After a long time, I finally had the chance to fly back to Manila, and what better reason than to attend the UX+ Conference 2024, one of the largest UX events in Asia. The excitement was palpable as I joined my fellow designers from Cebu for our first-ever design conference outside our home city. The conference, held on August 18, 2024, attracted a diverse crowd of over 2,000 attendees, eager to learn from some of the biggest names in tech.

The venue was buzzing with energy when we arrived around noon, with a long line of attendees already eager to get inside. The anticipation was worth it, as the lineup of speakers featured professionals from industry giants like Amazon, Google, Canva, Figma, Causaly, and Coupang. 

One of the highlights for me was reconnecting with my designer colleagues from Manila. It was wonderful to catch up with them in person, sharing stories and insights about the evolving design landscape.

My Key Takeaways from the Talks

1. GenAI transforming UX Design

   • A significant portion of the conference focused on the future of UX design, particularly how AI is transforming user experiences. Speakers delved into generative AI, exploring how it's being used to enhance productivity and business outcomes. Tools like Gong and Loom were highlighted as examples of how AI-driven apps are streamlining workflows.

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2. The Coaching Mindset

   • One of the standout talks was delivered by a UX lead from Google, who emphasized the importance of adopting a coaching mindset in design. They spoke about the principles and beliefs that can drive effective mentoring and leadership within design teams, a perspective that resonated deeply with me.

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3. Revisiting 'Jobs to Be Done'

   • The conference also encouraged attendees to revisit foundational concepts like 'Jobs to Be Done.' This was a valuable reminder of the importance of understanding the core tasks users are trying to accomplish, ensuring our designs are genuinely user-centric.

     
     

4. Legacy Platforms and Innovation

   • It was intriguing to see speakers showcase innovations on legacy platforms like WordPress. Despite being an older platform, it's still evolving and adapting to new design challenges, demonstrating the importance of versatility and continuous learning in our field.

     
     

5. Unique Presentations and Perspectives

   • A particularly memorable moment was a presentation by a product designer from Figma. Using a device that produced certain sound frequencies, she discussed the role of websites in establishing our online presence. While I wasn't entirely sure about the purpose of the frequencies, it was fascinating to see such a unique approach to discussing design tools.

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6. Career Journeys and Design Evolution

   • Another inspiring talk came from the head of Canva's design council. She shared her colorful journey, from graphic and web design to UX, including her experience redesigning Atlassian's design system during COVID-19. Her story was a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the design industry.

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7. Persuasive UX and Stakeholder Buy-In

   • The final talk, which was my favorite, was delivered by a Filipino-American designer from Coupang, South Korea's largest e-commerce platform. She explored the concept of persuasive UX, emphasizing the importance of getting stakeholder buy-in. She broke down the process into three pillars: Logos (data, facts, logic), Ethos (credibility, career background), and Pathos (emotional appeal). This framework will be invaluable in my future presentations.

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Final Thoughts

Attending the UX+ Conference 2024 was an incredible experience. The talks provided deep insights into the strategic aspects of UX design, especially in the context of AI. They reinforced the idea that as designers, we must focus not just on creating perfect designs but also on delivering tangible results that align with business objectives.

It was a day well spent, learning from industry leaders and reconnecting with the vibrant design community in Manila. I left the conference inspired and ready to apply these new insights to my work.

Learn more from UX+ Conference 2024.