In this episode of the UX Fika podcast, I sit down with Tom Greever, executive design leader, author of Articulating Design Decisions, and someone who’s spent over 20 years helping teams communicate their ideas clearly, confidently, and with impact.
We talk about how his now classic book came to be, what’s changed since the first edition, and why articulating design decisions is more important than ever in an age where AI is beginning to make design choices for us. Tom shares how writing the book — and rewriting it during the pandemic — revealed that most designers don’t need new theories, they need simple, practical tools to help them lead with clarity and empathy in the rooms where decisions are made.
We explore what it really means to be a great communicator — from designing meetings like journeys, to understanding your stakeholders as deeply as your users, and why listening to understand (not to respond) is one of the most powerful design skills you can build.
Beyond design, we also talk about family, shared goals, and how the same principles that make great meetings — trust, empathy, and curiosity — can also make a marriage and family life thrive.
Plus:
☕️ Why a good coffee and croissant is his go-to fika
⭐ Why you should do something even if it’s wrong, and that you can either be right or have a relationship is his go to advice.
What we cover:
02:20 Reconnecting After Years01:55 Life Changes and Career Transitions03:42 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work and Life05:49 Revising the Book: Lessons Learned07:57 AI's Role in Design and Communication09:38 The Importance of Articulating Design Decisions11:56 Collaborative Prompting with AI13:45 The Future of UX Design in the Age of AI15:49 Navigating Changes in the Design Industry17:41 Understanding Stakeholders in Design19:38 Communicating Design Decisions Effectively21:43 The Art of Storytelling in Design23:39 The Inner Conflicts of Stakeholders28:19 Designing Effective Meetings32:18 Articulating Design Decisions36:13 The Importance of Documentation39:18 Building Relationships and Trust43:22 Post-Meeting Follow-Up48:12 Balancing Work and Family Life58:02 Balancing Opportunities and Family Life01:00:08 The Joy of Creating and Hobbies01:02:37 The Importance of Storytelling01:03:20 Fika: Coffee and Croissants01:07:53 Life Lessons and Relationships01:16:36 Effective Communication and Listening Skills
Where you'll find Tom
Where you’ll find Anna & UX Fika: