The Creative Block

The honorable Judge SP is presiding over this mediation session of the people vs. Netflix. Do ya'll feel like they have been treating you right or are you ready to separate?

Do you ever wonder how certain sounds start to trend on TikTok? This episode is the origin story of a few sounds that are going to pop! Mark our words. Extra credit: DM @thecreativeblockpodcast how many TikTok references we casually slip into this conversation LOL

No, I don't think you understand- we're *obsessed*.. with TikTok! Today, we discus the ingredients for virality: triggers, social currency, practicality, remarkability (and a bonus component), and apply it to the world of TikTok sounds. Find us on IG @thecreativeblockpodcast

Do you hear "Golden Corral" and think "immediately, no...?" Maybe our creative jam today will change your mind. It will definitely give you some food for thought as we explore the secret ingredient for a successful brand collaboration. (RATE OUR SHOW, GIVE US FEEDBACK) hey@theecreativeblock.co @thecreativeblockpodcast (IG) @thecreativeBLCK (twitter)

So what is the perfect pairing for sponsored posts and endorsement deals? Not every match is made in heaven. Our homework challenge might have you scratching your head and rubbing your belly at the same time.. or leaned over a toilet. CONTACT US: hey@thecreativeblock.co @thecreativeblockpodcast (IG + LinkedIn)

In this followup to part 1, Jeremy tries to match SP with a new grocery delivery service. As a disgruntled Instacart customer, she grills the eligible bachelors to see how they measure up to her ideal standards for a brand. CONTACT US: hey@thecreativeblock.co @thecreativeblockpodcast (IG + LinkedIn) @thecreativeBLCK (Twitter)

Ditch the fork and grab your pitchfork and torch! SP has developed an extreme disdain for Instacart and wants to start a riot. In this episode, Jeremey attempts to get to the root of her grievances. In the Part 2, he will be matching her to an alternative grocery service that better fits her consumer needs.. or trying to at least. CONTACT US: hey@thecreativeblock.co @thecreativeblockpodcast (IG) @thecreativeBLCK (Twitter)

Question: What would it take for you to change your relationship with Amazon? Today we discuss Susan Fornier's typology of consumer-brand relationships and go over last week's homework. (SOURCE) Page 21 https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/10.1086/209515.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A2be96d181c1846d0fd99b6dd43f7402d CONTACT US: hey@thecreativeblock.co @thecreativeblockpodcast (IG) @thecreativeBLCK (Twitter)

Think back over the last week or in the next week, what are the moments that you immediately think about when we bring up Amazon? You might think of the website for sure. Maybe the commercials .. or the boxes that arrive at your doorstep.. but what about the things that you don't think about at first? What about a comment on TikTok, or a screenshot of your friends cart in the group chat or the van parked in the middle of your street? If you haven't noticed already, it might be around more than you think. Did you ever consider that each of those moments are kind of a subconscious exchange between you and the brand? Let's discuss on today's episode of the Creative Block. CONTACT US: hey@thecreativeblock.co @thecreativeblockpodcast IG @thecreativeBLCK Twitter

Listen to our poetry highlights from past episodes and consider writing a poem yourself, even if it's not your "thing." Jeremy (02:36) performed Missed Connections, It's Not by Choice, Lust, and A Bead of Luck. SP (07:10) performed Red Eye Rhyme, The Words We've Spoken, My Busted Can of Biscuits and Here She Go. Treasure B (11:45) performed Court Noir, Bloody Sunday, Sold Out, We Outside and Choices. Ya'll know we love being poetic and shit, we hope you enjoy!

Congrats to the new grads on the Block! We were in your shoes at the beginning of this podcast, and to celebrate growth we have repackaged a hit Q&A episode. In case you missed it, here is the aptly named "Missed Connections."

We've reached a milestone and embarked on a new era.. check out our highlight moments from the last 50 episodes. We relish our bond and our journey as podcasters as we navigate our field and challenge ourselves creatively and personally. We tried to decipher what the hell "Experience Design" is (03:57), and investigate the "Dark Patterns" of online design (09:03). We grew together in our racial identities and allyship (15:29) which is a testament to our vulnerability and transparency. We are imperfect, but we do our best to keep transforming. One time we even applied design thinking and problem-solving to situationships and dating (24:15)! But we ultimately are dear friends that truly enjoy geeking out on our shared interests (like overhauling the strip club experience at the Pynk (33:20)). We got deep in to the morality and ethics of Brands taking advantage of the image of black women, with Judge Jeremy presiding over the court of law (41:43). That one was a riot. We are always down to play and encourage the silly sides of our bond. You gotta check out Treasure in the gameplay sequence of Among Us (49:29). LOL!

The subtractive method is about design thinking that gives the people what they came for! In these instances, less would have been waaay more…     To discuss the substractive method, SP complained about social media algorithms (05:49) and we gave white board challenges for interviews the axe (15:40). This can apply to the Lion King remake (34:36), go haywire with the new Apple TV remote (43:42) or change the game of personal computers (53:20). We even talked about work meetings (59:20), Aunt Viv (1:03:35), saying “Bless You” (1:08:0) and Instacart (1:16:15). But the real question is, how difficult is this to implement on real life product teams? (1:23:40) 

So are we getting vaccine passports or..? Today we don our thinking caps (and PPE) to discuss the best systems for integrating back into our long-lost activities at our favorite venues. We take you through a background on immunization verifications (4:05) and consider diverse scenarios that require a coordinated effort to satisfy safety measures. Skip to 10:45 to jump into our discussion of Burning Man, ComplexCon (16:55), the Champagne Room at the Pynk (20:43) Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park (23:30). We also go in on your aunties and uncles for how they gone act at Cousin Joy's baby shower (29:12) and returning to the office (34:14). We also asked “Will businesses that have been operational during the pandemic even be willing to apply more resources to the vaccine passport system (21:50)?" and “Do you think instituting vaccine passports will turn customers away (25:38)?"

Do NFTs pose a threat to society? Is this the first time you are hearing about NFTs? Not to fear! Today we're decrypting the hot new trend in cryptocurrency. SUBSCRIBE and follow @thecreativeblockpodcast the DOPEST spot for exploring tech, brands, and culture! We take you through a background on blockchain (2:00) and bring up our worst-case scenarios from identity theft and privacy (6:40) to black market and dark web dealings (11:24) and of course, the impact on the wealth gap resulting from lack of access (14:20). This topic is interesting, complex, and forward-thinking… what is the future we're creating? Communi-tea -Follow @wall_street_trapper for finance gems -Watch "Blockchain for Kids" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPMDpb9ho4s (video)

So…how ya'll New Year's resolutions going? Today we're talking fitspo and how fitness brands can leverage user motivation. Walk and talk with us on the Creative Block! Follow on IG @thecreativeblockpodcast and Twitter @thecreativeBLCK [Show Notes] This episode explains how “marker moments” make the difference (5:10) in brand experiences and with our own fitness goals (9:00) So we each tried new fitness products (16:30) and discussed how brands like Nintendo Peleton and YouTube (20:20) can design for the psychology of motivation and appeal to their customers (33:30).  Communitea and sources: Mental Health is Health (16:05)Live Rich Documentary (32:45) https://sweatco.in (Sweatcoin) (14:35) https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-determination-theory-2795387 (Self Determination Theory) (33:45) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRBXFzOOKkg (Nintendo Ring Fit Demo) (18:34)

Our handpicked a jury of peers deliberate on https://www.gorillatough.com/statement/ (Tessica Brown), https://bookshop.org/books/slave-in-a-box-the-strange-career-of-aunt-jemima/9780813918112 (Aunt Jemima), and https://twitter.com/vincsmith/status/1329539731932278786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1329539731932278786%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.complex.com%2Fmusic%2F2021%2F01%2Fflo-milli-commercial-renewed-attention-twitter (Flo Milli )in light of recent brand activities. We cross-examine Gorilla Glue, Quaker, and Beats about creative choices involving black women. Court is in session! SUBSCRIBE and follow https://www.instagram.com/thecreativeblockpodcast/?hl=en (@thecreativeblockpodcast) the DOPEST spot for exploring tech, brands, and culture! (04:00) Tessica Brown v. Gorilla Glue: the missed opporttunity; (18:51) Aunt Jemima v. Quaker (PepsiCo): too little, too late; (43:36) Flo Milli v. Beats: a half-baked concept. Special thanks to our special guest jurors Barbie Adams & Danielle, our underprepared public defenders and the box of Cracker Jacks Judge Jeremy got his law degree from.

Is Black History Month whack? Stick with us here, as we dissect the decades-old tradition of uplifting black historical figures in America. WOTD— Iconicism SUBSCRIBE and follow @thecreativeblockpodcast the DOPEST spot for exploring tech, brands, and culture! [RESOURCES] Evolution of Black History by https://time.com/5771045/black-history-month-evolution/ (Olivia B. Waxman) Hidden Colors Documentary, Volumes 1-5 Association for the Study of African American Life and History https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/ (ASAALH) Black Futures by https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/553674/black-futures-by-edited-by-kimberly-drew--jenna-wortham/ (Kimberly Drew & Jenna Wortham) Black Ourstory by https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi9t9bJ3YTvAhWWW80KHbO1BRUQFjAIegQIKRAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fkrsone.bandcamp.com%2Falbum%2Fblack-oustory-a-philosophical-look-at-black-and-history-introduction-and-lesson-one-by-krs-one&usg=AOvVaw3S15ko3jlw7Uy3GSwkWrg5 (KRS-One) Jazz Trumpeter https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjgoJLw3YTvAhX6Ap0JHe_QAQoQFjAQegQIHxAE&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fvictorhaskins%2F%3Fhl%3Den&usg=AOvVaw0T8CZ4QruqN5oiC2thyzwn (Victor Haskins)

Finally, everything you love rolled into one: bae, UX, and the Creative Block! We are problem-solving romantic relationships with our favorite UX frameworks. WOTD— Relinquish  SUBSCRIBE and follow @thecreativeblockpodcast the DOPEST spot for exploring tech, brands, and culture! [Time Stamps] PART 1: Presenting our favorite UX Tools (6:35) "Researching" the patterns of your potential bae with Empathy Mapping (10:55) Defining the root problem with the Five “Why's” (15:40) Situationships are complicated... get some clarity by applying the MoSCoW method  (20:53) The affordances and constraints of dating during COVID-19! (23:31) Communicating with hierarchy and repetition Part 2: Reactions and Discussion (32:42) The Five “Why's” must be handled delicately (40:54) Is SP's User Journeys and Empathy Mapping tidbit insightful or psycho? (47:00) Gaining perspective in "situationships" with Treasure's MoSCoW method (50:42) And finally, some disclaimers and caveats to our advice today 

Need inspo? We digested our thoughts from https://trends.uxdesign.cc (100 Design Lessons for 2021) (UX Trends Report). Kick things to the next level with us this year! Timestamps & Brief Summary (2:05) Promote Truth by balancing opinions and fact. We are recommitted to citing our sources and taking responsibility for what we released. (6:27) Being a designer is a privilege, but is designing while black a privilege or responsibility? (9:35) The best design conversations aren't televised. (15:00) Not every project needs to follow the same process!! (19:50) Throwing “How might we...?” at complex problems is chaotic AF (23:42) Empathy is nothing without compassionate action (28:54) What has grown our empathy/compassion recently? (33:50) Here is your sign to get started on (that thing you want to do). (36:50) The world is looking for different designers... ones like you! (38:42) Don't discount yourself, run their pockets.

Whew!! The three  of us come full circle with our szn 3 finale...  We took the 2020 UX trends projected in Ep. 4 and see how they measured up to  the reality of 2020.  We weave stories of our experiences and triumphs this past year, and the advice we've been given that elevated  our perspectives.  Thank you for coming along this podcast journey with us

We're freaky good at branding, y'all. We review the design and user experience of the infamous OnlyFans...  Is success attainable for anyone's online brand?  Find out which co-host made their platform debut to give us the inside scoop! --- Word of the day --> SALACIOUS Communitea https://www.outofofficehours.com (Out of Office Hours) - mentorship & networking https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/copy-of-black-womens-lives-matter-too-tickets-127963796159 (Black Women's Lives Matter Too) Event -  Dec 14  (& check  out Adobe Spark if you want but google it yaself because  they ain't paying us for  our  promo)

It's just us... with an imposter Among Us! We hop on the craze of a game that is being touted as a UX champ. Things get playful, sneaky, and we even discover murderous streak in the group. Download Among Us and try for yourself! Word of the day: Sabatour Communitea: Things to Read: The Download Newsletter From tasks to tricks: the UX of Among Us by Christian Paneda Things to Watch: Transhood Documentary Disclosure Documentary Things to Listen To: Earn Your Leisure Podcast Things to Download: Among Us [Google play] [App store]

Taking a moment to be thankful for our loyal listeners. We hope you enjoy your day! Expect more fun content next week!

 Queen Bey is at it again, and has us wondering if we are worthy. The latest launch of Ivy Park launches a group discussion about Jeremy's obsession, and her knack for moving in silence.  We dissect the marketing strategy around the element of surprise, and how brands can give the people what they want. Word of the Day: Divine Communi-Tea #endsars #congoisbleed "Just apply. Let THEM tell you 'no.' Don't tell it to yourself first." @blkcreatives

Buckle up, Buttercups! We are traveling all over history and the globe for today's episode on allyship and culture. We brought our beautiful friend Belem to help us unpack different suitcases around decolonization and the LatinX identity. Belem is a UX Researcher of Mexican descent who has a passion for family, poetic storytelling, and healing generational trauma. Word of the Day: VENOMOUS Communi-Tea (Belem references) @https://www.instagram.com/justus.podcast/ (justus.podcas)t @https://www.instagram.com/melaninmvskoke/ (melaninmvskoke) @https://www.instagram.com/priscilagarciajacquier/ (priscilagarciajacquier) @https://www.instagram.com/dr.rosalesmeza/ (dr.rosalesmeza) @https://www.instagram.com/josievf/ (josievf) Listen to: Millenial Mija, "https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cigjeBYjUBfd2MA5Yh4x9?si=E6mGbZsIRziYMSAnye-W_w (Black and Brown Unity)" Angela Davis + Toni Morrison "https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RvYs25MWCz8i5uOAYt9Ax?si=Aaj83shsS7Ku4fndcY-viQ (Connecting for Progress)" (2010) https://youtu.be/KXzVKmnukhA (Amber Ruffin on names) (at 8:00) Read: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0791443221/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0791443221&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2 (Subtractive Schooling) by Angela Valenzuela

We may not always have the answers, but we definitely have some thoughts. Today, we give advice on career, peers, continuing education, and more. If you're an emerging designer, DM us your questions to be featured on the next Q&A episode! @justus.podcast Communi-Tea **MAIP - https://www.aaaa.org/event/2021-maip-student-application/ (Applications due Nov 13th)** https://www.etsy.com/shop/raniplayingcards (Rani Cards) by Tika  https://www.instagram.com/emmanuel_porquin/?hl=en (Emmanuel Porquin) mobbin.design https://store.nintendo.com/adventures-with-mario-starter-course-with-mushroom-surprise-gift.html (Nintendo Lego Super Mario Kit)

We learned a lot about trigger warnings this week, and realized they are controversial because of poor design and misinformation. Our minds were kind of blown! Listen to us try to build a “persona” (a research tool that helps portray the target user) and reformat TW language and features, so that could be more beneficial to those who need them. ---- Communi-Tea https://www.doesthedogdie.com (Doesthedogdie.com) https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/warn-me/koglokeamlegaaidhjnjdbifcpnkoafg?hl=en (Warn Me) & https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/soothe/joaijebnefdghgmjodecakgdhjgolaan?hl=en-US (Soothe) Chrome Extensions https://contentandux.org (ContentandUX.org) Disability Visibility by https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Visibility-First-Person-Stories-Twenty-First/dp/1984899422 (Alice Wong)

We're playing “one gotta go” with some long lost members of the group chat..! We reminisce about old times and share our points of view on random topics like Treasure's plan for living without toilet paper. This breather episode has been heavily redacted for all the shady boots in the studio, but we're here for it. Communi-Tea https://www.amazon.com/Art-Pitch-Persuasion-Presentation-Business-dp-B089641DVX/dp/B089641DVX/ref=mt_other?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid= (The Art of the Pitch) by THE Peter J. Coughter Black Illustration Pack - https://www.blackillustrations.com/black-illustration-packs (Download) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hack-homelessness-2020-tickets-116771979133 (Hack the Homeless) Event https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Visibility-First-Person-Stories-Twenty-First/dp/1984899422 (Disability Visibility) by Alice Wong https://www.instagram.com/janicesung/?hl=en (@janicesung)

Dark Patterns, that is… UX designers have power to influence behavior. Sometimes, this power is used to warp digital interactions to the benefit of a company, and the disadvantage of the user. We discussed the various categories of these miscarriages of design decisions, and bring up examples you may have noticed yourself! Word of the Day: Whet Communi-Tea darkpatterns.org by Alexander Darlington https://darkpatterns.uxp2.com (UXP2.com ) https://max.adobe.com (AdobeMax Conference) October 20-22nd  https://hireblacksummit.com (Hire Black Summit )Oct 17 11am-6pm  https://www.instagram.com/distant.connections/ (@distant.connections ) Katie Huerta via LatinX Design Directory 

Where does the person begin and the personal brand end? If we represent ourselves strategically, are we in danger of losing our authentic selves? In today's breather episode about self-expression, we talk about how we share our personalities with the world. --- Word of the Day: ORGASMIC --- Communi-Tea LatinX Beauty Blender inventor Rea Ann Silva LatinX Color TV engineer Guillermo Gonzalez Camarera Smithsonian Open Access

Uncle Clifford was on point, but The Pynk  could use some TLC... In this episode we design an innovative experience for the iconic strip club from Showtime's P Valley.  We consider a few things with our recommendations: 1.  How do we promote the dancer's business while keeping them safe? 2. How do we play into a VIP experience for all patrons? 3. How do we create content and a service model that lines the owner's pockets? Our rebrand is the future of shake joints! Come on down to the House of Pynk, now accepting mobile pay and Booty Bitcoin! WORD  OF  THE DAY: Behoove Communitea Links P. Valley on Showtime (Shout out to https://www.instagram.com/iamjuceefroot/?hl=en (Jucee Froot)) Naked Hustle Docuseries https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWha0UgFLkwtgwH-rM5PtQ (Christina Villegas ) https://www.humansofnewyork.com/post/189208565306/my-stripper-name-was-tanqueray-back-in-the (Tanqueray Trust HONY)  https://www.latinxswhodesign.com (Latinxs Who Design)

Raise your hand if you ever been personally victimized by your own IG feed. We never could have imagined the impact these digital spaces would have in our real lives. This spontaneous conversation holds one thing for certain- the gworls are obsessed. See how each of us interpret what goes down on these platforms, and our opinions on the future of social media. What is on the horizon? And do we need a detox? Communi-Tea Sign up for these newsletters UX Collective http://weekly.peopleofcolorintech.com (POC in Tech)  https://thehustle.co/ (The Hustle)  https://www.instagram.com/theccnyc/?hl=en (@theCCNYC )

In today's lively episode about innovation, we unpack innovations that are both celebrated and slept on. Jeremy and Treasure recently moved, so we also dove into U-haul's service design and dreamed up a wishlist for the ideal move. Sexy tech has nothing over the innovative solutions that come out the hood!  Communi-Tea Intro to UX @allblackcreatives Interior Decorating on a Budget – https://www.instagram.com/txluu/ (Tolu Olubode) @txluuu & https://www.instagram.com/jessica_cherny/?hl=en (Jessica Cherny) @jessica_cherny https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenoraporter/ (Lenora Porter) 

Most brilliant people are a mess inside. Creative energy comes from the heart, so our work can have a big impact on our emotions and mental health. Sometimes, we are NOT OK (which is totally OK)! If this sounds like you, come through for today's group chat about creative wellness, our challenges and growth, and self-care. We nerd out about how Headspace, a mindfulness app, builds habits and addresses user needs. If you're listening to this episode or reading this description, this is a sign to do something kind for yourself today. Communi-Tea https://peptalkapp.com (Peptalk) The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer https://liberatemeditation.com (LiberateMeditation) https://www.ethelsclub.com (Ethel's Club) https://www.creativenoire.com (CreativeNoire.com) https://www.hireblackfemalecreatives.com (Hireblackfemalecreatives.com) https://twitter.com/search?q=hireblack&src=typed_query (#hireblack) mentorship

Inequality: It's what's for dinner. COVID-19 has brought to light the inequality in our food systems, yet another blow to BIPOC communities. Today's discussion around food insecurity travels through urban gardening, food and grocery delivery, designing circular systems, and the pitfalls of college meal plans. We get deep, but these human moments make us better designers. Community Resources https://www.feedingamerica.org/take-action (Feeding America) https://www.openmeal.org (Openmeal) https://www.oneschoolny.org (OneSchool ) Design.org https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snafu-the-weather-wardrobe/ (Snafu Weather App)

Swipe LEFT to sell Cutco knives for “marketing experience” and swipe RIGHT to hire Treas or SP...  Your favorite podcasters are back in the Ztudio to talk about seeking employment. Our conversation about resumes, job boards, and applicant tracking systems (ATS) was sprinkled with a little bit of salt and a lot of skepticism. We break down flaws in the hiring process, compare our favorite resources, and imagine an equal opportunity future.  If you're looking for work, be not discouraged… stay black, stay brown, and stay blessed! Communi-Tea https://www.oneschoolny.org  https://start.uxdesign.cc https://newsletter.uxdesign.cc  https://www.jobscan.co

Cuddle up, you cool cats and kittens! The Just Us crew stays entertained watching our shows… but ya'll got streaming money? It's too many options! Subscription fatigue is a real thing! Today, we talk viewing preferences, compare the UI of our favorite platforms, and imagine the future of streaming. We give our show recommendations and reminisce on simpler times...

We got your report card, Quarantina… Today we give out grades to brands based on their quarterly qurantine performance. We talk unsanitary employees and Treasure's ideas for drive-in movie theaters. Honorable mention our local businesses that did the best they can with what they had! We give our flowers, and our critiques, while launching into a discussion on the eye mouth eye phenomenon. Walmart C Wegmans C Wawa B- AMC C Verzuz A+ Delta A Condados Taco in Cleveland Ohio A+ Jeremy's Apartment complex B Jaran Ramsey in Dallas A++ @Jaranramsey Ben Wegman A+ @ Conferences D Quarantine-Con A+ shoutouts to: @verzuztv @Jaranramsey @benwegmann @wherearetheblackdesigners @quarantinecon.co

It's *just us* and our shenanigans in the studio this week... We summarize our last few weeks and reflect on our interviews. Thanks to our special guests for enlightening us on experience design! Here we discuss our final thoughts as we hone our career interests. We want to show up in a way that makes space for others. We see growth in the type of designers we want to be, and we are always learning. We talk pivoting into creative careers and working from home…and Jeremy's backup plans for selling his bathwater on the internet.

We were hype to be in the “ztudio” this week with our big bro http://www.stanhinesjr.com (Stanley Hines)! We talk logistics in advertising, with his recent move to NYC and adjusting to remote work at Stink Studios. Stanley shares his pragmatic opinions on the current political climate, workplace diversity... we dive into social constructs of black business and cancel culture.. Stanley dropped gem after gem from Chick-fil-A, the economy, our society and personal values and choices.  Too bad we couldn't turn up with Stanley IRL! Must watch: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi46tP_wKrqAhXWoXIEHbhMD2cQyCkwAHoECCAQBA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvLo5XMjIJD8&usg=AOvVaw266yIWbc3f7KtuXyvCcX4D (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLo5XMjIJD8)

The world is changing, and people have needs. We admit today that we aren't quite sure what to do with ourselves at the moment.  Our chat with Carl Joseph is philosophical and thought-provoking about society, design, and how we cope. He showed us that experience design is what the world needs now.  It turns out, we all have bright futures ahead of us! Today's conversation is methodical and idealistic like our thoughtful guest.  What the world needs now is YOU. Take a break and have a seat with us. We are always glad you came.

Ashley Glover is an Experience Designer in the Bay Area that cemented herself as *our* ally this episode.  She drops gems on us about self care, advocacy, and personal peace. These days, it's easy to feel hopeless. We are navigating rough waters. We chat educating yourself, the need for healing, and how to make sense of the events that are unfolding. Ashley talks about her career in tech, and how to create opportunities to address micro-aggressions in the workplace. She took us to church before and after the show, in addition to what you'll unpack in this episode. The tea was served up piping! 

"Experience Design" is a dynamic school of thought that is hard to define...  and even harder to search job boards for.  In this episode, we pull in our friend Tobi Oluwo for a fresh perspective that is intelligent and creative. Tobi is full of great advice for exploring this career path.  This is our first train stop on our journey to make it make sense... We talk Cali living, the high-level "labyrinth" of design decisions, the structure of a creative team, and how a photographer and Dragonball Z fan from Nigeria tumbled into the world of art and design.  After the interview,  the Just Us crew digests  this advice. Thanks for putting us on,  Tobi!

In today's episode, we create space for the frustration of recent events involving the murder of George Floyd. As always, we offer three different perspectives and peel back layers of complex topics. This time it is about systemic racism. We talk emotional baggage, participating in social media, and our experiences with combatting racism. We discuss constructive involvement like education, and the role allies play.  We started this podcast to give a voice to those labeled as "other." Thank you for your solidarity and support of this vision. Hugs. >>Check out https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ (https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co) to make your own impact on racial injustice

What makes you groan about going to Walmart? Why does Target get all of Jeremy's coins? How is Chick-fil-A such a beast at quarantine?  In this episode, the Just Us crew launches an official exploration into "experience design." We're on a mission to find an easier way to break down what we do to people outside the industry (like our moms).  We chop it up about roles and titles, services and products and find endless metaphors for defining this field.  SPOILER: Experience Design ISN'T  “marketing” or “graphic design!”

We wrap up our design sprint and season 1 with the final reflection on our sprintine 2020 (*air horns*). These phases were about demonstrating our idea with a prototype, and seeing how this is received by our target users. Overall, we enjoyed the learning and challenge of tackling generational wealth. We talk time constraints, limitations of our concept, and how the testing process unfurled… we did not push this product toward final presentation stages, as a result of our learning.

We talk day Day 3 of our Design Sprintine - where we started to form a unified vision and realized the pitfalls of an abbreviated sprint. We talk about what creative exercises worked for our design process and the dynamics of guided group activities. By day three of our remote collaboration, energy started to fade.. but we lived to Sprint! another day!

We're back with a breakdown of phase 2 of our design sprint! We talk memorable activities, what exercises we found useful, and how team roles created an opportunity for new learning. Our research period came to a close with a survey and focus group, and the group tried out voting methods with our collaborative Miro workspace. We are “sprinting” along toward a strategy for building generational wealth in the black community!

Challenging ourselves with design exercises from Jake Knapp's Sprint! guidebook. The Just Us crew takes on team roles, some in our wheelhouse (Jeremy as Decider) and some that are a challenge by choice (Danielle as Facilitator). We talk remote collaboration, our topic, and trusting an unfamiliar process. We are digging in to a topic on building generational wealth in the black community. We are having a blast! Listen in as we peel back the layers on the design process during #Sprintine2020!

Kicking off an exciting miniseries- a creative challenge to keep up sharp during quarantine!  We are going to bring you commentary of the Design Sprint process, adapted from Jake Knapp's iconic Sprint! handbook. Jeremy has dubbed this https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/sprintine200/ (#SPRINTINE2020)! (That's sprint & quarantine, trademark coming  soon!)