UX Banter

In this episode we are joined by Luis Berumen, Executive Director of Calgary UX. He brings deep experience working across enterprise platforms, government initiatives, and grassroots communities. He is passionate about shaping meaningful product direction, championing inclusive and accessible design, and mentoring the next generation of designers while actively contributing to the global design co...

In this special crossover episode, we’re joined by AJ Bubb, host of the podcast Facing Disruptions, for an unscripted, high-energy conversation that flips the format. Instead of a traditional interview, this episode brings two hosts together for an authentic exchange on UX, product thinking, and the evolving role of designers.  From hybrid roles and AI disruption to building high-performing teams...

In this episode, we’re joined by Bryan Dávila , Design Director at Hook Studios and a creative leader known for shaping award-winning digital experiences for global brands.  With experience spanning top agencies and iconic organizations, including being one of the key designers at Apple, he brings a thoughtful perspective on design direction, branding, and creative leadership. He’s also deeply inv...

In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Forister , Creative Director at Flywheel and a seasoned creative leader with deep experience across ideation, concept development, and team leadership. His work has earned multiple national awards and global recognition. Beyond client work, Kevin is passionate about mentoring creatives and shares practical insights through his book Breaking Into Art Directio...

In this episode, we are joined by Justin , a designer, author, and speaker who focuses deeply on the human side of design. Justin has spent years exploring how culture, values, and craft shape the way designers build products and teams, helping creatives think beyond tools and trends to create more meaningful work. He’s also the author of Creative Culture and In Fulfillment: The Designer’s Journey...

In this episode, we’re joined by Feras Abdul Khayum, UX & Product Design Lead at Data D Solutions, who shares his journey from early startup work to leading UX in mission-critical U.S. healthcare insurance systems. The conversation dives deep into designing for trust, responsibility, and speed, especially when decisions can directly impact human lives.    Discussion Points:  What’s your origin...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Miller, Associate Creative Director at Level Studios, who brings over a decade of experience designing and scaling digital products across enterprise platforms. Michael leads multidisciplinary teams focused on UI strategy, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration. With a background spanning experiential design, marketing, and product design, he sh...

In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Watkins, Founder and Creative Director at Farewell. With over 250 websites launched, Kevin brings deep expertise in building fast, accessible, and future-ready digital experiences. We dive into his journey from WordPress to Webflow, embracing chaos in the creator world, and what it takes to design scalable, inclusive websites today.    Discussion Points -   ...

In this episode, we sit down with Taylor Gurian, Director of User Experience at Nebo, to explore her journey across marketing, customer insights, and UX leadership. Taylor shares practical guidance on building a career in UX, why non-traditional backgrounds are an advantage, and how real-world experience shapes strong designers.     Discussion points -  Walk us through your journey from architectu...

In this episode, we are joined by Ranjithkumar Rajarethinam, Director of Design & Strategy at Esperia Studio. With over 20 years of experience, Ranjit has worked across industries from banking to manufacturing, blending empathy, process, and AI-driven tools to shape user experiences. He is also the founder of Learner at Large, a platform that mentors UX designers at every stage of their career...

In this episode, we are joined by Aysha Samrin, UX Design Architect at McAfee. Aysha’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. From illustrating children’s books and building brands to leading UX strategy in global tech, her path has been shaped by cultural influences spanning India, Abu Dhabi, the UK, and Canada. Alongside her industry roles, she also mentors the next ge...

In this episode, we are joined by Ryan Brink, Senior Product Designer at Michigan Software Labs. With a background that spans business, sports, and marketing, Ryan’s journey into UX is anything but traditional. His experience coaching soccer shaped his collaborative, people-first design mindset, while his early work in marketing and analytics honed his ability to combine creativity with data. Toda...

In this episode, we are joined by Paige Maguire, Director of UX & Research at Fueled. With a background in philosophy and law, Paige’s journey into UX has been shaped by her deep curiosity about human behavior and communication. Over the years, she has blended strategic thinking with user empathy to design digital products that are both intuitive and impactful. Her leadership brings clarity to...

In this episode, we are joined by Cathy Davenport Lee, Principal Creative Director of Product Design & Marketing at Eluvio. With over 15 years of experience blending product design, brand storytelling, and emerging tech, Cathy has led award-winning projects across industries. Formerly VP of Interaction Design at HBO, she has shaped iconic campaigns for series such as Game of Thrones and Westwo...

In this episode, we are joined by Hernan Ibanez, Head of Art at Ogilvy New York. With over two decades of experience in advertising and design, Hernan has led creative work for prominent brands such as PlayStation, Oreo, and Toyota. His global journey and passion for storytelling continue to shape impactful campaigns and inspire creative teams worldwide. Discussion Points - ~ Tell us about your jo...

In this episode, we are joined by Larry Marine, a pioneer in UX research with over three decades of experience and more than 250 successful projects. He's elevated product leadership for companies like ProFlowers and FedEx Print Services and is the author of Disruptive Research. He currently serves as the Director of Research and Design at LSA Digital. Discussion Points: ~ How was the journey for...

In this episode, we are joined by Derek Boman, Director of Product Design, Liminal. With a strong background in brand design, digital experiences, and UX leadership, Derek is building transformative tools at the intersection of AI, design, and finance. He’s passionate about mentoring future designers and solving complex problems through creativity and empathy. Discussion Points ~ Can you tell us a...

In this episode, we are joined by Ruwan Fernando, a seasoned UX leader with expertise in AAA games, SaaS, and gamification. With experience across five countries, he brings a unique perspective on design, storytelling, and user engagement. Tune in as we explore his journey, industry insights, and the evolving role of UX in gaming. Discussion points: ~ How did your journey into UX and game design b...

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Feenstra Kuiper, a senior UX researcher at King. With a background in AI and human-computer interaction, she has led impactful research at companies like Spotify and GoodNotes. Passionate about storytelling and mentorship, she empowers teams to create user-centered, meaningful designs. Discussion points - ~ Tell us about your journey into UX research. 1:51 ~ D...

In this episode, we are joined by Wayne Pelletier, Founder and CEO of Resonant Pixel Company. With extensive experience in web design and digital strategy, Wayne is transforming the industry with a subscription-based model that simplifies website management for businesses. A Squarespace expert, he’s passionate about delivering scalable, high-value web solutions that empower brands to grow effortle...

In this episode, we are joined by Santhosh Ragalpavi Balasubramaniam, a seasoned UX leader, design thinking facilitator, and founder of UX Ahead. With experience leading digital transformations for global brands like BP, HSBC, and SAP, he shares insights on inclusive design, UX leadership, and the evolving role of individual contributors in enterprise environments. Discussion points: ~ What was yo...

In this episode, we are joined by Jonas Bröms , a globally recognized senior product designer and mentor with years of expertise in UX and user-centered design. Named among the top product designers worldwide, Jonas combines creative brilliance with technical acumen to craft impactful digital solutions for innovative startups. From overcoming personal and professional challenges to shaping the fut...

In this episode, we are joined by Olivier Cottin, an experienced product design leader with 18 years in venture building and human-centered design. Olivier has worked with top companies like Careem, Uber, and Shell, helping startups achieve product-market fit through innovative design strategies. Currently an advisor and product design leader at Nyla Bank, he brings invaluable insights into transf...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tyler King, Senior UX Researcher at SAP, with over 10 years of expertise in human-centered design, product strategy, and driving UX maturity in enterprises. Tyler discusses her journey of transforming customer insights into successful digital products, the complexities of designing for large-scale systems, and why storytelling is a vital skill for UX professionals....

In this episode, we’re joined by Begga Hauksdottir, User Experience Director at TrusTrace, with over 12 years of expertise in product design, digital innovation, and user experience. Begga discusses her passion for creating impactful solutions, guiding teams through user-centric methodologies like design thinking, and driving meaningful change through design. Discussion Point: What was your profes...