Olivia Smith

I get asked all the time if I am worried about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing my job. There’s a common misconception that AI will wipe out the need for user experience (UX) designers. This way of thinking fails to consider the expertise that UX designers bring. AI is powerful. But, it lacks the critical thinking […]

Comparison is the Gateway to Growth Whenever I hear the phrase “competitive audit,” it initially feels uncomfortable. Growing up as a ballerina, I constantly compared my skills and appearance to others, and the saying “comparison is the thief of joy” was ingrained in me. But as I’ve advanced in my career as a UX designer, […]

In user experience (UX) design, taxonomy and ontology are two powerful—yet often overlooked—tools. Taxonomies organize information into logical groups, while ontologies define relationships and concepts within a domain. Together, they form the backbone of effective information architecture, making products easier to navigate and more intuitive to use. Before we dive into applying these principles to […]

Exploring the Power of Systems Thinking in Product Design Ever notice how every new project feels like navigating uncharted territory? In many ways, it is. Product design means working within a web of relationships where every decision creates ripple effects, both visible and hidden. To make sense of that complexity, we rely on a powerful […]

Storyboarding as a UX Designer One of the most intimidating parts of being an Associate UX Designer is leading client meetings about ideas and interactions. How do you communicate concepts clearly, acknowledge client needs, use your expertise to guide decisions, and keep the conversation focused? There is no universal formula because every client is different, […]