62. An Improvisors Guide to Mastering UX with Yaddy Arroyo

How does the spontaneity of improv enhance the discipline of UX?

This week I got a chance to chat with Yaddy Arroyo. Yaddy is not only a seasoned UX designer but also an improv aficionado, including graduating from Chicago’s Second City. Today, she’s here to share her insights on how improv can enrich the career of all UX Professionals.

In our conversation, Yaddy discussed the “theory of yes and” as a cornerstone of improv philosophy. This approach, which involves building on what’s presented to you, is remarkably similar to the collaborative nature of UX design. Yaddy shared how embracing this mindset has not only made her more adaptable as a designer but also helped her climb the career ladder more quickly.

We also dug into the practicality of improv in UX design. Improv is about dealing with the present, accepting and building on whatever situation you find yourself in. This mindset is crucial for UX designers, especially when navigating the often unpredictable job that is UX design.

Yaddy touched on how improv has helped her learn to be more flexible. Being able to pivot and embrace new platforms or technologies is essential in our field, and improv can be a great tool to cultivate this flexibility.

it’s impossible to overstate the value of building genuine relationships and understanding in team dynamics. The lessons learned in her years of improv study have taught Yaddy how to navigate different personalities and effectively communicate with team members. This is a crucial skill in any collaborative environment, especially in UX design.

Topics:
• 07:31 – The philosophy of yes and
• 08:18 – What is improv?
• 17:04 – Improv teaches flexibility
• 25:39 – Improv helps with facilitation
• 35:12 – Improv helps with your relationships
• 37:51 – Improv helps with empathy
• 42:53 – Improv helps with conflict resolution
• 96:17 – Improv helps with focusing only on what you can control

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Yaddy on LinkedIn

Yaddy Arroyo
Principal Multimodal Ai designer | A11y | Speaker | Human

About Yaddy

Yaddy Arroyo, a veteran UX designer, skillfully merges chatbot technology with human service design, enhancing multi-modal banking experiences. With a rich background spanning a decade in SaaS AI, Telematics, and voice design, Yaddy is dedicated to making digital banking accessible and secure. Her notable work features user-friendly interfaces that emphasize inclusivity and safety, showcasing her dedication to both technological innovation and user needs.

Beyond her UX expertise, Yaddy has honed her design skills through the art of improv. After graduating from the renowned Second City in Chicago, she was an active member of an improv troupe Quiet Wyatt. This unique journey through the world of improv has significantly contributed to her becoming a more adaptable and creative designer, bringing a fresh perspective to her work in UX.

Connect with Yaddy on LinkedIn

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