While I’m just adding this to the blog now, this has been on my must read list for a couple of years. The ideas in this book have quite literally changed my life for the better.
At the heart of UXD is empathy, the ability to put yourself in the users shoes. This typically results in the UXD becoming the “user advocate” in the organization. We’re usually the first people to say things like “how is this benefitting the customer” or “is this the best thing for our users”. The ability to say those things in a room often takes a butt load of courage. The ability to say those things with an openness to hear ANY answer also takes a certain vulnerability.
Putting myself out there is how I learn. Daring to ask questions, daring to go for it, daring to build, these things have formed me and continue to do so. Brené Brown has delivered the science that tells us that there is no growth, personally or professionally, without risk… without daring.