Justin Dauer

How solid is your client process? When Kate and I first started The Shed, we didn’t have much structure in place. No contracts, no deposits, and revision requests ran wild. Things felt chaotic. Clients were constantly checking in, feeling out of the loop, and honestly, we were just burning out. Then we had a moment of clarity. One project ended with a client telling us they felt disconnected and wished they’d been more involved. That was a turning point for us. We knew we needed to rethink how we approached client relationships. That’s when we developed what we call Creative Mutualism —a collaborative process where clients are part of the creative journey from the very start. At The Shed, we don’t just work for clients, we work *with* them. It’s a friction-free approach that keeps everyone on the same page and creates stronger, more successful outcomes. Kate, as Studio Manager, ensures every project runs smoothly, while I handle the creative direction. Together, we’ve built a process that protects our energy, keeps clients informed, and leads to better work without the stress. So, what’s one way you can improve your client process today? #CreativeMutualism #ClientCollaboration #TheShedCreative #WorkSmarter #DesignWithBoundaries (Shoutout to my partner in crime, Kate Nash—couldn’t do this without you!)

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🔊 Design Leadership at Scale has a lot happening in August and beyond. Read on for all the info on Design Leadership at Scale: Operations, plus: ⚡️ Three FREE DLS Lightning Lesson + Team sessions ⚡️ Newly added course dates ⚡️ 20% discount code Design Leadership at Scale: Operations I'm busy putting the final touches on the August course modules, lessons, and projects, but you can expect to dive deep on the following: Module 1: Build and activate high-impact teams Module 2: Define and optimize your operating system Module 3: Identify and address common challenges I'm including many real-world scenarios, and will try to answer pretty much every question you might have during our seven live sessions together. We'll also be joined by special guests with extensive industry experience. If you are still deciding about enrolling in Design Leadership at Scale: Operations, consider joining one of the upcoming free Lightning Lessons or watch my recent Designing your Design Team 30-minute Lightning Lesson to get a better sense for how I teach. And if the August dates don't work with your schedule, I've opened up another cohort October 1-10, 2024. If you have any questions about whether this course will be a good fit for you, let me know, and together we can figure out. Free Lightning Lessons on Maven In August there are three Lightning Lessons from Design Leadership at Scale. All are free to attend. Join live or view the recordings after the session dates. ⚡️ Org Design For Your Design Org – Aug 7, 8-9am PT, with me ⚡️ Team Tactics For Increasing Influence + Impact – Aug 8, 1-1:30pm PT, with Doug Powell ⚡️ How Top Design Leaders Influence At Scale – Aug 16, 2-2:45pm PT, hosted by Rachel Kobetz with Doug Powell, Bob Baxley, and me Grab your spot then spread the word! (links to register in comments) Quick reference: https://bit.ly/4c3UgNA to sign up for the August 19-28 cohort with a 20% discount code https://bit.ly/4cZcf9d to sign up for the October 1-10 cohort with a 20% discount code If your company offers an L&D or education budget, here's a reimbursement template you can leverage https://bit.ly/4fmDhcs

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Let’s be real: The "DIY, throw it up there, and hope for the best" approach is not cutting it. Design requires intention, strategy, and an understanding of user behavior to make a real impact. 3tone Approach: We regularly conduct usability testing throughout our design process. This helps identify pain points, allowing us to make informed adjustments based on data that will improve user experience. #websitedesign #figmadesigner

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In my latest podcast interview, Greg Petroff shares insights about the state of design and the opportunities open to designers in these dynamic times. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/gTXpQgjn #UxDesign #Ux #Design #Leadership

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I just read Longing for Less: Living with Minimalism by Kyle Chayka, and it got me thinking about the power of minimalism—not just in art and architecture that you hear so much about, but in how we experience the world. Chayka's core message is that minimalism isn't just about reducing clutter—it's about creating space for clarity, intentionality, and deeper meaning... principles that really resonate with me and the UX design discipline. Here are some thoughts looking at Minimalism through the lens of user experience design: https://lnkd.in/gnmJGfyM

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#BadassBookAlert Jeremy Miller’s Beyond UX is a compelling guide that transcends the surface-level practices of user experience (UX) design and dives into the deeper strategies that shape impactful, human-centered solutions. Miller positions UX as more than a set of tools or methods—he frames it as a strategic discipline that can drive organizational change and innovation when implemented effectively. The book is rich with actionable insights, blending theory with real-world examples that resonate across industries. Miller emphasizes the importance of aligning design practices with business goals, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and embedding UX thinking into organizational culture. His writing strikes a balance between accessible advice for beginners and nuanced strategies for seasoned professionals. One of the standout aspects of Beyond UX is its practical approach. The frameworks and methodologies outlined are not only clear but adaptable to varying levels of organizational maturity. Miller’s focus on metrics and outcomes ensures that readers understand how to measure the impact of their UX efforts—a critical skill for gaining executive buy-in. Jeremy also delves into the often-overlooked dynamics of team collaboration, highlighting how empathy and communication can break down silos and enhance the effectiveness of design processes. His emphasis on storytelling and advocacy equips UX practitioners to champion their work within the complexities of corporate environments. Overall, Beyond UX is an essential read for UX professionals looking to level up their strategic impact. By addressing the "why" and "how" behind effective UX, Miller provides a roadmap for moving beyond the tactical execution of design work into the realm of business and organizational transformation. "Great UX isn't just about pleasing interfaces—it's about aligning design with purpose, bridging silos, and proving that empathy is a business strategy, not just a buzzword." —Jeremy. Ah, you're speaking my love language sir. Don't just take my word for it Tom Greever did the forward and says nice things too. And Jeremy didn't even pay either of us. But he did let me write a little bit about Power Mapping and Stakeholder management in it. Buy it now and Krampus won't come get you. It's the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who cares about experiences. In case you're too cheap to buy it, you can sample my bit in the comments. #UX #Innovation #Design #Craft

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The fundamentals of prototyping haven’t gone anywhere. Whether it’s sketching ideas on paper or creating interactive flows in Keynote, the core principles remain the same: clarity, iteration, and user validation. In today's world of high-tech design tools, it’s easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles. But sometimes, the most effective solutions come from simply going back to the basics—mapping out ideas with whatever tools are most accessible. Low fidelity = high creativity. Prototyping isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep iterating. #designthinking #prototyping #uxdesign #productdesign #beginnersmindset #innovation

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My latest column for Forbes just went live, where I dive into the trends shaping the digital landscape in 2024. From AI-driven personalization and no-code platforms to accessibility and data-driven design, we’re witnessing a major shift in how we craft seamless, engaging user experiences. 👉 Curious about how these trends will impact your digital strategy? Check out the article to explore how you can stay ahead of the curve and create more meaningful, inclusive experiences for all users. #UXDesign #AI #Personalization #Accessibility #HumanCenteredDesign #Forbes #DigitalTransformation UX Trends of 2024: The Future with Human-Centered Design 🌐 https://lnkd.in/gQm3trAP

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Government agency or building an application for the Federal Government? Want to comply with WCAG Standards as well as a Government agency? There's a design system for that. https://lnkd.in/gfzUed3u The United States Web Design System is free and open-source. Accessibility-tested and ready-to-use. Sure, it's not the most slick UI you've ever seen, but it works for all types of users, and that's a big plus when working with the Fed. Is your SaaS bidding on a contract? This could set you apart from competitors. Do your research; built with accessibility in mind. avianu. | avianu.com

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Columbus Site review of the week: Loop Oh, so many good things to say here. "Must-haves" for an effective software site: ✅ Clear, not clever, product demos and copy. ✅ Modern and clean design (appealing to digital product users) ✅ Engaging Interactions that encourage scroll. This one accomplishes all those and isn’t too "in-your-face" with its colors and branding elements. I would argue that of all the industries we've reviewed so far, an intuitive interface likely plays the biggest role in software sites. If the presentation of your own platform is confusing and janky, that doesn't set a great precedent for a user to build what you're selling into their own workflow. Rating: 9.6/10 What do you guys think? Anything you might change? __ If you’re new, I’m Andy Milligan 😊 I design + build websites that actually return on the investment, and I'm sharing my journey building MMG Design along the way. ___ #webdesigner #brandbuilder #columbusohio #columbusohiowebdesign

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"UX is the Business." Some great thoughts by Troy Parke about his lens on UX and connecting it to the bottom line. This is an interesting read in a time when UX must show business value. https://lnkd.in/g5ec5qUS

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We have a large project that's primarily handled by my Design Director and PM—it's straightforward, but has a very detailed process associated with it. Review, QA, documentation all needs to be handled very specifically. So when we had an upcoming client review and we knew these team members would be out on PTO—we got together ahead of time, documented the process and debriefed two brand new team members who would fill in. And oh boy did it go...great. Document or Die folks. #yesterlearnings #prepare #documentation

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Building products means putting people first. We need to take responsibility for the products we build and remember that human-centered design and responsible product development should be prioritized before things like metrics. Check out the the full conversation I had with Anna on the #ProductBuildersPodcast here 👉 https://bit.ly/3K5DbaN

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UX leaders: Better understand what motivates designers and how you can help them thrive by taking 3 minutes to read this excerpt from Scott Berkun’s new book “Why Design Is Hard”: https://lnkd.in/ev6XyMss

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Join me and my guest, Sarah Doody, for Episode 137 of the #DesignThinking 101 #Podcast: Designing Your Career + UX for Small Business. Listen to it here: https://bit.ly/45lUCgN #CareerPlanning #UX #UserExperience

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💡"You have to learn to transmute your love for creating through your designs to a love for creating through a design TEAM. Your creative successes will be shown through how successful your team is. This is the key to leading and managing in the creative space." https://lnkd.in/gHMwbEhT Check out my thoughts on leadership in the creative/UX space, and share your own below! What tips or struggles would you share with up-and-coming creative leaders?

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Interesting article from the Shutterstock blog on the topic of color accessibility. Helpful reminders abound. https://lnkd.in/evC2SfhH #design #designthinking #designbuild #designstrategy #product #producctdesign #productmanagement #productstrategy #designprinciples #innovation #designers #digitaltransformation #ux #uxdesign #uiux #uidesign #designinnovation #application #software #softwaredesign #usability #userresearch #research #usercentereddesign #productleadership #uxwriting #designsystems #empathy #interfacedesign #usabilitytesting #userexperience #productdesign #accessibility #ui #ai #genai 

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We're keenly aware that budgets aren't what they used to be and money isn't flowing' like it's 2012. I've seen a lot of companies, medium and large, pull back on experience strategy initiatives and hand it off to internal teams. Nothing wrong with that yet, they're struggling to make sense of how to approach the right problem, align changes with company directions, sift through user data, etc. When you aren't trained in a given profession, you're bound to stumble. So.... • What does an experience (ux) strategist DO!? • Do you need an experience (ux) strategist? Experience consultants ( 👉 me 👈 ) are an excellent way to "try before you buy". Be it to get things done at a reasonable cost or to test the UX waters. There's never a bad time to dip your toes into the waters and invest in the possibilities of experience design. Start out with a task then perhaps a small project. Then check to see if the needle is moving in the right direction. And what we do doesn't have to be for your users. It could be for your teams own sanity! "Hey team, can we dump this work on the ux strategist? We're swamped." UX is not just about creating design artifacts. Experience strategist's: • Analyze business opportunities • Dive deep into assessing problems • Build the approach to a solution • Align to business strategies • Validate audience needs • Establish success metrics • Create content structures • Build data migration plans • Compose micro-copy • Test and validate ideas & concepts • Interview teams, co-workers, executives ... and so much more. Human (and AI) behavior is constantly evolving. To stay on target with your businesses goals you must continually identify issues and explore opportunities. We're the persons in the watchtower, the sounding board looking out for you, the expert advisor to make sure you're on the right path. Leverage us. Leverage ux. Oh, ... and DM me if need UX strategy 😉 #uxLyfe

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Hey there org design nerds! Spurred by my podcast conversation with John Cutler, and his proposal of moving away from 6-8-person 'squads' and toward 30-50 person 'pods,' I wanted to share some thinking I've done, drawing on a model first shared in "Org Design for Design Orgs." This video is 8 minutes long (I would have made it shorter, but I didn't have the time), and I hope is useful for those looking for new, and maybe better, ways to work. (EDIT: Find the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/gFi4VEyS)

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