Ran Talks Design

UX Researcher of 25 Years Teaches How to Use AI Without Losing Trust

AI can summarize—but can it understand?In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Soucy, a UX researcher with 25 years of experience and one of the most respected voices in the research community.We talk about how to use AI in your research workflow without losing trust, rigor, or your job to a chatbot.You’ll learn:- How to spot AI hallucinations in your data- What makes synthetic users risky (and where they might be useful)- How to prompt AI tools for personas and journey maps- The right way to cross-check AI insights against real human data- Why the future of research is AI-assisted, not AI-replacedMentioned in the show:- Kyle's write up: https://medium.com/user-experience-design-1/using-ai-to-streamline-persona-and-journey-map-creation-37fa859dafb0- Connect with Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-soucy-a844b4/- UX Consultants Lounge: www.uxconsultantslounge.com- Usable Interface: www.usableinterface.comConnect with Ran: - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign 💕 Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign

How Designers Earn a Seat at the Table: Influence, Credibility, and Career Growth with Ryan Scott

Many designers struggle to earn credibility in business conversations. In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Scott (Airbnb, DoorDash, MBA @ Berkeley) to unpack why PMs often get promoted faster than designers—and what to do about it. We cover the 3 patterns that quietly erode design influence, how to speak the language of business, and how to use empathy not just for users, but also for stakeholders. If you’ve ever wondered how to finally get your “seat at the table,” this conversation is for you.

How UX Designers Can Use AI as a Creative Superpower — with Shane Fontane (ex-Grammarly)

Can ChatGPT become your design partner?💕 support the channel: buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesignIn this episode, designer Shane Fontane (formerly at Grammarly, Optimizely) reveals how he’s using AI tools like GPT, Midjourney, Claude, and Remini to co-create, synthesize research, generate ideas, and even critique design layouts.We dive into: • How Shane built a custom GPT to scale design critique • The AI stack powering his personal portfolio • Using GPT to turn research docs into product ideas • How hallucinations can be surprising sources of creative inspiration • Why working with AI makes him more strategic, not lessWhether you’re a mid-level designer or staff IC, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you work—with AI as your creative force multiplier.🔗 Shane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanefontane/🔗 Connect with Ran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/🎧 Subscribe to Ran Talks Design for more episodes on AI, UX, and creative growth.00:00 Introduction to AI in Design01:02 Meet Shane Fontane01:38 Shane's AI Stack and Workflow02:23 Impact of AI on Design04:03 Using AI for Research and Synthesis12:08 AI in Portfolio Creation16:14 Scaling Design Critique with AI21:45 AI in Content Design26:40 Fun with AI28:41 Future of AI in Design32:00 Conclusion and Call to ActionAI for designers, GPT design feedback, ChatGPT for UX, design portfolio with AI, Shane Fontane, Grammarly design, growth design tools, future of UX design, AI design workflow, design critique GPT

From Atlassian Designer to $22M Tech Founder CEO – How Patrick Did It

🎯 Want to be a design founder — but don’t know where to start?In this episode, I talk to Patrick Thompson, ex-Atlassian design leader turned multi-time founder, about exactly how he went from designer → $22M-funded startup founder — without writing a single line of code.Whether you’re a senior designer, growth PM, or aspiring founder, we break down:✅ How to de-risk your startup idea before finding a technical cofounder💡 The truth about founder-led sales, fundraising, and team building as a designer🧠 Patrick’s step-by-step blueprint from Iteratively to Clarify🧩 How your design superpowers can become startup leverage🔗 Connect with RanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranliudesign/🔗 Connect with PatrickLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickt010/Clarify: https://www.clarify.ai/💕 Love the content? Consider supporting the channel by buying me a coffee! buymeacoffee.com/rantalksdesign00:00 Introduction to Clarify and Patrick Thompson01:24 Patrick's Career Journey: From Marketing to Design03:28 Founding Iteratively and Lessons Learned04:44 Building Clarify: Vision and Challenges09:55 The Importance of Networking and Support18:59 Balancing Quality and Speed in Product Development23:13 Resource Constraints and Team Growth23:59 Design Principles and Hiring24:32 Advantages of a Design Background26:04 Learning Sales as a Founder27:16 Balancing Multiple Roles29:19 Becoming an Investor35:51 Challenges of Being a Designer Founder39:27 Advice for Aspiring Founders42:36 Clarify and Final Thoughts

The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Promoted (And What to Do About It)

How do you actually get promoted from Senior to Staff Product Designer? What skills, mindset, and strategies matter most at the Staff level? In this episode, I talk with Catt Small, a Staff Product Designer, developer, and game maker who’s worked at companies like Asana, Etsy, SoundCloud, and Nasdaq, about how to move up the design career ladder and build influence as a senior IC. We cover: * What hiring managers look for in Staff Designer interviews * The difference between Senior and Staff Designers * How to demonstrate staff-level impact without being a manager * The reality of career resets, emotional burnout, and how to stay in love with the craft Mentioned in the show: * https://www.cattsmall.com * https://maven.com/catt-small/staff-designer Whether you’re a Senior Product Designer trying to get promoted, or you’re aiming to understand the Staff+ IC career path, this conversation is full of real talk and tactical advice.