The Knowledge Share
A space to share and discuss all things creative and how they impact the world around us. What started as a lunch-n-learn concept for the UX team turned into a company wide podcast style discussion to engage and teach others the importance behind design. Each episode focuses on a new topic that revolves around current events.
Team: Natalie Weilandt, Nick Manoogian
Role: Host
Season 1
Ep.1 - Virtual Reality
In this episode we discussed the world of VR. Will it be the next big thing that everyone is using or is it stuck in the gaming world platform? How have other areas, like medicine, started to use VR to advance the profession? Should Relativity as a large tech employer be investing in the technology to help it become more rapidly available? We answer these questions and many more in our discussion.
Ep.2 - Designing for Space
In this episode we dived deep into the extraterrestrial realm. From collecting data to the ethics behind space exploration, we discussed how advancing design for space related objects (i.e. rocket ships, mars/moon bases, space stations, etc.) has both positives and negatives. Through our exploration of everyday modern objects and how that will influence space design, we were able to formulate arguments for both.
Ep.3 - Food Deserts
In this episode we covered the topic of food deserts. Through design thinking methodology we can evaluate how we might approach this massive problem. We specifically spoke on food trucks, community gardens, and apps as possible solutions but only when the community has involvement and is engaged. Special guest, Ben Wellwood, joined us to discuss his research and work on food deserts.
Ep.4 - Queer Design
In this episode, to honor PRIDE month, we covered the topic of the queer community's contributions to the design field. From bold and in your face designs to some of the most innovative art concepts, the queer community has never sought refuge in the design community but rather built it to be the welcoming space it is today. We tackled questions like, What would the world be like if there was no struggle in coming out, would design be different than it is today? Does the struggle, aid in someone becoming better at their craft? These and many more questions are discussed.
Ep.5 - Sustainability
In this episode, we go through what it means to be sustainable and how we can incorporate that into our work in the UX realm. Sustainability is not new but yet the concept seems to ride the fence of importance and actionable. While many today will recognize the importance of sustainability, the lack of actionable initiatives for the majority of the population cause this to fall on the back burner or shift the burden one feels to help out onto someone else. We even went over a quick example of how to notify users of how much C02 emissions the user is saving.
Ep.5 - UX Research
In this episode, we look at a recent study to level-set our understanding of what roles are responsible for taking the lead in research. In the study, the interpretation of who is seen as the lead varies widely. We continued the discussion on how communication is the true key driver for all relationships in understanding our own roles but others as well. Next up, we looked at the future of research and where it has taken us already, like automation, and where it could potentially go, i.e. using platforms like TikTok to garner more reach for studies but also a new format of research.
The Knowledge Share concept was started by Natalie as a monthly lunch-n-learn for the UX team. We would research a topic, find relevant articles, share those articles with the team to read and then have a group discussion during lunch once a month. After Natalie transitioned into a new role, I took full ownership and started the rebrand to what is now known as The Knowledge Share. As part of the rebrand, I expanded the audience from only the UX team to the entire company. The goal is to encourage creative and diverse knowledge sharing.