Ever find yourself in a hammock, sipping a drink, and suddenly struck by an insight about your work? As the sun beats down and I'm miles from my desk, I enter a state of relaxed reflection. It's a gentle review of the past few months; what projects, developments, and discussions have interested me, and why? What opportunities lie ahead?
In this spirit, I've curated a collection of content that mirrors my summer mindset. You won't find heavy academic papers here. Instead, I've gathered articles with practical knowledge and real-world examples, forward-thinking, inspirational stuff, and a documentary. Enjoy! :)
Meet our curator of the month
Meral is a Lead Service and UX Designer at Futurice Berlin, focusing on research, concept, UX strategy, and facilitation. She enjoys working in dynamic environments, so she has spent her entire career working on the agency side in different industries, topics, challenges, and audiences. She's also good at dealing with chaos, is a multi-tasking mum, and absolutely hates writing about herself in the third person.
This is an interesting read from both a UX designer and a user perspective. Conversational AI has changed the way we access and search for information, especially when it comes to research. While the interaction between humans and AI is not yet seamless, it is constantly improving.
This guide explores the development of intuitive, effective, and user-centric conversational interfaces, supported by several real-world examples.
In my recent work for an international media company, I came across a Reuters report that provided detailed insights into future media experiences and the impact of AI in journalism.
The report highlights changing platform dynamics, evolving news formats, and emerging technologies that will impact how news is created, distributed, and consumed in an increasingly volatile global landscape. It is well-written and full of interesting data and visual examples (not only) for designers.
The author shares her views on the evolution of service designers' roles and the key skills that will be in demand. The article looks at the challenges and opportunities of the field and what this means for designers in different working contexts, whether in larger organisations, entrepreneurs or agencies. I enjoy reading all the stories on design-led organisational change that she shares on Substack. Definitely one to follow.
Producers:Port au Prince Film & Kultur Produktion, Fruitmarket
Since the fall of the Wall in 1989, Berlin has been transformed from the rather provincial city I grew up in into a global metropolis. As soon as the Wall came down, the battles over the future of the still-divided city and the distribution of the newly created spaces and opportunities began. In the nineties, it was the most exciting place to live and explore. Capital B tells a story of idealism, activism and the power of capital, of social advancement and exclusion. I found it entertaining and excitingly told - like House of Cards meets The Wire, but for real, as a docu-series. If you want to understand Berlin today, watch it! (with english subtitles here)
How do you stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies? Unsurprisingly, I read newsletters and blogs, follow the work of some experts, and do research. But I'm more interested in understanding the interdependence of social, economic, and environmental factors in relation to new technologies than in keeping up with trends.
Any tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance? What works best for me:
Staying curious and looking for something interesting in every project (and life situation) - there is always something new to learn, explore, contribute, and take away.
Practicing empathy. It's a crucial skill for user-centred design, leading inclusive teams, parenting, managing conflict, building trust, and strengthening relationships.
Approach work with humor. Laughing with my team is my greatest motivation.
What hobbies or interests are you passionate about?
I am an advocate of inclusive education in schools, have rediscovered tennis, and enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities with my family.
