Kyle Sherwood

Small gripe: You know I'm all for indie-published content in the tech space. There's so much room for niche topics that aren't necessarily great fits for traditional publishers. But if you're going to charge $79 for your book, please spend the extra effort on making it accessible as an ePub and HTML, not just a PDF that looks like you just printed it directly from Word and called it good. #a11y

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Episode 231 of The World of UX is now available! Check out the conclusion of my convo with UX leader, Strat Parrott !!! https://lnkd.in/ebU96e-K

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To summarize this article, always be willing to learn. Don't become stagnant in your pursuit to improve yourself and those around you. AND don't let your ego get in the way! https://lnkd.in/gKfbTWY8 #learning #leadership #selfimprovment

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What If... Capcut had an accent-identifier feature? For those of us who carry a heavy accent. __________

 Have a friend who creates video content online? Share this post, and don't forget to subscribe 👉   https://buff.ly/3Yi6WwS  👈 #WhatIfUX #UX #ProductDesign

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Is your org structure and processes delivering the value you want? If so, awesome. If not, what changes might move you closer to that goal? It's common that certain practices, while good for many, may not be good for all, yet go unquestioned. Take a second look! Here is a different take on team setup. Maybe it would work for you.

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🚨 Big News: I’m Shifting Gears in 2025! 🚨 Yes, you read that right—I’m officially stepping away from product design (UX/UI for apps, dashboards, and all things “UX-y”) starting next year. But this isn’t one of those “last chance to work with me” posts—I’m no longer taking on product design projects at all. Instead, I’ve made the decision to focus fully on what I love and do best: web design. After 14 years in the design industry, wearing nearly every hat imaginable—graphic designer, web designer, coder, front-end & back-end developer, tester, project/product manager, and founder of a small agency—I’ve learned a lot. Each role taught me valuable lessons, but it’s also shown me that trying to juggle it all dilutes what I truly excel at and enjoy. If I’m being honest, tasks like designing dashboards and complex design systems never lit me up. And trying to balance user research, business KPIs, and 100+ screen dashboards? It left me drained, not energized. It’s time to embrace a more focused path—one where I can deliver exceptional work while doing what feels authentic to me. So, what’s next? I’m channeling all my skills and experience into high-impact web design. But I don’t want to just hand over a pretty Figma file and call it a day—I want to deliver the full package. Here’s what I’ll focus on: ✅ Crafting brand identities ✅ Shaping messaging and writing killer copy ✅ Designing AND building websites (Webflow is my go-to!) ✅ Helping clients generate leads and drive results I’m already well on my way—learning, honing, and refining my skills in branding, copywriting, and sales. I’m not there yet, but I’m getting closer every day. “But what about AI?” Sure, AI is evolving rapidly, and that’s always a concern. But here’s my take: if I try to be good at everything, burnout is inevitable, and I’ll fall short of expectations—both mine and my clients’. By focusing on what I truly enjoy, I’ll attract the right clients and deliver the kind of results they deserve. -- P.S. To everyone who’s worked with me over the years—thank you. Whether you loved the results or expected more, each project has been a stepping stone in my journey to grow, improve, and carve out this new direction. Here’s to new beginnings and doing what you love!

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Are you interested in helping elect Democrats this Fall?! 🚀 The November elections are just around the corner, and we need passionate, dedicated individuals to help elect Democratic champions who are committed to justice, equality, and positive change. Whether you're a comms whiz, grassroots organizer, or policy advocate, your skills are needed NOW! 🌟 National Opportunities: - Democratic National Committee (DNC): Dive into roles in field organizing, communications, and digital strategy. Be part of a dynamic team driving nationwide change! - Vote.org: Play a crucial role in voter registration and education. Help ensure every eligible voter has a voice! Explore Vote.org Careers - League of Women Voters: Join us in advancing voter registration and advocacy efforts. Your work will empower voters nationwide! Discover League of Women Voters Careers - Common Cause: Focus on campaign finance reform and voting rights. Be a force for transparency and integrity! See Common Cause Careers - EMILYs List: Help elect pro-choice Democratic women who are ready to lead. Your support can make history! Find Emily’s List Careers 🌟 Florida Opportunities: - Florida Democratic Party: Join the fight with positions in field organizing, campaign strategy, and communications. Help shape the future of Florida! - Progress Florida: Engage in grassroots organizing and advocacy. Drive progressive change in key districts across the state! Florida Alliance for Retired Americans: Advocate for senior issues and progressive policies. Your efforts will make a difference in the lives of many! - Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice: Focus on progressive policies and Jewish advocacy in Florida. #Jobs #Elections #Democrats #FloridaPolitics #GetInvolved #MakeADifference

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Why is it still so hard to to create, design, build and launch products people love to use? (Two words: Executive Alignment) It took me years to understand this principle and even longer to make it a key part of my product leadership toolbox. Fortunately, you don't have to wait that long because the UX Researchers Guild is hosting an event this Thursday (Aug 15) featuring Tamara Adlin on this exact topic. I'm not one to endorse LinkedIn events often, but after following Tamara's work for some time, I can honestly say her experience and practical approach to helping product professionals advance their career is second to none. If you're a product leader, researcher or simply want to create better alignment between cross-functional teams & executive needs... Then you don't want to miss this event. 🗓 Mark your calendars! 🗓 https://lnkd.in/eshTB4Nc (Repost for others ♻️)

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Traditional role-based systems can get in the way of innovation and collaboration. At Everest, we're rethinking how we approach product, design, and delivery and embracing a skill-based system that prioritizes growth and values. Take a look at how we're building more collaborative, agile, and future-proof teams:

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#Config24. There's nothing quite like it when designers and makers gather to share, learn, and nerd out about our craft. Thank you Amperity for supporting our design team to take on this experience together at Figma's annual conference. There is so much to soak in, both from the presentations and chats across the community. Here are a few first takeaways: • Go faster with AI. From reducing tedium (auto-naming layers) to the emergent ability to turn flat UI into interactive prototypes with a click of a button. This philosophy is shaping the experience of designing in Figma. • There is a healthy and important debate in the design community about the implications of this AI-powered future. I love that it will lower the barrier for entry however agree with Jenny Arden: AI can get to good but as it can only remix what's been done before, it takes humans to get it to great. • Intentionality, creativity and craft matter even more. This theme came up throughout the two days. Tools should augment your process, not automate your favourite parts. • Shake the idea that difficult equals important. Simone Giertz overcame her performance anxiety by choosing enthusiasm as a driver for her work, resulting in a lot of fun and unexpected outcomes. • Aspire to be the team that sets the bar for quality. Peter Yang challenges PMs and people who care about product craft to choose quality and speed over scope. Cut features not quality corners to deliver beautiful products to customers, and quickly so you can learn. • How you structure your EPD teams will be reflected in your product. Resist symmetry. Nan Yu makes a great case for "heirloom tomato" teams that vary in size and shape in order to create an org chart you want to ship. • Figma redesign incoming. Figma's UI3 has been built on the core belief that way we design has evolved, requiring more immersion in the canvas. Minimizing UI aims to keep designers in flow, then make it easier to show and present work. On that... • Hello, Figma Slides. It just makes sense to show the work from the tool you built it in — and Slides (or Flides) will streamline this with speaker notes and quick layout features. • Does your design leave fingerprints? How might you weave traces of people, stories, acknowledge what you bring as a designer with a story of your own. Thank you Karla Mickens Cole and Nashilu Mouen from The Browser Company for this people-centered prompt.

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Pixar's storytelling principles—defining purpose, structuring the narrative, and focusing on innovation—apply directly to product and UX design. By using these techniques, we can build stronger connections with both teams and users. Clearly, Pixar knows what they’re doing—when backed by a great story, your products and features can truly resonate and drive success. #moana2 https://lnkd.in/gN5xtina

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Bogdan Cerovac shares his thoughts on Accessibility grouping, an often overlooked native mobile app pattern. https://buff.ly/492EGSD #NativeMobile #Mobile #UX #UXDesign #DigitalAccessibility #Accessibility #A11y

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by all means, seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced designers. but don’t stop there. make a point of building relationships with people outside your immediate orbit. sit in on a sales call. shadow a customer support rep. ask an engineer to walk you through their code. if you really want to build a strong foundation for your career, start investing in those relationships now. you don’t need a mentor to tell you this. you don’t need anyone’s permission to start building these relationships, to start learning from the smart, passionate people around you. all you need is a bit of curiosity, a bit of humility, and not being afraid to send that message. will every conversation be a revelation? no. will every relationship be career changing? probably not. but every interaction will teach you something. and over time, those lessons will add up. they will compound. they’ll shape the way you think, the way you work, the way you solve problems. and that’s something that will serve you well no matter where your career takes you.

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💡Leadership isn’t about your title—it’s about your actions.💡 In many of my experiences, I’ve stepped into meetings where clarity was lacking, decisions needed to be made, and teams needed direction—all without being the "official" leader. Here are 5 proven behaviors to show leadership and drive impactful meetings, no matter your role: 1️⃣ Establish Clear Objectives A productive meeting starts with a defined purpose. Set the tone early by clarifying goals and aligning the group’s focus on outcomes rather than endless discussions. 2️⃣ Facilitate and Simplify Decisions Complex problems often paralyze teams. Leadership is about cutting through the noise—summarize options, pose clear questions, and steer the team toward actionable decisions. 3️⃣ Encourage Collaboration When differing ideas emerge, lean into them. Ask the right questions to bring clarity and align team members, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. 4️⃣ Be the Voice of Clarity Ambiguity is a team’s biggest enemy. Reiterate key points, summarize decisions, and confirm next steps to ensure everyone leaves the room knowing what’s expected. 5️⃣ Take Ownership of Follow-Ups Leadership doesn’t stop when the meeting ends. Document key takeaways, assign action items, and hold yourself and others accountable to ensure progress. Takeaway: You don’t need a leadership title to lead. You need focus, initiative, and the courage to bring clarity when it’s needed most. These behaviors aren’t just meeting hacks—they’re career accelerators. 🚀 Want more tools, resources, and insights on leadership and productivity? Visit my Zaap page for everything you need to level up your career:

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Hey, if you're traveling this weekend in the car, and you need something to listen to, check out this episode of the UX Consultant's Lounge by Kyle Soucy where Lynne Polischuik and I kick around some thoughts about the state of UX work today, the impact (and opportunities!) that AI brings to it, and the value that consultants can offer in the quickly changing world out there. https://lnkd.in/gyYqGmf2

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When my fiancé, Juan M Hernandez, and I decided to build a productized design agency as a side hustle, we had no intention of offering 3D services. Now, growing the 3D/CGI team & operation has become a major focal point. So why the shift? In short: because it's challenging – and that's exactly why we see it as a great opportunity: 1. 2D graphic design is our foundation, but 3D is a whole new frontier. I'm still struggling to understand the complex problems our 3D artists have to solve and the technical aspects of their work. 2. Standing out in the crowded field of design agencies is tough and 3D has allowed us to produce work that has garnered attention/a reputation on Instagram (people reach out organically). 3. 3D design presented a unique opportunity. Juan already had a creative agency with a skilled team in place. We saw the chance to leverage that expertise and create something truly distinctive. 4. The complexity of 3D is both a challenge and an advantage. Each project requires 2-4 team members and presents operational hurdles, especially with fast turnarounds. But that's also why it's so valuable to clients. 5. The results are worth it. One 3D model opens up infinite possibilities for visuals and animations – from hyperrealistic to fantastical. It's why major brands are all in on 3D. We've found a niche in 3D ad production for e-commerce, and I couldn't be more excited about where we're headed (we're currently doing some big brand name work in the cosmetic space that will be released to retail locations globally). Have you noticed the surge of 3D ads in your feeds lately? What's your take on this trend? P.S. Curious what our 3D ads look like? Check out our demo reel! 😉

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