AI is transforming the way we design and build digital products—but at what cost? In this episode of The Future of UX, I’m joined (again!) by Torsten Jonas, founder of the Sustainable UX (SUX) Network, to explore how AI, UX, and sustainability intersect.
We’ll dive into:
✅ Why sustainability in UX is about more than just “green” design
✅ The hidden environmental cost of AI and digital products
✅ How designers can create responsible and future-proof AI experiences
✅ Practical tips to reduce carbon impact in digital projects
Thorsten's resources & links:
https://sustainableuxnetwork.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorstenjonas/
Nächste Masterclasses "Become a sustainable UX Designer": April 24 und May 7: https://sustainableuxnetwork.com/academy
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
📝 My UX Design Blog
🎥 Youtube
In this episode, we’re tackling a huge question: How do we measure a “good” AI experience?
AI is shaping everything—from hiring decisions to medical diagnoses, from content recommendations to self-driving cars. But here’s the issue: we don’t even have clear UX standards for AI.
💡 If we don’t measure UX in AI properly, we risk building products that are functional but untrustworthy, accurate but unethical, powerful but frustrating to use.
We dive into:
〜 Why traditional UX metrics fail in AI-driven products
〜 The Amazon hiring AI scandal—how biased algorithms create bad UX
〜 The problem of explainability—why we often don’t understand AI decisions
〜 The future of AI UX standards—should there be a universal AI UX certification?
📌 Core Question: Can we trust AI to deliver great user experiences if we don’t even know how to measure them?
Let’s explore what’s missing in AI UX—and what needs to change.
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Follow the Future of UX:
🎨 Linkedin: Future of UX Podcast
📸 Instagram: Future of UX Podcast
🍏 Apple Podcast: Future of UX
💚 Spotify: Future of UX
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
📝 My UX Design Blog
In this episode of The Future of UX, I’m joined by Rachel Rosenson, a design leader at Zalando, to explore the intersection of fashion, innovation, and emerging technologies. From AI-driven fashion trends to the reality of the metaverse, Rachel shares her insights on what’s hype, what’s real, and how designers can shape the future of fashion e-commerce.
✨ How Zalando’s innovation lab, The Studio, is shaping the next 3–5 years of fashion UX
🛍️ The role of social commerce in fashion and what drives user inspiration
🤖 How AI and automation are impacting fashion e-commerce and design workflows
🎭 Why authenticity and storytelling are critical for designers in the AI era
🌎 The real impact of the metaverse—hype vs. practical applications in fashion
💡 The skills designers need to stay relevant in an evolving industry
Resources mentioned:
Rachel's websitehttps://www.rachelrosenson.com/
Find Rachel on Linkedin LinkedIn
References:Amy Webb @ Future Today Institute
Jaron Lanier, fantastic author with incredible website design
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
https://www.wix.com/studio
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
📝 My UX Design Blog
In this episode, we explore a question that affects all of us:
📌 Are we designing for users who are already exhausted?
We wake up and immediately check our phones. We spend hours switching between apps, notifications, and endless feeds. Our brains are constantly processing information, yet focusing for more than a few minutes feels impossible.
If digital fatigue is shaping how people interact with technology, what does that mean for UX? Should we be designing less, not more?
We’ll dive into:
And here’s an extreme thought:
👉 What if designers were rewarded for reducing screen time instead of increasing engagement?
Resources mentioned:
The ethical dilemma:watch on Spotify
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Follow the Future of UX:
🎨 Linkedin: Future of UX Podcast
📸 Instagram: Future of UX Podcast
🍏 Apple Podcast: Future of UX
💚 Spotify: Future of UX
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
📝 My UX Design Blog
🎥 Youtube
AI is everywhere—but how can companies integrate AI responsibly while ensuring fairness, innovation, and real business value?
In this episode of The Future of UX, I’m joined by Zamina Ahmad, Founder of Shades & Contrast, a consultancy focused on fair and responsible AI solutions. With over 15 years of experience in data science, machine learning, and AI product development, Zamina shares her expert insights on how businesses can leverage AI effectively—without falling into common traps.
We explore:
〰 The AI hype train—what’s real and what’s just noise?
〰 The 3-Level AI Integration Framework—a guide for companies to scale AI efficiently
〰 How to balance automation, ethics, and innovation
〰 The biggest AI challenges (and how to avoid them)
Plus, we discuss how AI is democratizing technology, the importance of responsible AI, and where AI is headed in the next 5–10 years.
If you’re working in UX, product design, or tech, this episode is packed with insights on how to navigate AI’s rapid evolution.
Resources from the Episode:
📌 Website: https://www.zamina.de/
📌 Free Resources from Shades & Contrast: https://www.shadesandcontrast.com/ressourcen
📌 The Responsible Tech Playbook by the UN & ThoughtWorks:https://www.thoughtworks.com/content/dam/thoughtworks/documents/e-book/tw_ebook_responsible_tech_playbook_united_nations.pdf
📌 Comparison of Foundation Models Across Different Criteria: https://www.reframetech.de/wissensseite-basismodelle/
📌 The AI Revolution on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@airevolutionx/videos
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
📝 My UX Design Blog
In this episode, we explore one of the biggest shifts happening in UX: designing for AI agents instead of traditional interfaces. As AI moves from merely responding to user inputs to making autonomous decisions, what does this mean for UX designers? We discuss the transition from screens and menus to AI-driven user-agent collaboration, the challenges of trust, explainability, and user autonomy, and the new UX principles needed to ensure AI remains predictable, transparent, and adaptable.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Trust & Explainability – Designing AI that is transparent and predictable
✔️ User Autonomy – Balancing automation with user control
✔️ AI Behavior Design – Shifting from interface design to shaping AI decision-making
✔️ New UX Principles – Ensuring AI adapts, learns, and remains human-centered
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Follow the Future of UX:
🎨 Linkedin: Future of UX Podcast
📸 Instagram: Future of UX Podcast
🍏 Apple Podcast: Future of UX
💚 Spotify: Future of UX
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
📝 My UX Design Blog
🎥 Youtube
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
📝 My UX Design Blog
we’re diving into the top UX trends for 2024 that every designer needs to know. From AI-powered experiences to sustainable design and emerging markets, we’re breaking down the biggest shifts happening right now and sharing practical tips to help you stay ahead of the curve.
In this episode, we’ll explore: ✨ The role of AI in shaping the future of UX 🌱 How to make your designs more sustainable and efficient 📈 Designing for emerging markets and new audiences 💡 Emotional design and creating value-driven products
We’re also celebrating this milestone by reflecting on the journey so far and sharing a big thank-you to all our listeners. Your support has been incredible, and we’re excited to keep bringing you more insights and inspiration!
📚 Links & Resources Mentioned:
Google’s AI Principles: https://ai.google/principles/ Sustainable Web Design by Tom Greenwood: https://www.sustainablewebdesign.org/ Sustainable UX SUX https://sustainableuxnetwork.comFuture of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/
Emotional Design by Don Norman: https://www.jnd.org/books/emotional-design.html
Automation Design Patterns by Chris Noessel: https://www.chrisnoessel.com/automation-patterns/
World Wide UX by Daniel Szuc: https://www.worldwideux.com/
Designing for the Mind by Victor Yocco: https://www.designingforthemind.com/
Spotify Lite: https://www.spotify.com/lite/
Google Pay (Tez): https://pay.google.com/about/
Panasonic’s AI-powered Wellness Coach: https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/07/panasonic-unveils-an-ai-powered-wellness-coach-powered-by-anthropics-claude-at-ces-2025/
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
https://www.wix.com/studio
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In this episode of Future of UX, we’re diving into the biggest challenges designers will face in 2025—and what you can do to prepare. From the rapid rise of AI to shifting business priorities and the evolving role of design craft, the landscape is changing fast. We’ll explore why these challenges are happening, how they’re impacting the way we work, and what steps you can take to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s learning to collaborate with AI, advocating for user needs in a business-driven world, or navigating organizational politics, this episode is packed with actionable insights to future-proof your design career.
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
https://www.wix.com/studio
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In this reflective episode of the Future of UX podcast, we look back at 2024—a year of transformation for the UX industry and beyond. Discover the top UX trends, including AI-powered tools, industry growth, and new design methodologies shaping the future. I’ll also share a 5-step framework to help you reflect on your own year and set meaningful goals for 2025.
Along the way, I’ll reveal personal highlights, lessons learned, and exciting plans for the new year—including a deeply personal milestone: becoming a mom! Whether you’re a UX designer or a creative looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable insights to make 2025 your best year yet.
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
https://www.wix.com/studio
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
Struggling to find the perfect gift for the UX designer in your life? In this episode of the Future of UX podcast, I’ll guide you through a curated list of thoughtful, practical, and inspiring gifts that are sure to spark creativity and productivity. From tools like Time Timer and Post-it Dry Erase Surfaces to inspiring books like "The Design of Everyday Things", there’s something for every kind of designer.
We’ll also explore unique ideas like LEGO Architecture Sets, AI subscriptions, and wellness gifts like Headspace. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, this episode is your ultimate guide to UX designer-friendly gifts for 2024.
Category 1: Education & Learning
Category 2: Tools & Gadgets
Category 3: Creativity & Relaxation
Category 4: Typography & Design Trends
Category 5: Tech Gifts
Category 6: Subscriptions
Category 7: Mindfulness & Wellness
Category 8: Desk Accessories
Category 9: Books & Resources
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
https://www.wix.com/studio
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In Part 2 of Future of UX’s series on AI UX patterns, host Patricia Reiners delves deeper into design strategies that enhance user engagement and transparency in AI-powered products. Discover how advanced patterns like Token Layering, Variations, and Color Schemes are shaping user interactions and offering greater control and clarity in AI systems. With real-world examples and insights from The Shape of AI, this episode highlights the importance of visual cues, multiple options, and interactive prompts in creating intuitive, trustworthy AI experiences. Tune in to learn how to effectively implement these patterns in your designs for the evolving AI landscape.
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In this episode of Future of UX, Patricia Reiners unpacks the role of UX patterns in designing intuitive and user-friendly AI products. As AI becomes a staple in daily interactions—from virtual assistants to recommendation engines—designers face the challenge of making these complex systems accessible. Join Patricia as she explores foundational UX patterns, such as autocomplete, templates, suggestions, incognito mode, and caveats, with practical examples from The Shape of AI. Learn how these patterns enhance user experience, ensure privacy, and build trust, making AI systems more efficient and approachable. Tune in for part one of this deep dive into AI-driven UX design essentials.
Resources mentioned:
Shapes of AI: visit website
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In this episode of The Future of UX, host Patricia Reiners explores the top skills every UX designer will need to thrive in 2025. With technology moving beyond screens, Patricia breaks down how wearable tech, generative AI, and automation are reshaping UX. Learn how to design for AR and voice commands, leverage AI to enhance productivity, build trust with ethical design practices, embrace sustainable design, and integrate business acumen into your work. This episode provides actionable steps for designers to stay competitive and relevant in an industry that’s rapidly evolving.
Resources mentioned:
Sustainable UX with Thorsten Jonas: Listen now
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In this episode of The Future of UX, host Patricia Reiners delves into the transformative impact of AI on UX design. Discover how AI-powered content generation tools are streamlining the creative process, allowing designers to focus on building more engaging user experiences. We also explore the game-changing potential of AI-driven interface structures, where apps and websites dynamically adjust layouts based on individual user preferences and behaviors. Whether it’s optimizing workflows or creating ultra-personalized user journeys, AI is empowering UX designers to break new ground. Join us to understand how to leverage these AI tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving UX landscape.
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In this episode of The Future of UX, host Patricia Reiners dives into a topic critical for junior UX designers and students: navigating the changing UX landscape amid tech layoffs and hiring slowdowns. Join Patricia as she explores five actionable tips to help early-career designers thrive despite industry challenges. Discover how embracing AI in UX design can set you apart, why networking is more vital than ever, and how developing a growth mindset can propel your career forward. Patricia also shares insights on building a future-proof skill set and crafting a standout portfolio to make your mark in today’s competitive market.
Book recommendation:
Articulating design decisions: Book
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
Join host Patricia Reiners in an insightful conversation with Ioana Teleano the voice behind UX Goodies and AI Lead at Miro. Discover Ioana's journey from Instagram beginnings to leading AI-powered design at Miro, where she shares her unique insights on the evolution of AI in UX. This episode dives into the intricacies of designing AI experiences, career advice for aspiring UX professionals, and the critical role of intentionality in a fast-evolving tech landscape. Get ready to be inspired by Ioana's passion for meaningful design, thoughtful career moves, and the exciting future awaiting UX designers in the age of AI. Perfect for anyone looking to stay ahead in the design industry!
Resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Ioana's Resources:
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
Prepare for a spooky dive into the hidden world of dark UX patterns in this Halloween special of "The Future of UX" podcast. Join host Patricia Reiners as she exposes chilling examples of AI-driven manipulation—from relentless subscription traps to guilt-inducing pop-ups. Explore how AI is transforming dark patterns, enhancing algorithmic urgency, and impacting user trust. This episode tackles the ethical dilemma for UX designers, providing insights on advocating for transparency and ethical design. Perfect for anyone interested in safeguarding user autonomy in a tech-driven world.
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Wix Studio:
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
n this episode of The Future of UX, Patricia explores the latest advancements in AI and their growing influence on user experience design. Highlighting recent innovations like synthetic personas, AI avatars for meetings, and AI-driven tools, she delves into how these trends are shaping the future of UX.
Key insights include:
Patricia also shares personal updates, including her participation in an exciting AI project and her latest workshop on generative AI in design.
Resources mentioned:
Synthetic users: https://www.syntheticusers.com
A11y-ai Accessibility personas: https://a11y-ai.denkwerk.com
Other resources
💻 ✨Waiting list for the AI Academy: 6-week Bootcamp to Learn How to Master AI as a Designer
→ Get notified when doors are opening again
👉 0€ AI mini Training for Designers 👈
→ Learn 3 strategies to leverage gen AI as a designer in just 30 min
💌 Newsletter
→ Free Weekly UX insights and updates: UX Newsletter
Find Patricia on Socials
📸 Instagram @ux.patricia
🎨 Linkedin Patricia Reiners
🐦 Twitter @ux_Patricia
In this episode of the Future of UX podcast, we welcome Ryan Rumsey, founder of Second Wave Dive, to explore the evolving role of design in today's dynamic business environments. Ryan shares his unique insights on design leadership, the importance of understanding business models, and how design maturity must adapt to different organizational contexts. Listeners will gain valuable strategies on bridging the gap between creative thinking and business strategy, effectively positioning themselves in a rapidly changing landscape, and preparing for the future of design in an AI-driven world. Whether you're a junior designer or a seasoned leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive and evolve in your career.
Ryan's Resources:
CDO School
https://thecdo.school
10% coupon code: R3F3RR4LPR
My personal site
https://www.ryanrumsey.com
What I’m reading right now
The Universal Traveler: A Soft-Systems Guide to Creativity, Problem-Solving, and the Process of Reaching Goals by Don Koberg and Jim Bagnall
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
What I’m listening to:
Scritpnotes: a podcast about screenwriting
A lot of Chappel Roan. :)
