In this Tent Talks session, Tyler Quackenbush walks us through his unique path from UX design into project management, offering a refreshing look at how these roles can blend. With deep insights into Agile workflows, Tyler outlines how design thinking doesn’t just belong in design—it strengthens teams when it carries into leadership and collaboration. His philosophy of “sharing before we’re ready” and focusing on feedback over perfection offers a clear, grounded approach to building more adaptive, creative teams. Tyler emphasizes that agility and creativity don’t have to clash. Instead, when you build a culture that values iteration, early input, and shared problem-solving, you unlock momentum. This session isn’t about frameworks or buzzwords—it’s about practical, human-centered shifts that help teams collaborate better, work smarter, and keep the spark of creativity alive even in fast-moving environments.

Heidi Trost, a UX leader and host of the *Human-Centered Security* podcast, will explore the fascinating—and sometimes unsettling—ways AI is reshaping security, privacy, and user experiences. With AI agents becoming increasingly capable of making decisions and taking actions on our behalf, we face a future where traditional user interfaces fade into the background. What does this mean for designing systems that are both secure and user-friendly? Heidi will share her unique perspective on how UX design can address the challenges posed by AI-driven technologies, helping users understand and manage their own privacy while mitigating security risks. Whether you’re a designer, researcher, or technologist, this conversation will spark new ideas and leave you inspired to rethink how we design for a more secure future.

Content Modeling Meets UX: Designing for Scalability and Reuse Content modeling plays a critical role in shaping user experiences, yet it’s often overlooked in UX design conversations. Structuring content for authoring experiences within CMS platforms directly impacts presentation layer templates, components, and design systems. Thoughtful content modeling enables scalability, consistency, and accessibility—key factors in delivering seamless digital experiences. As AI tools and agents become part of the content workflow, the way we approach content creation is evolving. How does AI influence content modeling, governance, and the collaboration between human and machine authors? What should UX professionals consider when designing systems that support both human writers and AI-generated content? Sabina Leybold will share insights on these challenges, highlight common misconceptions about content reuse, and offer practical guidance for UXers looking to work more effectively with content strategists and CMS developers. Expect a conversation packed with real-world examples, fresh perspectives, and actionable takeaways.

In this Tent Talks session, Brett Harned, co-founder of Same Team Partners, explored how teams can navigate today’s workplace challenges without relying on rigid frameworks. He emphasized that instead of adding more process, leaders should focus on improving communication, collaboration, and culture to remove friction and enhance team dynamics. Brett introduced Teamangle, a human-centered approach designed to help teams align, build better habits, and solve real-world problems through diagnostics, conversation tools, and workshops. He also shared practical strategies for boosting engagement, reinforcing purpose, and fostering autonomy. Throughout the discussion, Brett debunked common teamwork myths, including the idea that teams should function like families, arguing instead for a high-performance, trust-driven environment.

Tools, Trust, and Transformation: A Guide to Modern Mentorship Join Kara Fitzpatrick, former Director of Experience Design in the Obama White House, for an insightful conversation on mentorship and coaching. Drawing on years of experience spanning government innovation, private sector leadership, and teaching human-centered design, Kara will share her perspective on structured vs. unstructured mentoring and how to set up both mentors and mentees for success. With practical tools, actionable advice, and a thoughtful approach to fostering growth, Kara’s session will offer something for professionals at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re mentoring someone for the first time, seeking guidance in your own career, or curious about applying mentorship principles in community-focused work, this Tent Talk promises actionable takeaways and inspiring ideas to elevate your approach to mentoring and coaching.

In this Tent Talks session, Harry Max delves into the nuances of prioritization in leadership and organizational contexts. He explains why prioritization is a complex challenge, highlights common pitfalls in various types of organizations, and offers practical frameworks like the DEGAP strategy to improve prioritization skills. Harry emphasizes the importance of personal prioritization and shares insights from his extensive experience with different companies, providing actionable advice for leaders at all levels.

Join us for an insightful Tent Talks session with Meghan Casey, founder of Do Better Content Consulting and author of “The Content Strategy Toolkit.” Meghan will demystify content modeling, explaining its importance in clear, beginner-friendly language. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you’ll gain valuable insights into how content modeling can improve both the user experience and the content creation process. Meghan will also share practical tips on how to implement content modeling collaboratively, ensuring that everyone from executives to UX designers understands and supports the process. This session promises to provide actionable strategies for defining and documenting content models, helping your organization tackle content challenges more effectively.

In this Tent Talks session, Helen Keighron, a seasoned leader, shared her expertise on keeping teams aligned and focused through effective leadership. The discussion explored the importance of defining alignment, understanding strategic priorities, and overcoming common pitfalls that leaders face. Helen emphasized the necessity of clear communication, psychological safety, and shared understanding within teams to achieve alignment. She provided practical strategies for simplifying complex messages and maintaining focus as projects evolve. Helen also shared personal experiences and insights on navigating challenging alignment issues in high-stakes environments. Helen highlighted the importance of flexibility in execution, the role of psychological safety in fostering open dialogue, and the need for leaders to create environments where diverse viewpoints are encouraged. She also stressed the significance of clear and repetitive messaging, the value of written communication plans, and the need for leaders to constantly engage with their teams to identify and address misalignment. By sharing her experiences and strategies, Helen provided valuable insights for leaders looking to keep their teams cohesive and aligned in dynamic and complex project environments.

In this insightful Tent Talks session, Sheetal T. Patel, Assistant Director of the CIA for the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, discusses the integration of User Experience (UX) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) within the realm of intelligence. Patel elucidates how these design principles enhance the efficiency and accessibility of intelligence data for policymakers. The conversation spans the evolution of technology within the CIA, the challenges of applying UX and HCD in intelligence work, and the opportunities these practices present for transforming intelligence gathering and analysis.

Caroline Jarrett, an esteemed expert in form design, shared her deep insights into the critical role of forms in effective communication and business processes during her Tent Talks session. She tackled the common misconceptions surrounding forms, emphasizing that despite their mundane appearance, forms are integral to user experience and organizational efficiency. Caroline illustrated the hidden costs of poorly designed forms and the significant benefits of strategic form design through real-world examples from her work with prominent organizations like NHS England and the UK Government Digital Service. Caroline discussed the evolving landscape of form design, discussing the impact of modern technologies such as AI and machine learning. She highlighted the challenges and solutions in creating user-friendly forms that not only collect accurate data but also enhance the user experience. The session was a compelling mix of technical knowledge and practical advice, aimed at UX professionals, designers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and design.

In this Tent Talks session, Kai Tran discusses the transformative impact of AI on UX design, especially for those new to the field. Kai shares insights from mentoring nearly 200 design sprints, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into UX workflows. He highlights the evolving nature of UX design with AI and offers practical advice for professionals looking to incorporate AI into their portfolios to enhance their careers.

In this Tent Talks session, Bryce Johnson, an inclusive designer at Microsoft's Inclusive Tech Lab, shared his experiences and the impactful work being done to make technology accessible to everyone. The session covered various aspects of the lab’s initiatives, the development of the Xbox adaptive controller, the challenges faced in designing inclusive technology, and the future of such innovations. Bryce emphasized the importance of designing with and not for the disabled community and discussed how inclusive technology can transform lives by addressing the unique needs of individuals.

In this engaging episode of Tent Talks, Cassidy Williams, the CTO of Brainstory.ai, shares her insights on thriving across varied tech environments, balancing side projects with professional responsibilities, and her passion for education in the tech industry. Cassidy discusses her approach to career decision-making, her creative process behind innovative projects like W9 Crafter and Jumblie.com, and the role of teaching in her life. She also provides a look into her personal productivity system and continuous learning strategies in web development.

In this engaging episode of Tent Talks, Tanya Snook delves deep into how design leadership can authentically improve mental health and well-being in the workplace, moving beyond mere token gestures to create real impact. She critiques the pervasive "UX theatre"—efforts that only mimic genuine user experience design without substantial integration—and examines the potential and pitfalls of integrating AI in UX processes. Tanya offers practical strategies for leaders to foster a supportive and effective work environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs and boundaries of team members.

The Tent Talks session with Alec Levin explored the evolving role of user researchers, particularly their increasing influence at the executive level and how technologies like AI are reshaping their methodologies. Alec discussed the reasons behind researchers gaining more strategic positions within companies, including the necessity for deeper business understanding and the ability to adapt rapidly to technological changes such as AI. He also emphasized the potential for AI to complement traditional research methods, potentially revolutionizing the field by enhancing efficiency and broadening the scope of research applications. Additionally, Alec highlighted the importance of democratizing research skills within organizations to foster a more integrated and efficient approach to product development.

In the Tent Talks session with Colin MacArthur, titled "The Designer's Dilemma: Navigating AI's Impact on Design," the conversation focused on the nuanced role of AI, particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude, in the design process. Colin shared insights into how AI has transformed design ideation and problem-solving without entirely replacing the human touch. The discussion also covered the unpredictability and transparency challenges associated with designing for LLM-based products, the evolving role of human creativity in the design process, and the ethical considerations and educational adaptations necessitated by AI's integration into design.

In this enlightening Tent Talks session, Nathan Curtis delves deep into the intricacies of design systems, exploring their evolution, critical processes for impactful operation, strategic planning, contributions, and the interplay between design systems and emerging technologies. Nathan underscores the foundational role of design systems as a blend of UI component libraries and visual language, bridging design and development through collaborative processes. He emphasizes the importance of seeing design systems as products serving products, advocating for a strategic, incremental approach to development and support. Nathan addresses the challenges of contributions, suggesting a shift in mindset from centralized governance to facilitating sharing and reuse. He also highlights the role of design systems in establishing effective work practices and the potential impact of AI and automation on the future development and utilization of design systems.

In this session, Christine Perfetti will share her innovative approach called “Strategic Rallying.” It’s all about bringing teams together to turn what they learn from research into real action for their products. Christine has a wealth of experience from her roles at top tech companies, where she’s been a leader in understanding what customers really need and want. She’s here to challenge the usual way of brainstorming and to show us a better way to work together. By focusing on what research tells us, teams can create products that truly make a difference for users. Join us to learn how Strategic Rallying can help your team work better together and make products that stand out.

In this episode of Tent Talks, Danielle Barnes, CEO of Women Talk Design, shares her journey and insights into public speaking, storytelling, and the process of self-publishing. Danielle emphasizes the evolution of her personal mission to amplify others' voices, the power of unfinished stories in connecting with audiences, and her five core beliefs that guide her approach to public speaking. Additionally, she reflects on the lessons learned from self-publishing her book, "Present Yourself," highlighting the challenges and strategies for navigating the publishing process.

Join us for an enlightening Tent Talks session with Christine McGlade, a seasoned digital media producer, designer, and educator. Christine brings over two decades of experience in the digital realm, teaching at OCAD University and working as a Senior Partner at Analytical Engine Interactive Inc. This session will dive into the ethical challenges and considerations in AI and digital technology. We’ll explore how future generations can be prepared for these challenges through education in futures thinking and ethical design leadership. Christine will also discuss the concept of model collapse in AI, addressing its implications and potential solutions. In a unique twist, we’ll hear about the intersection of humor and AI from Christine’s perspective as a standup comedian. This session promises to be a blend of informative insights, practical advice, and engaging storytelling, perfect for anyone interested in the ethical dimensions of AI and digital design.