77. The UX Process Paradox with Rob Hamblen

Can a great user experience come from a total lack of process?

At first glance, a strict process might seem to limit creativity, but when you think closely, it’s actually the key to unlocking new ideas and a great user experience. Popular advice on social media says things like “there is no process” and creativity should have no rules.

This week’s guest, Rob Hamblen disagrees.

Through his long career at places like IBM, AJ&Smart, his company Be The Leap, and many others, Rob has seen, firsthand, how following a clear process of discovery, understanding users, testing, and iterating allows designers to make more innovative bets.

Processes give designers helpful constraints to turn vague ideas into real products people want to use and a tried and true method for building better software.

Designers, especially those just starting out, need to first deeply understand and follow established processes before trying to bend or break the rules. Experienced designers like Rob know when and how to thoughtfully break the rules for maximum impact.

The stereotype of the creative as someone who doesn’t follow any rules persists. But the truth is, the best UX designers aren’t renegades and rebels – they are experts at using process as a tool to shape their inspiration into better products.

Real creative freedom comes from having a clear process to work within.

Topics:
• 16:49 – Does process compromise creativity?
• 20:43 – Processes are important
• 24:57 – Handling the low-maturity conversation
• 34:15 – Approaching the low-maturity conversation without offending authority figures
• 40:35 – We need to understand the rules before we attempt to break them
• 53:35 – Portfolio advice for junior designers

Helpful Links:
• Connect with Rob on LinkedIn
• betheleap.com

Rob Hamblen
Founder @ Be the LEAP

About Rob

Rob has nearly three decades of experience in digital product design. He’s lead teams and delivered innovative solutions to complex digital challenges for high-profile clients like AMEX, Adidas, Bain&Co, and HSBC. As a former Product Design Director at AJ&Smart and Creative Director UX at IBM iX, he’s adept in managing cross-functional teams and fostering digital transformation. Rob has advanced the Design Sprint methodology, condensing months of work into a few days and creating a stakeholder-friendly version while at AJ&Smart. His expertise in rapid prototyping, innovation strategy, and Design Thinking ensures that digital challenges are solved with empathy for users, without compromising core business needs.

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn

—

Thanks for listening! We hope you dug today’s episode. If you liked what you heard, be sure to like and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! And if you really enjoyed today’s episode, why don’t you leave a five-star review? Or tell some friends! It will help us out a ton.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our email list. We won’t spam you. Pinky swear.

• Get a FREE audiobook AND support the show
• Support the show on Patreon
• Check out show transcripts
• Check out our website
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Subscribe on Spotify
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Subscribe on Stitcher