Norman Group:Redefine Your Design Skills to Prepare for AI. A practical guide to evolving your design skills for the AI era.A Shift From Command-Based Interactions to Outcome-Based Interactions. Jakob Nielsen explores how we're moving from traditional interfaces to more outcome-focused systems. It's fascinating stuff that might change how you think about user interactions.We Must Embrace AI and Shift to a More Strategic Role. A compelling look at how AI is pushing us to become more strategic in our UX roles.These articles offer practical insights for staying ahead in our rapidly evolving industry.Your Questions ...
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    48 mins
  • Promoting Your Work to Colleagues

    Promoting Your Work to Colleagues
    Jan 30 2025

    In today's episode, we dive deep into how UX professionals can effectively demonstrate their value within organizations, especially during challenging times when the shine has come off UX and attention has shifted to AI.

    Form Analysis Tools: A Game-Changer for UX

    We kick off by exploring some exciting form analysis tools that can revolutionize how we optimize web forms. Tools like MouseFlow, Zuko, and EXATOM offer powerful insights into form performance, helping identify where users struggle and drop off.

    Zuko particularly caught our attention with its focused approach and reasonable pricing, making it an attractive option for teams looking to improve their form conversion rates.

    Strategies for Promoting UX Value

    The main segment focuses on practical strategies for UX professionals to demonstrate their value within organizations. We explore several key approaches:

    • Show, Don't Tell: Create tangible assets like prototypes and user journey visualizations rather than getting bogged down in documentation. This could include creating proofs of concept under the radar to excite senior stakeholders and help remove roadblocks.
    • User Exposure: Get stakeholders in front of users through open usability sessions and compelling "horror videos" of user testing. Consider making session attendance mandatory for project stakeholders, like gov.uk does.
    • Collaborative Workshops: Engage stakeholders through exercises like customer journey mapping and the "user attention points" exercise. The latter helps stakeholders understand the importance of prioritization by giving them limited "attention points" to allocate across page elements.
    • Internal Education: Become an educator through newsletters, lunch-and-learn sessions, and guerrilla marketing tactics like creating mouse mats with personas or mugs with design principles.
    • Data-Driven Approach: Establish meaningful KPIs and consistently encourage testing. Start by simply suggesting "Why don't we test that?" whenever there's disagreement in meetings - over time, this mindset can become part of the organizational culture.
    Agency Insights: The Art of Discounting

    From our Agency Academy discussion, we tackle the thorny issue of when and how to offer discounts as an agency or freelancer. We explore the importance of having clear policies around discounting and ensuring any discounts come with reciprocal benefits.

    Read of the Week

    We wrap up with a look at a guide to efficient web design workflow, published on the Wix blog, which introduces an interesting approach to breaking down complex fixed-price projects into more manageable sub-projects.

    And Finally... Our Weekly Joke

    To end on a lighter note, here's this week's joke (courtesy of Marcus):

    A Roman soldier walks into a bar and holds two fingers up. He says "five beers, please."

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    58 mins
  • Enhancing the Experience of Using AI

    Enhancing the Experience of Using AI
    Jan 23 2025
    I've watched with fascination how AI is reshaping the design landscape. While we've made incredible strides in using AI to enhance our design processes, I believe we're overlooking something crucial: the human experience of interacting with AI itself.You might wonder why this matters. Well, as AI becomes more deeply woven into our daily lives, the way we interact with these systems shapes their value. It's not enough that AI can perform amazing feats - these capabilities need to feel natural and accessible to everyone.When I look at today's AI interfaces, I see familiar frustrations: clunky search functions, disorganized content, and confusing customization options. These aren't just minor annoyances - they're barriers that stand between users and AI's full potential.But here's the real challenge that has begun to obsess me: AI systems often struggle to truly understand us - our context, preferences, and what we're trying to achieve. This gap creates an exciting opportunity for UX professionals to shape the future of human-AI interaction.Would you like to learn the secrets of encouraging users to take action on your websites? Whether it is signing up for a newsletter, getting in touch, or purchasing a product, we all want users to do something.Well, there are still 2 early bird tickets left for my upcoming workshop, and one of them has your name on it.The Lifecycle of Technology: Where AI StandsLet me share something interesting about how technologies evolve. I've noticed three distinct phases that most innovations go through:Amazement Phase: Remember that magical moment when you first used a mobile phone away from home? That's what happens when new tech first appears - we're simply amazed it works at all.Feature Expansion: Then comes the avalanche of features. Just as phones gained cameras and apps, becoming our digital Swiss Army knives, AI tools are rapidly expanding their capabilities.Usability Focus: Finally, we reach the phase where ease of use becomes paramount. The goal shifts to making interactions feel natural and enjoyable.Right now, I see AI straddling the second and third phases. ChatGPT initially wowed us with its conversational abilities. Then came the exciting additions - it could handle images, audio, and more. But now we're facing the real test.You've probably experienced some of these growing pains yourself - conversations that feel disconnected, interfaces that don't remember your preferences, AI that misses the point of your request. These aren't just technical challenges - they're signs that AI needs to evolve beyond raw capability to truly understand and serve user needs.The Two Faces of AI UX ChallengesIn my experience, improving AI's user experience involves tackling two distinct but connected challenges:Interface Design ProblemsLet's start with familiar territory: the interface. Despite AI's sophisticated capabilities, the way we interact with these systems often feels stuck in the past. When I use platforms like ChatGPT, I encounter:Limited search functionality within conversations.The inability to pin or organize discussions for future reference.Confusing interfaces for customization of different workflows.While these issues can be frustrating, they're the kind of design challenges we've successfully tackled before. With thoughtful UX investment, we can overcome these obstacles.Beyond Interfaces: Natural InteractionsHere's where things get really interesting. Traditional UI design principles alone won't solve our core challenges with AI interaction. Instead, I see AI pushing us toward something more ambitious: goal-driven interaction.This shift in human-computer interaction has caught the attention of industry leaders. Jakob Nielsen recently explored this idea in a LinkedIn post, while Golden Krishna's book The Best Interface is No Interface advocates for moving beyond traditional interfaces altogether. To realize this vision, we need to fundamentally rethink how humans and machines work together.From Commands to Goals: The Future of AI InteractionThink about how we typically interact with technology today. Planning a holiday means jumping between websites, comparing flights and hotels, and managing multiple bookings. It's a command-driven process that feels increasingly outdated.AI offers something fundamentally different: goal-driven interaction. Imagine simply telling your AI assistant, "Book me a holiday in Greece within a £2,000 budget," and watching it handle the details autonomously.While we're not quite there yet, 2025 looks promising. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, recently discussed the imminent arrival of advanced AI agents in a blog post on eWeek. These developments could revolutionize how we interact with technology.But this evolution brings new challenges:Understanding Intent: AI needs to grasp the nuances of our goals, even when they're not perfectly articulated.Balancing Autonomy and User Control: Finding the sweet spot between AI independence and user oversight ...
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    10 mins
  • Harness the Power of AI: Transform Your UX Workflow

    Harness the Power of AI: Transform Your UX Workflow
    Jan 16 2025
    Introduction: Embracing AI for UX ProductivityIn this episode of the Boagworld Podcast, we delve into the transformative role of AI in UX and web design. From cutting-edge Figma plugins to tools that revolutionize SEO, Paul Boag and Marcus Lillington share insights, tools, and strategies that can elevate your workflow. Whether you're a seasoned designer or new to the field, there's something here to enhance your productivity and effectiveness.The Challenges of Broadband and Digital EvolutionPaul kicks things off with a good old moan about his broadband woes, lamenting his epic quest for faster internet speeds. It’s the kind of saga every techie can relate to, complete with bureaucratic bungling and dashed hopes. Meanwhile, Marcus jumps in with his usual dose of cheeky humor, poking fun at Paul’s plight while reminding us all to roll with the punches in our ever-evolving digital lives.Exploring the Potential of BlueskyBluesky, a decentralized social platform, captures Paul's attention. Unlike traditional platforms, it allows users to choose algorithms that align with their preferences while maintaining their profiles. This adaptability is akin to email protocols where different clients coexist, offering flexibility and control. Paul’s enthusiasm highlights the importance of platforms designed with user autonomy at their core. Follow Paul on Bluesky to stay updated and chat.Tools of the Week: Pathway and Baymard’s Figma PluginPathwayPathway is a user research platform offering robust features such as:Card sortingPrototype testingSurveysFive-second testsIts generous free tier makes it a valuable resource for freelancers and small teams, allowing up to three projects and 250 responses per month.Baymard Figma PluginBaymard’s free plugin brings data-driven insights directly into your Figma designs. Use it to:Justify design decisions with evidence-based reasoning.Include client-facing explanations for features like carousels or negative space.This tool bridges the gap between design intuition and client buy-in, making it indispensable for designers.SEO: From Skepticism to AcceptancePaul reflects on his evolving perspective on SEO, a topic he once viewed with strong skepticism. In fact, he even wrote a post on Smashing Magazine that captured his cynicism about the field at the time. While that article highlights why many designers have been wary of SEO, Paul’s perspective has evolved significantly. With guidance from Paul Edwards, he’s embraced modern SEO strategies that align with user experience, including:Language Optimization: Crafting content with the phrases users actually search for.User Journey Focus: Understanding informational, navigational, comparative, and transactional keywords.Technical Improvements: Enhancing site performance, fixing broken links, and ensuring accessibility.The synergy between SEO and UX is undeniable. When done right, SEO not only improves search rankings but also creates a more user-friendly experience.The AI Revolution in DesignAI is redefining how designers approach their work. Paul shares some standout tools:Figma AIFigma’s AI features include:Renaming layers for clarityPre-populating content fieldsAuto-generating layoutsWhile its design-from-scratch capabilities remain underwhelming, these quality-of-life features can save designers significant time.RelumePerfect for rapid wireframing, Relume allows designers to quickly assemble block-based layouts. While its full designs need refinement, its speed and ease make it ideal for client presentations.Adobe Max HighlightsFrom generative fills to intuitive image redirection, Adobe is leveraging AI in groundbreaking ways. The Adobe Max conference showcased features that simplify complex design tasks, pushing the boundaries of creative possibilities.Enhancing UX with AI ToolsAI isn’t just for design; it’s transforming UX research and analysis as well. Here are three standout tools making waves in the UX world:Microsoft ClarityMicrosoft Clarity offers free heatmaps, session recordings, and AI-driven data queries, providing valuable insights into user behavior.Attention InsightAttention Insight predicts where users will focus on a page with 96% accuracy, helping designers make informed layout decisions.StrellaStrella automates user interviews and analyzes themes, creating highlight reels to showcase key findings. These tools empower UX professionals to make data-driven decisions while saving time.Practical Copywriting and Admin ToolsHemingway EditorHemingway Editor optimizes web copy for clarity and conciseness. Its AI tools streamline edits, making content more scannable.Notion AINotion AI integrates ChatGPT-like capabilities with context awareness, helping users craft tailored content with ease.FixKeyFixKey rewrites text with custom prompts for improved grammar and style. It’s a flexible tool for refining and enhancing written content, from casual emails to polished presentations.SparkSpark is an AI-powered ...
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    50 mins
  • UX Predications for 2025

    UX Predications for 2025
    Dec 19 2024
    What Does 2025 Hold for UX?As we approach the new year, it's time to reflect on the state of user experience design and look ahead to what 2025 might bring. In this episode of the Boagworld Podcast, Marcus and I dive into the trends, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead. Here are the key takeaways from our discussion.The Rise of Seamless AI Integration2024 marked a pivotal year for artificial intelligence, with tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Claude reshaping workflows across industries. However, much of the focus has been on the technology itself, often at the expense of usability. In 2025, we predict a shift toward creating seamless, user-friendly AI interfaces that integrate into our daily workflows.What This Means for DesignersAs designers, we need to think beyond basic AI chat interfaces and envision ways to incorporate AI into broader user experiences. Imagine:Dynamic image generation: Tools like KREA allow precise control over visuals, ensuring images guide users' attention effectively.Smart predictive features: AI can dynamically generate personalized content, such as personalized imagery or auto-generated text tailored to user needs.Takeaway:The challenge for designers in 2025 is to make AI feel invisible, integrated, and intuitive—a natural extension of existing user flows.AI Agents: From Novelty to NecessityAI agents, capable of executing multi-step tasks autonomously, represent another exciting frontier. Whether it’s arranging interviews, conducting user research, or booking reservations, these agents promise to save time and reduce manual effort.Current LimitationsWhile tools like Claude and specialized platforms like Strella are beginning to showcase AI agents’ potential, challenges remain:Accuracy: Like interns, AI agents sometimes need oversight to ensure quality.Ethical considerations: As automation expands, it’s essential to maintain a human touch where it’s most impactful.Takeaway:Expect to see AI agents integrated into UX processes like user interviews, research synthesis, and even persona creation—but always with a human in the loop.AR and VR: Finally Going Mainstream?The launch of Apple Vision Pro and advancements in Meta’s AR/VR hardware hint at a maturing market. However, widespread adoption hinges on two key factors:Price reduction: Current high costs remain a barrier for most users.Practical applications: Beyond gaming and niche professional uses, AR/VR needs broader, everyday applications to succeed.A Pragmatic PerspectiveWhile lightweight AR glasses with basic functionality (like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses) might gain traction, fully immersive AR/VR experiences will likely remain out of reach for the average consumer in 2025.Takeaway:UX designers should monitor AR/VR developments but focus on creating experiences that enhance usability without requiring users to adopt expensive new hardware.Stabilization of the UX Job MarketThe past year has been turbulent for UX professionals, with layoffs and hiring freezes creating uncertainty. However, there are signs of recovery on the horizon.The Role of In-House TeamsMany companies are reevaluating how they implement UX, moving away from isolated roles and toward more robustly supported in-house teams. This shift offers:Stability: Internal teams are less vulnerable to external budget cuts.Opportunities for collaboration: Agencies and freelancers can play a consultative role, supporting these teams with specialized expertise.Takeaway:The second half of 2025 could bring renewed investment in UX, especially for in-house teams. Freelancers and agencies should position themselves as strategic partners to these growing teams.Personalization: Moving Beyond the BasicsPersonalization has been a buzzword for years, but 2025 might finally be the year it becomes accessible to more businesses. With AI’s help, personalization can:Dynamically adapt landing pages based on user referrals.Tailor headlines and content to individual preferences.Takeaway:Advancements in AI-driven personalization tools will allow designers to create more relevant, impactful user experiences—without the high cost or complexity of traditional methods.Useful Apps to Enhance Your WorkflowKREAFor designers focused on precision, KREA leverages generative AI to create dynamic and highly customizable images. Whether you need visuals to guide user attention or adhere strictly to prompts, this tool is invaluable.UI Design TipsUI Design Tips offers a curated collection of best practices for specific UI elements. Whether you’re designing menus, modals, or login screens, this site ensures your designs follow established guidelines.UIverseFor developers or designers seeking ready-made UI elements, UIverse provides a vast repository of open-source designs that can be easily integrated into your projects.Must-Read ArticlesThe Challenges and Opportunities of Generative AI in UX DesignThis balanced article examines both the potential and the pitfalls of ...
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    53 mins
  • Why We Need to Rethink Invitations to Tender in Digital Projects

    Why We Need to Rethink Invitations to Tender in Digital Projects
    Dec 5 2024

    In this episode, we dive into the frustrating world of Invitations to Tender (ITTs), explore why Notion might be the only app you need, and discuss treating AI like your newest intern. We also share our thoughts on Adobe's latest AI innovations and why UX seems to have lost its shine.

    The Problem with Traditional Tenders

    Our main topic for this show is Invitations to Tenders (ITTs). We've spent years dealing with ITTs, and frankly, we're tired of a system that doesn't serve anyone well. For agencies, they're incredibly time-consuming and costly to complete, often with no guarantee of success. What's worse, sometimes you're just there to make up the numbers because procurement needs three quotes.

    The limited information provided in ITTs makes accurate pricing challenging, and their rigid specifications leave little room for the flexibility digital projects need. When usability testing suggests a major change in direction, you're stuck navigating complex change control procedures instead of doing what's best for the project.

    From the client perspective, you're inadvertently paying for every failed proposal agencies have ever written - those costs have to be recovered somehow. The focus on lowest price often leads to subpar outcomes, and the whole process tends to favor agencies that are good at writing proposals rather than delivering projects.

    A Better Approach to Digital Project Procurement

    We believe there's a better way. Start by having meaningful conversations with potential agencies before writing anything down. Evaluate their track record and capabilities through discussion rather than form-filling exercises.

    Consider breaking larger projects into smaller, more manageable phases. Begin with a paid discovery phase, using a small percentage of the overall budget to properly scope the work. This approach helps mitigate risk and allows for the flexibility digital projects need.

    Invitations to Tender: A Flawed System in Need of Change

    Notion: The Swiss Army Knife of Digital Tools

    In this show Paul also obsesses over Notion. If he could only keep one app, it would be Notion. It's become his go-to tool for everything from client project management to content creation. With its recent addition of automation and form builders, it's becoming even more powerful.

    For agencies, it's particularly valuable for managing client communication, tracking projects, and storing best practices. The built-in AI functionality, combining ChatGPT and Claude, makes it even more versatile.

    Treating AI as Your UX Intern

    We also discuss a Nielsen Norman Group's article that suggests thinking of AI as an intern - a perspective we find particularly helpful. Like an intern, AI needs clear instructions and its work needs to be double-checked, but it can handle many routine tasks effectively.

    This mental model helps frame how to integrate AI into your workflow without over-relying on it or dismissing its capabilities entirely.

    Adobe's AI Revolution

    Meanwhile, Adobe's latest AI developments, showcased at Adobe Max, are remarkable. In Illustrator, AI can now redraw characters from different angles while preserving style and detail. In Photoshop, it automatically matches lighting across composite images.

    Rather than creating standalone tools, Adobe integrates AI directly into existing products, transforming hours-long tasks into instant operations.

    The State of UX

    We wrap up with a discussion about why UX seems to have lost its shine. While some blame UX professionals for overselling its benefits, we see this as part of a broader pattern where organizations half-heartedly implement new approaches without fully committing to them.

    Whether it's UX, digital transformation, or AI, success requires more than just hiring one person or implementing one tool - it needs genuine organizational commitment and understanding.

    How We Designers Destroyed UX (and Why No One Talks About It Anymore)

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    50 mins
  • WP Engine vs WordPress, SUPA, and AI-Powered UX Reviews

    WP Engine vs WordPress, SUPA, and AI-Powered UX Reviews
    Nov 21 2024

    Hello and welcome to the Boagworld Show, the longest-running web design podcast where we look at user experience design, conversion optimization, and working in the web. This week, we've got quite the lineup for you.

    WP Engine vs WordPress: A Cautionary Tale

    We kick things off with a look at the recent controversy between WP Engine and WordPress. It's a bit of a mess, to be honest. WordPress.org has banned WP Engine from accessing its resources, including plugin and theme updates. This has left a lot of WP Engine-hosted sites in a bit of a pickle.

    The whole debacle seems to stem from an attempt by WordPress to extract money from WP Engine. It's a stark reminder of the dangers of building your business on someone else's platform. We've seen this happen before with companies like Tweetbot and various Amazon sellers. It's a risk that many businesses take, often without fully considering the potential consequences.

    While we hope this situation resolves quickly, it's a valuable lesson for all of us in the web industry. It's crucial to have a strategy that doesn't rely entirely on a single platform or service that you don't control.

    Introducing SUPA: A New Approach to Discovery Phases

    Next up, we introduce our new concept: Strategic User-Driven Project Assessment, or SUPA for short. Now, Marcus isn't a fan of the acronym, but hear us out on this one.

    SUPA is essentially a rebranding of the discovery phase, aimed at making it more appealing and understandable to senior management. Let's face it, "discovery phase" doesn't exactly set executives' hearts racing. But when you start talking about resource optimization, increased chances of success, and risk mitigation - well, now you're speaking their language.

    The idea behind SUPA is to bring UX considerations to the table earlier in the project lifecycle. It's about validating ideas against real user needs and market demands before significant resources are invested. This approach can help prevent wasted time and money on projects that users won't embrace.

    We dive into the key questions SUPA addresses, the activities involved, and how it differs from traditional market research. Whether you love or hate the acronym, we think this approach could be a game-changer for UX professionals looking to have a more strategic impact on projects.

    You can learn more about SUPA here.

    AI-Powered UX Reviews: Friend or Foe?

    Our app of the week is Wevo Pulse, an AI tool that provides real-time feedback and analysis on websites, prototypes, and messaging. Paul's a bit conflicted about this one - it's impressive, but also a bit unsettling for those of us who do UX reviews for a living.

    Wevo Pulse uses data from over a million user research participants to produce insights in minutes. It can analyze live websites, mobile apps, prototypes, and more. The tool provides a detailed assessment of what users are likely to like and dislike about a digital asset, and even generates a list of the most likely personas to gain value from the website or prototype being analyzed.

    While it's not perfect and can't replace human expertise entirely, it's a powerful tool that could be particularly useful for quick initial assessments or as a way to convince management that changes are needed. It's definitely worth checking out, even if just to see how it evaluates your own website.

    UX Quotes: Agree or Disagree?

    We wrap up the show with a bit of fun, debating some popular UX quotes. From "A problem well stated is a problem half solved" to "Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it's really how it works," we give our honest opinions on these industry soundbites.

    Spoiler alert: we don't agree with all of them! It's a great reminder that even widely accepted wisdom in our field should be questioned and critically examined.

    That's all for this week's episode. We hope you found it informative and maybe even a bit entertaining.

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    52 mins