Three non-design podcasts for UX Designers
Wander down some less-traveled professional development pathways with me!
One of my favorite questions to ask other designers and creatives is: What inspires you?
People always have fascinating responses, and I love getting a glimpse into what fuels their design work. I sometimes struggle to answer this question because so many occurrences in everyday life connect to design. Visiting Trader Joe’s, going out for pizza, or musing on the pitfalls of public bathrooms may spark a helpful insight.
However, I don’t like to wait around and hope inspiration bumps into me. I routinely expand my skillset by reading articles, attending webinars, and listening to podcasts. Podcasts are my go-to strategy because there are so many excellent ones to choose from. This past year, I listened to every episode of What’s Wrong with UX, and I’ve been delving into UX Cake recently (I strongly recommend both!).
In addition to UX-specific podcasts, I enjoy gleaning ideas from non-design disciplines. I believe that there are many ways to grow as a designer. Learning across multiple disciplines makes me feel well-rounded and knowledgeable.
Here are three of the go-to non-design podcasts that I think designers may enjoy:
Hidden Brain
Tagline: “Hidden Brain explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and questions that lie at the heart of our complex and changing world.”
Hidden Brain logo, via NPR.
Design Connection: As designers, we must understand what makes people tick. Hidden Brain unpacks intriguing, current research studies about human behavior and psychology. The episodes are entertaining and digestible, making it easier to remember these concepts long after listening. The human brain is so complex! It’s helpful to have a low-stakes way to continue learning about it.
Topic Samplings: Unconscious bias, mitigating conflict, decoding emotions, persuasion, what brings us joy
Bonus: As you expand your knowledge of psychology and human behavior, you’ll also learn applicable techniques that can make everyday life feel easier.
2. Maintenance Phase
Tagline: “Wellness and weight loss, debunked and decoded.”
Maintenance phase logo, via IMDB.
Design Connection: Whether user research is your main focus or something you handle intermittently, we can all benefit from boosting our research game. Maintenance Phase is a masterclass in analyzing data and unpacking what statistics actually tell us. The hosts shed light on shoddy research studies, poking holes in conclusions that are not as valid as they seem at first glance. This podcast will help you deepen your understanding of research do’s and don’ts that will make you a stronger practitioner.
Topic Samplings: Workplace wellness, the food pyramid, calorie menu labeling, body-mass index
Bonus: This podcast debunks popular myths about health and wellness, so you may find yourself rethinking ideas and beliefs that you’ve never questioned.
3. The Moth Radio Hour
Tagline: “The art and craft of storytelling.”
The Moth podcast logo via Wikipedia.
Design Connection: Hearing other people’s stories is a powerful way to build empathy. Additionally, analyzing story structure can help us enhance our communication skills. The Moth is a longtime favorite for many listeners — it celebrated 25 years recently, which is quite up there in podcast years! What I enjoy about this podcast is the beautiful variety of voices, perspectives, themes, story structures, and delivery styles. After listening, I feel more connected to the world and hopeful about life.
Topic Samplings: Navigating the gray, second chances, taking risks, unexpected gifts, searching for direction
Bonus: Each story is unique! Some will have you laughing, some might make you cry, some might spark anger, and others will leave you with a lingering feeling of inspiration.